tours to flowerpot island

• Galleries and Artisans
• Lighthouses
• Museums and Historic Sites
• Parks and Conservation Areas
• Spas and Wellness
• The Chi-Cheemaun

• Cafés and Specialty Foods
• Craft Breweries
• Farmers Markets and U-Picks
• Restaurants and Pubs

• Mountain Bike Park
• Brant Tract
• Carrick Tract
• Lindsay Tract
• Maps and Guides

• Boating and Sailing
• Campgrounds
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Mountain Biking
• Surfing and Watersports
• Lion’s Head
• Sauble Beach
• Southampton

• Beaches South
• Best of the Bays
• Coast to Coast
• Greenock Swamp
• Lighthouses South
• Saugeen Shores Beach Hop

• Southern Shoreline

• Lakeshore Wave
• Lighthouses of Bruce
• Peninsula Wave
• Small Town Loop

• Countrysider
• Denny’s Dam
• Sauble River
• Saugeen Bluffs
• River Access Points
• Rentals and Gear

• Winter Tours
• Discover Hidden Gems

Home > Explorer Stories > Your Flowerpot Island Experience

Your Flowerpot Island Experience

Northern Bruce County is more than just the place to go to see the Grotto. Take a ride on one of the Glass Bottom Boats and bear witness to shipwrecks that are a divers paradise. See the famous rock formations that have been created – and are the reason it’s called Flowerpot Island.

See the 8th wonder of Canada from the water

Flowerpot Island is located in Fathom Five National Marine Park , 6.5 kilometres off the shore of Tobermory and is only accessible by boat. Famous for its natural “flowerpot” rock pillars, it is a scuba diver’s paradise, an explorer’s dream and a family’s memorable vacation. Thanks to Tobermory ‘s fleet of glass bottom tour boats, you can plan an amazing day trip to Flowerpot Island that takes you past two shipwrecks, three lighthouses, a few scuba divers or snorkelers, and two flowerpots while cruising the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay.

Blue Heron Cruises and Bruce Anchor Cruises are two private boat tour companies that make multiple trips daily, beginning in the spring until mid-fall. Both companies feature glass bottom boat tours that explore some of the shipwrecks laying just beneath the surface in Big Tub Harbour and share the history of those shipwrecks as you embark on the journey to Flowerpot Island.

Here you can explore the flowerpots, caves, historic light station and ancient cedars, some over 750 years old! To scope out all of the beauty on the island, it is recommended to plan for 5 hours. Bring water and food, and wear running shoes or hiking footwear as there is rugged terrain ahead for the adventurous.

Here’s a Sneak Preview of your Boat Tour Experience

It’s best to book your tickets for the glass bottom boat-cruise well in advance as they book up quickly. Tours leave regularly from Little Tub Harbour and make the 6.5 kilometre trek to Flowerpot Island. To take in the shipwrecks, you’ll want to take the glass bottom boat to the island, but ask about returning on the Zodiac for an adventurous high-speed ride. Keep in mind, if the glass bottom boats are sold out, you can still see the shipwrecks from the front and side of the boats.

Discover incredible visible shipwrecks

Your glass bottom boat will pass over two striking shipwrecks in Big Tub Harbour . The Sweepstakes is one of the most incredibly intact and easily visible wrecks in Fathom Five . Damaged off Cove Island back in 1885, the ship was towed into Big Tub Harbour for repairs, but sank just a month later before she could be fixed. The result is an amazing experience for divers, snorkelers and glass bottom tourers alike. The wreck is about 50 metres in length and sits in only 20 feet of water in the harbour, making for an incredible view from both the top deck and the boat’s glass viewing windows.

Just south of the Sweepstakes, you’ll see the wreck of the City of Grand Rapids – a double-decked steamer that once navigated the coastal trade route between Owen Sound and Manitoulin Island. Back in 1907, the vessel caught fire while docked in Little Tub Harbour. It was towed further out of the harbour and released. The charred wreckage drifted into Big Tub Harbour where it now sits in shallow water. After you’ve toured the shipwrecks, your cruise continues past the Big Tub Lighthouse . The underwater ledge off this lighthouse is a popular dive location, so keep your eyes peeled for divers entering and exiting the water. On weekends, you may even see a bride and groom tying the knot on the rocks by the lighthouse.

