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Explore Flower Pot Island

Tobermory, Ontario

Details

Distance

2.5 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Andrea Thompson

Island 6.5 km off the coast of TobermoryOne of the most picturesque areas in OntarioThe namesake flower pots, fascinating caves, and a historic lighthouse

Flower Pot Island is abound with natural history and beauty. Be sure to arrive early in order to take advantage of everything the island has to offer!

To get to the island you need to take a ferry from Tobermory. There are a couple of ferry companies and all advertise a "glass bottom" - it's a beautiful ferry ride but none of them are glass bottomed, they're just referring to how clear the water is. The ferry ride is short and you can choose to take the ferry that views the shipwrecks along the way or opt for the shorter ferry ride that bypasses them. This ferry ride can be windy so make sure you're dressed appropriately for the weather. Also keep in mind there is a fee to enter the island park and some ferry companies include this in their price.

When you get to the island there is essentially one trail loop system that goes around the entire island. It's definitely worthwhile to complete it, and make sure you explore the area that is the base of what used to be the original lighthouse keeper's house. It's an interesting and narrow old path to get there and it offers a great view! The majority of the trail is forested and has some exposed roots and steep areas but there are stairs and it's not a challenging hike. I'd recommend, however, heading to the flower pots (large and small) first and then to the caves in order to get there before the majority of the tourist crowds arrive.

There is a concession stand on the island, but there is no tap water. So make sure you take your reusable bottle with you!

You can definitely spend all day on the island, but you can also manage to fit everything in - hike the entire island, see the attractions - in about 4 hours.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Lake
Picnic Area
Romantic
Scenic

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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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