Adventurion

One of the best places to hike with kids in Tobermory is Flowerpot Island. This place is a great experience in Fathom Five National Marine Park.

Shipwrecks.

Flowerpot Island could be reached only by boat. We chose Blue Heron Cruises. They were the only company which agreed to leave the harbor in the high waves. Choose Drop-Off Cruise in order to have an opportunity to hike the island

On the way to the island the boat enters the Big Tub Harbor. Big Tub Lighthouse welcomes you on the entrance. It was originally constructed in 1885 for a cost of $675. This lighthouse still guides boats. And this place is a very popular diving destination.

Two shipwrecks could be seen from the boat – The Sweepstakes and The City of Grand Rapids.

The Sweepstakes hit a rock near Cove Island. It happened on August 23, 1885. The ship remained there until September. Then she was towed into Big Tub Harbor.

The City of Grand Rapids was towed from Little Tub Harbor after a fire broke out aboard on October 29, 1907. It was a double-decked steamer working the coastal trade between Owen Sound and the villages of Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula.

Flowerpot Island.

These interesting rock formations were created by waves hitting the cracks in the limestone. This process gradually removed away the softer lower limestone from the harder dolomite top. As a result you can observe the giant flowerpots. Originally there were three flowerpots on the island, but one fell down in 1903.

Flowerpot Island is a popular tourist destination. It has camping facilities and hiking trails.

Unfortunately for us the Cave and Flowerpot Island Light Station Tower were closed for renovations, so we headed to Lightkeeper’s cottages. It was very easy hike with many places to stop and enjoy the views.

Lightkeeper’s cottages.

The trail brought us to the lightkeeper’s cottages. This place is very well maintained and operated by volunteers. The cottages are now off-grid and solar powered.

The water was cold so we didn’t go to swim … At least we tried not to … But it didn’t work

The waives became more intense and the company brought us a bigger boat to return back safely.

Tips to keep in mind:

• If you have Parks Canada Annual DISCOVERY Pass, you get free admission and parking at National Parks sites. It includes tour boats.
• Parking is free when you purchase a ticket from tour boat companies.
• Make sure the boat tour you choose goes over the shipwrecks as not all of them do.
• Bring potable water with you to the island.
• There are picnic areas on the island but no places to buy a snack. So don’t forget to bring your own.
• Consult Fathom Five National Marine Park for the most updated information.