The First-Time Adventurer’s Guide: What To Bring

Tobermory is a great destination for budding adventurers. With lots of easy and accessible trails, complete with stunning views to entice even the most seasoned hiker, there’s a lot to make Tobermory a great destination for beginners. So, having planned your trip to the very tip of the Bruce Peninsula, park passes in hand and rooms booked at the Blue Bay Motel, you may find yourself wondering: What does one bring for their first excursion into the Canadian wilderness? It’s an important question to ask before you pack your car for your trip North; plenty of first time hikers find themself with too much of some things and too little of others. In this edition of the Blue Bay Blogs, we’re going to go through some essentials that new adventurers should be sure to have in their packs before they head up to beautiful Tobermory. 

Gear

As with any adventure, having the correct gear for the task at hand is paramount to enjoying the journey. However, it can be hard to know where to start when picking out equipment as a beginner. As anyone who has been into a camping supply store can tell you, there are so many tools to choose from, and it can be a little overwhelming at first. The truth is, as a beginner, you don’t need them all. So before you run out and spend hundreds on gear you won’t really need, allow us to make a few recommendations of items to look out for. 

Water bottle

A solid source of water is a must for any budding adventurer on their inaugural trip into the wilderness. Not having enough leads to a much more strenuous and unpleasant experience, and can even be dangerous when temperatures spike in the middle of summer. A good water bottle will make your hiking experience safer and more fun. Ideally, you want to find one that is large without being too heavy, and that won’t leak into the rest of your pack.  Squeeze bottles, like the ones many athletes use, are less than ideal because for this, as they may get squeezed and leak into a bag. 1L to 1.5L water bottles fit into most packs without being excessively heavy, and provide enough water for many of the shorter hikes beginners may do in Tobermory. Plastic or metal will do just fine, though metal can be heavier, while plastic won’t last as long. 

Shoes

While different hikers may insist upon one type of shoe over another, in Tobermory, there are several options that are viable. The key here is supportive soles. Flip flops or crocs are less than ideal, as they lack arch support and will leave you with sore feet before your trip is through. Simple running shoes will do for many of Tobermory’s easier hiking paths, as many of them are very clearly marked. However, these make it difficult to get in and out of the water. This is worth noting, as there will be many opportunities to take a dip during your adventures. Hiking sandals, such as those made by Keen or Teva, provide the right mix of good sole support and ability to be used both in and out of the water. Personally, this author prefers hiking sandals for most Tobermory hikes. 

Backpack 

Before you can get far with your gear, you need a good way to carry it. Backpacks make an ideal choice for their large capacity and ease of carrying. With the ability to be strapped to your back hands free, and easily accessed by any hiking buddies you may have brought with you, they also make it easy to handle anything that may need your attention during your hike. We would suggest looking for one made of lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying fabric. We would also recommend finding one with a chest strap if possible, to avoid the straps slipping down your shoulders. Lastly, we would not recommend getting one with a water bladder. Even though they seem practical, in most cases, they are difficult to clean and prone to leakage. For a first time or casual hiker, a regular water bottle is far more sensible. 

Those three simple things make up the bulk of what you’ll need for most easy hikes on the trails around here. They are the absolute essentials, and you could probably get by on a lot of the shorter hikes around here with little else. However, there are definitely some things to consider for comfort and ease of adventure, especially pertaining to how you dress. 

Clothes 

The right clothes will make your experience all the more comfortable and fun, as well as help you avoid some of the more unpleasant things you may encounter while out on the trail. 

1. Long pants 

While ticks are not a major issue on the more well groomed trails of Tobermory, if you intend to go into the more wooded areas, they are a possibility. Long but breathable pants will help prevent any chance encounters while still keeping you cool. Ensure that the material of your pants is fairly flexible, as otherwise you may struggle if your adventure requires some more daring maneuvers. Also, this author strongly recommends finding a pair with pockets that zip shut, to prevent any incidental losses during said maneuvers. 

2. Comfortable (but not too nice) shirts 

This one is fairly intuitive, but a loose, breathable t-shirt is your best bet when out for a day-hike. Despite the possible instinct to hike shirtless to keep cool, this is likely to lead to a sunburn, so shirt on is the way to go in this author’s opinion. Don’t pick your favourite one either, as there is always the possibility of rips, snags, or stains. 

3. Swimsuit

Many of the hikes around Tobermory feature good opportunities to take a dip in the clear blue waters of Georgian bay, or one of the dozens of smaller lakes on the Northern Bruce Peninsula. Bringing a swimsuit ensures you’re able to take full advantage of the beautiful spot you find yourself in. If possible, it’s ideal to wear the swimsuit under your clothing, as not all of the trails feature good places to get changed.

4. Hat

A good sunhat is an ideal way to reduce the chances of a sunburn on your face, head and neck. It can also help keep you cool, as it blocks the bulk of the sun’s rays from your head. Opt for one in a light-coloured, breathable material. Ensure it’s not too tight to your head either, as this can unintentionally trap heat. 

5. No Bling

Avoid wearing jewelry, especially valuable pieces, while out on the trail. The chances of it getting lost or damaged are far higher while out there, and if you do lose something, you’re not likely to find it again. It’s best to avoid it altogether. 

While hiking the Bruce is hardly a fashion show, the right clothes will keep you cool and comfortable, and prevent any severe sunburns or insect bites. Your outfit doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive to serve you well while you’re out exploring.

Odds and Ends 

Though you don’t need much for a first adventure, there are a few items that will make your journey safer, easier, and less stressful. 

1. Sunscreen and bugspray

Another fairly intuitive item, these will ensure you don’t suffer the side-effects of being outdoors. Preventing sunburns helps reduce the risk of skin cancer. Similarly, preventing insect bites can reduce the risk of contracting some illnesses. In general, avoiding both prevents a lot of discomfort once you get back to your hotel room. Apply some before you leave, and bring the bottles with you to reapply throughout your day. 

2. Trail snacks

Good fuel will help you keep your energy up for your journey. However, there is also such a thing as too much. In general, you should base how much you bring on the length of your trip. If you only plan to be gone for 2-4 hours, some simple carbs, such as crackers or fresh fruit, along with something with some protein, such as meat sticks or string cheese, should tide you over. However, if you’re planning a full day trip, consider packing a picnic lunch, such as sandwiches. Most importantly, ensure you’re not leaving any garbage behind after your meal. Remember: take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. Keeping the Bruce clean is all of our responsibility. 

3. Towel 

As I mentioned, there is likely to be an opportunity to go for a swim during your hike. Given that no one likes to walk around soaking wet, a towel is a good piece of gear to bring. They can also be useful if you find yourself to be particularly sweaty, or to create a makeshift changing area if you choose to change in and out of your swimsuit on the trail. Any towel will do, but microfibre towels are a favourite among hikers due to their fast-drying properties. 

And that’s it! For most first time adventurers, this list should be more than enough to go out and enjoy the Bruce trails safely and comfortably. 

Ready, Set, Explore

With the right gear, clothes, and a few essentials in your pack, you’re ready to take on Tobermory’s trails with confidence. And when you’re done for the day, sore feet and all, Blue Bay Motel is the perfect place to rest up — just steps from Little Tub Harbour, with comfortable rooms and hot showers waiting for you after your adventure.

If you’re travelling with family or want a little more space (and your own stretch of shoreline to rinse off in), consider Azure Cottage, located on a private beach along Georgian Bay. Either way, your first Tobermory adventure starts — and ends — with us.

Book your stay today at BlueBay-Motel.com and get ready to explore the Bruce Peninsula like a local.