Back on open water, you’ll cruise past the Flowerpot Island lightstation , before rounding the corner and seeing the first of two large flowerpots. These unique sea stacks were formed as wind, rain, waves and ice hammered away at the cliffs along the water’s edge. With careful inspection, you can see the beginnings of new flowerpots forming along the shoreline.

The Flowerpots

The flowerpot rock pillars are accessed after a moderate hike north along the eastern coastline. When you are at the flowerpot rock pillars, enjoy the sun as it heats up the multi-tiered rock exposure. And for those that keep their eyes open, you will see where a third flowerpot once stood before 1903.

Hike the Niagara Escarpment like few others! The trails lead you through woods, rare wildflowers and a sea cave and lead you to the towering flowerpots and lighthouse. Rugged and adventurous hikes await those that journey through the interior portion of the island.

What you will find on your hike around Flowerpot Island

The hike to the lighthouse station requires solid footwear, plenty of water and about three hours for the round trip journey. The terrain is rugged though many four-year olds manage it just fine every year. The original lighthouse was built in 1897 to guide ships safely through the shipping channel. A second building was built in 1909 to house fog and alarm machinery. Both were decommissioned in 1969, and today’s functioning steel tower was erected.

In 1901, the two-storey light keeper’s home was built and the one-storey light keeper’s assistant’s home was built in 1959. Visitors can tour the outbuildings and buy light refreshments on site. Caves

In addition to the flowerpots and the lighthouse, is the island’s main cave. Located near the flowerpots, the large cave can be accessed by stairs and viewed at a large platform. Other caves are waiting for you if you are interested in exploring the island.

The Best Flowerpot Experience is: Camping on the Island

The best Flowerpot Island experience begins with waking up in a tent and seeing the flowerpots first thing in the morning before the tour boats reach the island. If you are lucky, you’ll see a morning fog over the water, perfectly calm water, or both!

Six campsites are available on the island on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call Parks Canada to book your stay.

Taking a dip in the refreshing water of Georgian Bay is a popular activity for those visiting Flowerpot Island. Common areas for swimming and snorkeling include the picnic area by Beachy Cove and at the flowerpots. Be careful as the shoreline is rocky, the water is cold, and there are deep drop-offs not far from shore. It is important to note that there are no sand beaches on the island so you may want to bring water shoes with you.

#ExploretheBruce Tag us to be featured

Uncover hidden wonders under the waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay

Bruce County is where artists and artisans thrive and shine

Top 10 Things to Do When the Grotto Is Full

Take a ride on the MS Chi-Cheemaun

Uncover the astronomical wonders of the night sky

The Grotto Waits for You to Discover Its Wonder

Use this map to help determine distances and drive times between Bruce County communities.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About government"

Language selection

• Français

Flowerpot Island

Fathom five national marine park.

• 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.

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.

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.

Island Activities  

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.

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

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 »

Related links

• Boat tours, charters and rentals
• Visitor Centre
• Fathom Five Xplorers Program

Flowerpot Island Hiking

• Information
• Similar Tours
• Frequently Asked Questions

What's included

PICK UP LOCATION

7.00 AM Dufferin Mall, Beer Store 904 Dufferin Street

7.25 AM Wilson Subway Station (Pick up and drop off area)

8 AM Brampton Williams Pkwy Carpool Lot on Hwy 410

• Guided Hiking
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses

Group Tours Availability

Searching Availability...

What to Bring?

• Hand Sanitizer
• Sunscreen Lotion
• Rain Jacket
• Swimming Suit
• Hiking or Running Shoes

Availability Private Tours

Flowerpot island.

• 10.30 am - 11 am
• 12 pm - 1.30 pm
• 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm

Halfway Log Dump...

More about Flowerpot Island

We take seriously all health and safety measures and we ask you to stay home if you are feeling sick and have fever. On our tour all customers and tour guides have to: - wear mask inside of the van - practice social distancing - use hand sanitizer - wash hands - sneeze and cough into their sleeve - don't share food and drinks unless they are from same household

• Tour Search

Get In Touch

Your message (optional)

Sorry! There are no enabled booking or enquiry forms.

