Singing Sands Beach, located on the Lake Huron side of Bruce Peninsula National Park, is one of Tobermory’s most unique natural attractions. The beach gets its name from the fascinating sound the sand makes — when the fine, dry quartz grains are walked on, they create a soft squeak or “singing” noise underfoot. This playful phenomenon makes every step feel magical, especially for kids.

In addition to its wide, shallow waters perfect for wading and swimming, Singing Sands is an ecological gem. The surrounding Dorcas Bay wetlands host rare dune and fen habitats, and with more than 44 species of orchids, it boasts the highest diversity of wild orchids in North America. Whether you’re building sandcastles, enjoying a picnic, or exploring the short boardwalk trail through the wetlands, this destination combines fun, relaxation, and eco-conscious discovery.

What distinguishes Overhanging Point from other vantage points on the Bruce Trail is both its scale and the sensation it produces for visitors. The sheer drop below the ledge offers uninterrupted, panoramic views of Georgian Bay’s turquoise waters and rugged coastline. Unlike other lookout areas in the park, the overhang emphasizes the geological fragility of the escarpment, serving as a visible reminder of ongoing natural processes.

There was excellent paddling to be had off the beach at Lands End Park in Tobermory. My daughter and I took out our standup paddle boards, while my husband and son used our tandem kayak. Inflatables mean it is easy to pack and transport our "boats" wherever our travels take us.

Although the water looks like Caribbean, this is Canada! Indian Head Cove in Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of the most popular swimming and hiking spots along Georgian Bay, but interestingly, the origin of its name isn’t officially documented by Parks Canada. Most sources suggest the name likely comes from the natural rock formations in the area. From certain angles, the cliffs around the cove were thought to resemble the profile of a human head, which may have been loosely interpreted as the head of an “Indian” (an outdated term historically used by early settlers to describe Indigenous peoples). Names like this were commonly applied during the 19th and early 20th centuries when settlers mapped and labelled features without consulting local Indigenous communities.

An example of the "rugged shoreline" of the Bruce Trail as we made our way from the Grotto towards Overhanding Point. The approach to Overhanging Point requires a moderately challenging hike, which include cedar forests, mossy boulders, rugged shoreline, and open cliffs.

Warning signs at the Georgian Bay Trail Head in the Bruce Peninsula National Park remind visitors that Georgian Bay can be dangerous to swim in; that there are rattlesnakes in the area, as well as poison ivy. Thankfully the water was warm during our visit, we didn't see any rattlesnakes, and although we saw lots of poison ivy we didn't make contact with any!