Flowerpot Island

2023-08-24

Tobermory Flowerpot Island in Ontario

Crystal-clear views from Flowerpot Island

Just 6.5 kilometres off the picturesque shores of Tobermory sits one of Ontario's most captivating natural wonders - Flowerpot Island. One of Ontario's most interesting landmarks sits just 6.5 kilometres off the coast of Tobermory. This gem is an absolute must-see, with the boat journey to get to the island being an adventure in itself.  

Located in the breathtaking Fathom Five National Park, Flowerpot Island's dominant attraction is its two striking white sea stacks, otherwise known as the 'flowerpots'. There are two pillars on the island, one coined the 'large flowerpot' and the other 'the small flowerpot'. Originally, there were 3 pillars on the island, until the third succumbed to nature's forces in 1903. 

While in Tobermory, a trip to Flowerpot Island is an excursion worth adding to your itinerary. We chose to travel to the island on a glass-bottom boat tour, which not only transported us to Flowerpot Island but also explored the several shipwrecks located beneath the crystal-clear waters near Tobermory. Watching the boat glide gracefully over these haunting relics was definitely an unforgettable experience.  

Once on the island, you are free to explore not only the gigantic flowerpots but you can also visit caves on the island, which are believed to have been formed over 12,000 years ago! You can also take a dip in the water - though be warned, as even during the hottest the summer months, the water of Georgian Bay is still incredibly frigid. If you're an avid camper, you can even opt to camp on the island as there are six campsites available at a mere $9.80 camping fee per person, per night. 

Should you wish to make the trip to see the Flowerpots, it's advisable to book well in advance, especially during summer months when tours fill up quite quickly. There are various ferry tour operators which offer several options to visiting Flowerpot Island, with or without the glass-bottom option  Whichever option you choose you are sure to be delighted, as the sight of the giant flowerpots makes for a truly awe-inspiring adventure. 

Trying to brave the frigid Georgian Bay temperatures!