Flowerpot Island

Notice

• Please contact local tour boat operators to reserve your space.
• Refreshments are not available on the island. Bring your own water.
• The camper dock is out of service due to winter damage.
• Please observe directional signs and warnings.

A trip to Flowerpot Island is one of the best experiences in Fathom Five National Marine Park! The island is famous for its natural "flowerpot" rock pillars, caves, historic light station and rare plants. Most visitors take a tour boat from the town of Tobermory to spend a half or full day on the island hiking the trails, viewing the scenery, picnicking or swimming.

Planning your trip

How to Get There

Flowerpot Island is 6.5km from Tobermory harbour and reached only by boat. Two private tour boat companies operate return trips from Tobermory to the island from mid May to mid October, weather permitting.
Check with them for schedules and rates:

• www.blueheronco.com
• www.bruceanchorcruises.com

Kayaking or canoeing to the island is recommended for experienced paddlers only.

How long to spend on the island?

• 1.5 Hours: see the flowerpots and cave
• 3 Hours: see the flowerpots, cave & lightstation
• 4-5 Hours: see the flowerpots, cave, lightstation, picnic, hike the entire loop trail

Island Facilities

• hiking trail (loop)
• picnic shelter
• composting toilets at Beachy Cove (main dock) and the lightstation
• historic lightstation maintained by the Friends of Bruce District Parks

What to bring?

• sturdy footwear (hiking shoes or boots)
• sunscreen & hat
• carry water; no tap water is available
• during summer, drinks & snacks may be available at the lightstation

There are no garbage facilities on the island. Please take back everything you brought with you.

Fees

Check our fees page for daily admission fees. Admission fees are included in private cruise operator's rates.

Valid for the same day as your cruise, the fee includes entry to the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory.

Note: Tour boats are privately operated; fees apply.

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Island Activities 

Hiking

Most visitors start at Beachy Cove and hike to the flowerpots. From there it is a short hike to the historic lightstation. 

Most visitors return to Beachy Cove dock by backtracking on the same section of trail.

For a more rugged and adventurous hike continue around the full loop which passes through rocky terrain and has steep stairs.

Picnicking

There is a picnic shelter on the shoreline next to Beachy Cove (towards the flowerpots) and picnic tables at the lightstation.

Swimming & Snorkelling

Popular areas include the picnic shelter near Beachy Cove or at the flowerpots. Be careful! The shoreline is rocky, the water is cold and there are deep drop-offs. There is no sand beach on the island. Use the washrooms at Beachy Cove to change.

Visit the Lightstation

Volunteers maintain the historic lightstation which gives a sense of a lightkeeper's lifestyle. When volunteers are on site, you can purchase a cold drink. Enjoy the view from the deck!

Learn more about the lightstation and volunteers who maintain it at:
www.castlebluff.com

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Camping

6 campsites are located near Beachy Cove. A reservation can be made using the Parks Canada Reservations System, or by calling 1-877-RESERVE.

More information on camping at Flowerpot Island »