Full-Day Tour to Tobermory and Flowerpot Island (Private tour from Toronto)

• Private transportation
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)
• Admission to Fathom Five National Marine Park
• Glass bottom Boat Cruise from Tobermory to Flowerpot Island & return
• Tobermory and Flowerpot Island map
• Professional Tour Guide
• Round trip transportation on a private A/C vehicle (sedan or SUV)
• A delicius lunch at the dining room of Princess Hotel Tobermory
• Entry/Admission - Tobermory
• 8:00 AM: Pick-up from your Residence / Hotel in Toronto and GTA (Grand Toronto Area) Tour's duration: about 14 hours The itinerary is flexible and can be customized according to your needs
• Toronto Pearson Intl Airport, 6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga, Ontario L5P 1B2 Canada
• Toronto Island Airport, Toronto, Ontario Canada
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Tobermory Princess Hotel Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 Tobermory Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 3 Blue Heron Cruises - Ticket Center & Parking Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 4 Flowerpot Island Stop: 3 hours - Admission included See details Pass by Fathom Five National Marine Park
• You'll return to the starting point

• gamilaboreda 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful 1000 Islands and Kingston. Nice trip, amazing people, delicious lunch at Mandarin restaurant, and memorable trip to Thousand Islands. Read more Written September 6, 2023
• whatevergirl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Majestic Flower pot Island I had gone with the organized bus tour of fun tours . It was great intro to tobermory and flowerpot island . Majestic Flower pot island is truly stunning . Get your hiking shoes on as it’s very Rocky . The water is pristine and clear . Well worth taking the Blue Herron guided boat there . It’s about an hour tour on the boat . But 15 minutes back to the island Read more Written August 20, 2023
• mariasaram 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles TRAVELING WITH TORONTO FUN TOURS IS REALLY FUN Awsome trip to Chicago! awsome company, awsome driver,awsome guides,what else? Noushin and Fariba very helpful, real fun in the bus,hope there are more tours like this, will be joining for sure! Read more Written August 13, 2023
• 480xxy 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Chicago trip August 2023 Went on the trip to Chicago. Enjoyed the city, but what made the trip most enjoyable is the people, especially the Fun Tours leaders. They were welcoming, open-minded and did everything to create an atmosphere of fun and interactions. Thank you Noushin and Fariba. The most fun I've ever had on a bus trip Read more Written August 11, 2023
• Afsaneh B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great outing and trip. Strongly recommend FunTours. Excellent trip with a great guide. Fun and informative about the history of the region and the event location. Had so much fun. Met very nice people and made new friends. Read more Written June 27, 2023
• alihH6599JI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun, friendly, lively, naturally rich and interesting The tour was pretty organized. The coach was brand new and spacious and the ride quite smooth. Time duration of the tour was appropriate and the tour guide was friendly and sociable. Read more Written June 27, 2023
• sadeteabdd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trip to Ottawa The trip was amazing. There was so much to see and do! I enjoyed the trip very much and so did my whole family. We went to the 2 nights & 3 days Ottawa trip. It ran very smoothly and everything was properly organized. Would recommend for anyone who’s looking for a weekend getaway. It was very informative and the tour guides provided us with so much knowledge. 100% would recommend. Thank you Fun Tours for the amazing trip!!! Read more Written May 23, 2023
• Q7452BGmohameda 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tours, awesome tour guides, clean buses, nice restaurants and wonderful people. This is my fourth trip with Toronto Fun Tours, and like other previous tours I enjoyed it.The tour guides are awesome, the buses are clean, and I had lunch at nice restaurants.In addition, I had the chance to meet up with wonderful people. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone who is looking for short trips and weekend getaways from Toronto. Read more Written December 15, 2022
• naieraf2022 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoyable and well organised Very well organised. Noushin managed to make each and everyone feel comfortable and special. She patiently answered any questions we had. I would highly recommend this wonderful trip. Very good value. Read more Written November 20, 2022
• stevecU6252AO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles St Jacob's The Mennonite tour was very interesting. It was great to walk around town. I plan to take more tours. Read more Written November 20, 2022
• maryanncF3715WG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Oxtongue River Guided Canoe and Algonquin Park My best experience was the 2 hour canoeing on the Oxtongue River to Ragged Falls and back. Algonquin Visitor Centre is so interesting, would have liked a longer time there but we still had a 2 km hike to Lookout Point to do. Fall colours were at their peak.The tour was very well organized. Everything on time, clean comfortable nice riding bus, excellent driver , great tour guide and activities. Nice dinner to end the day and moonlight shining all the way back to Toronto. I loved this trip, definitely recommend it. Read more Written October 13, 2022
• 511monicai 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Horrible experience The Algonquin trip was such a waste of money. and time. Horribly planned and over priced for no reason. We stopped at an on route for 45 mins. Really could've been 20 mins instead. After that we were taken to a vistitors centre with nothing to do but sit in a parking lot for 1.5 hours. To waste more time and make it a 14 hour dat trip. When we finally got to the park for hiking, we'd hike for 2 mins and our guide would stop and talk for 20 mins. We hiked for a total of 20 mins. On the way back, we stopped at a museum, which was really pathetic and more waste of time. Would not recommend this trip or company to anyone. Read more Written October 4, 2022
• Y8246KQchrisl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles ART AND NATURE LOVERS DREAM TOUR I went on the Pennsylvania Tour and highly recommend it for art and nature lovers. The itinerary was well planned out by the wonderful tour director Noushin. Our hiking guide Ian was exceptional, helpful and knowledgeable about all the hiking trails and the best spots for photography. The bus driver Paul kept us safe with his amazing driving skills on twisting roads. The tours of Frank Lloyd Wright houses are architectural wonders, not to be missed. Read more Written September 29, 2022
• K5460NQsebastianp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Pennsylvania Hiking Tour: Excellent Use of Time We went for the Pennsylvania Hiking Tour, and had a great time. The itinerary was well thought out, with each day including several great hikes (even interspersed between travel times), and our tour guide was an experienced hiker and professional photographer with a great eye for finding beautiful sights throughout the hikes. Read more Written September 28, 2022
• B6215CBshelleyc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun Tours - Pennsylvania Tour This trip was fun, a lot of great people, sights were informative and beautiful. I’m hoping to attend other trips as the guide, organizer and driver were excellent as well. Read more Written September 27, 2022

