Things to do on Flowerpot Island in Georgian Bay, a 45-minute 4 mile (6.5 kms) boat ride away. You can Hike, Swim and snorkel, explore the Caves, Lightstation Museum and Rock Formations, Picnic or Camp on the island. Tour boats (some with glass-bottoms) have regular service to and from Tobermory and the fun part is you get to see sunken shipwrecks. Ask if your boat goes over the shipwrecks as not all do due of diving activity. Read TIPS below for valuable information.
Things To Do On Flowerpot Island
1. Hiking at Flowerpot Island
The Lighthouse Trail is an easy 0.8 mile (1.3 km) 30-minute walk which begins at Beachy Cove where you get off the tour boat. It follows the shoreline passing the Cave and the Flowerpots. Scrambling along the shoreline is much more fun than walking the well-groomed trail. After the Flowerpots, you have to use the trail which heads towards the historic Lightstation.
The Mountain Trail is a difficult 0.9 mile (1.5 km) 40-minute hike which you can begin either at Beachy Cove or from the Lightstation. This trail heads into the lush forest of the island with many steep sections and rocky paths.
The Marl Trail is a moderate 0.5 mile (800 mtr) 20-minute hike beginning at Beachy Cove and ending at the tranquil southwest coastline. Here you can relax away from the crowds and noise.
The Lighthouse trail on Flowerpot Island
Flowerpots on the Island
From the Lightstation a short but difficult hike takes you to the Lighthouse and Observation Deck. The view from here is worth the trek.
Trail from Lighstation to the Lighthouse on Flowerpot Island
Lighthouse and Observation deck on Flowerpot Island, Tobermory
2. Swim and snorkel in the clear water of Flowerpot Island
The shoreline along the Lighthouse Trail is perfect for swimming and maybe diving for the more courageous. The water is crystal clear, cold and refreshing. Snorkeling is awesome here as you see undulating underwater rock formations.
Swimming at Flowerpot Island
Crystal clear water at Flowerpot Island
3. The Caves
There is a cave on the island but the trail to it was blocked-off for construction when I visited so I couldn’t get pictures however, there are sea-caves along the eastern coastline that you can see from the tour boats. You could also kayak there to get a better look at them.
Cave and walkway to Lighthouse on Flowerpot Island
Sea-Cave on Flowerpot Island as seen from tour boat
Closeup of a Sea Cave on Flowerpot Island
4. Lightstation Museum
This century-old lightkeeper’s house is totally refurbished, maintained and operated by volunteers. Meticulous care is taken to keep this historic gem clean and to offer a glimpse into its past. The Lightstation is now off-grid and everything here is solar powered. You can see mementos from the past in mock-up rooms painted in pastel colors. There is also a shop where you can buy unique gifts and souvenirs, cold-drinks and small snacks.
Lightstation Museum, Host House and Boat House on Flowerpot Island
Sitting room in Lightstation museum, Flowerpot Island
One of the bedrooms at the Lightstation Museum, Flowerpot Island
Vintage steam clothes-iron at Lightstation Museum, Flowerpot Island
5. Rock Formations
The two Flowerpots (sea stack) as they are known geologically are fascinating and stunning to look at. You can actually physically touch these ancient formations which once upon a time, were underwater.
Small Sea Stack on Flowerpot Island
Big Sea Stack on Flowerpot Island
6. Camp On The Island
There are six tenting sites on Flowerpot Island, each with a wooden tent platform located a short walk from Beachy Cove – the main dock on the island. Before going to the island, you must obtain your camping permit from the Park Visitor Centre in Tobermory. On each site, you are permitted: a maximum of 3 shelters (ie. two tents plus a kitchen shelter), six people (except for a family unit with unmarried children). Keep pets on a short leash (3m or less) and scoop up after them. Reservations are recommended and can be made beginning May 1 by calling 519-596-2233 ext 221. There is one composting toilet facility near the campsites. For details, click here.
7. Glass Bottom Boat Tour Over Sunken Shipwrecks
Bruce Anchor Cruises and The Blue Heron Company have regular service to and from Tobermory and the fun part is you get to see sunken shipwrecks. Ask if your boat goes over the shipwrecks as not all do due of diving activity. I personally prefer to take the tour boat with two decks as I find you get a better and fuller view of the shipwrecks from a higher angle. Also, it makes for good photography.
Shipwreck in Tobermory as seen from tour boat
Tourboat over a shipwreck in Big Tub Harbor, Tobermory
TIPS
- Parks Canada Annual DISCOVERY Pass holders get free admission and parking at National Parks sites. Wherever you purchase tickets (tour boats included), show your pass and ask if you get discounts.
- Parking is complimentary from tour boat companies, ask when purchasing tickets.
- Only composting toilets available on the island, no running water or drinking water, take your own.
- Pack a Picnic lunch, nothing is available on the island.
- Opt for a two deck tour boat and sit on the upper deck, you see the shipwrecks clearer.
- Not all tour boats go over the shipwrecks due to diving activity, ask for one that does.
