Scuba dive shipwrecks, snorkel, kayak in Tobermory – Canada, hike the trails to Little Cove, Driftwood Cove, visit Mermaid Cove and the ‘Grotto’. Swim at Singing Sands beach where the water is unbelievably shallow for quite a bit. Picnic on Flowerpot Island or sail the MS Chi-Cheemaun to Manitoulin Island for a wonderful experience. For valuable TIPS, scroll down.
Kayak over shipwreck in Tobermory
Mermaid Cove, Tobermory
22 shipwrecks can be found in the amazingly clear water within the boundaries of The Fathom Five National Marine Park at Tobermory. Take a guided boat tour of the wrecks and head to Flowerpot Island for a day of fun and adventure.
Cruise boat to Flowerpot Island
Glassbottom boat in Tobermory
Flowerpot Island
On Flowerpot Island, you can hike around the island to Beachy Cove, the Lightstation Museum, Lighthouse, Observation deck and the Flowerpots. From a particular angle, the right side of this natural rock formation looks like a face with eye, nose and a mouth. Before the boat docks, they will take you past this point, keep an eye out!
Big Flowerpot, Flowerpot Island, Tobermory
Smaller Flowerpot, Flowerpot Island, Tobermory
Picnic area at Lightstation on Flowerpot Island, Tobermory
I highly recommend you also take a boat tour that allows you to see all of this beauty from the water. Tobermory Cruise Line Speedboat Flash, takes you on a comfortable yet thrilling ride at 29 knots (33.3 Miles/hr – 53.7 km/hr). They also rent Kayaks at a reasonable price included with a modern in-the-water slip.
Tobermory Cruise Line Speedboat FLASH
Seats on Tobermory Cruise Line Speedboat FLASH
You see Flowerpot Island from all around and then get taken to see Halfway Rock Point, the Grotto, Boulder Beach, Overhanging Point and more. These views can’t be seen otherwise.
The Grotto, Tobermory
The Amphitheater at The Grotto, Tobermory
The Grotto, Tobermory
Lighthouse and Observation deck on Flowerpot Island, Tobermory
Tobermory Cruise Line is a festive boat with lively music playing, an experienced Captain, a knowledgeable and humorous tour guide and extremely friendly dock-side staff.
Tobermory Cruise Line FLASH “mob”. Captain Dave, Tour guide Travis, Mike Lee.
Singing Sands Beach
This child friendly beach is 6.2 miles (10 kms) south on Hwy 6 from Tobermory. There are picnic tables here and the water is shallow for quite a bit but caution should still be exercised. Sunsets are awesome here on a clear evening.
Singing Sands beach, Tobermory
Sunset at Singing Sands beach, Tobermory
Sunset at Singing Sands beach, Tobermory
Toilets, showers, changing rooms, lockers and a drinking water fill station is available here. Bring a lock if you want to use the locker. Parking is $11.70 per vehicle non-transferable. Dogs are allowed here but have to be on a leash at all times.
TIPS
- Paid parking is enforced all over Tobermory town. If on a Flowerpot cruise, you may get complimentary parking, check with the cruise company in advance.
- Grocery store (free parking behind store), Liquor/beer store, Gas station, in town. For Tire punctures, Mikes Garage 519 596 8100.
- Parks Canada annual DISCOVERY PASS valid for entry and Parking at all National Park locations in Tobermory including discounts for Flowerpot Island boat cruises and Free parking at Singing Sands beach.
- There is a boardwalk around little tub harbor on Bay Street from where you get a full profile view of MS Chi-Cheemaun and the sunset.
- Would recommend buying bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes.
- For boat cruises over the shipwrecks, ask at the ticket counter as there are restrictions due to diving activity below.
- Book seats on the larger, double deck boats as the view of the shipwrecks is better the higher you are.
- Toilets on Flowerpot Island are composting and NO running water is available. Snacks and soda-pop are available at the Lightstation Museum.
- Parking at the Grotto is valid for 4 hour periods. 35 minute easy walk from the parking lot to Grotto.