More to explore in Toronto

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Full-Day Tour to Tobermory and Flowerpot Island (Private tour from Toronto) provided by Toronto Fun Tours

• [email protected]
• 519-596-2555

About the Tour:

Our Stay Aboard Tours leave Bruce Anchor’s departure dock at exactly the time they are scheduled. From there, cruise passengers are taken into Big Tub Harbour to view two of Fathom Five National Marine Park’s historic shipwrecks. These wrecks are easily viewed over the sides of our vessels or through our large glass bottom panels.

After the shipwreck viewing our tour will take you around Flowerpot Island to view the historic lightstation and famous Flowerpots. This tour option is great for those who prefer not to hike on Flowerpot Island, or for those who prefer to stay dry on a rainy day.

The round trip duration of the cruise is approximately 65 minutes, and may include a stopover at Flowerpot Island for passengers that are disembarking. You will remain seated and stay on the boat during this time.

Other Information:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This payment must be made on a credit card, we cannot accept Visa Debit, or prepaid credit cards. Reservations are not complete until we have processed the deposit.

Bruce Anchor Cruises reserves the right to cancel at any time without notice due to inclement weather conditions including, but not limited to, strong winds and/or thunderstorms. As well, all sailing schedules are subject to change or cancellations without notice due to circumstances related to crew and captain availability, as well as instances where vessels require unscheduled repairs, may occur. In the event of cancellation, pre-purchased tickets will be refunded in full.

Boat tickets must be paid in full at the time of reservation by Visa or Mastercard. Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit will decline and are not accepted forms of payment. Cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to departure time in order to receive a refund. Any cancellations made within twenty four hours of the purchased sailing will not receive a refund. All cancellations must be made over the phone.

Refunds will not be issued to guests who miss their sailing.

For more information regarding bookings, please visit here.