Easily Accessible

The only user-friendly island in Fathom Five National Marine Park, Flowerpot Island is named for its shapely shoreline rock pillars, narrow at the bottom, wide at the top. Five km offshore of Tobermory and easily accessible via regularly scheduled boat shuttles, the 6.5-km-long island has trails, campsites, outhouses, a picnic shelter and docking area.

Intriguing

Part of the Niagara Escarpment, this triangular-shaped island features a microcosm of escarpment highlights including cliffs with old growth cedars growing in the most unfathomable spots, caves, rare ferns and orchids. A main trail runs along the rock-rimmed shore to its namesake “flowerpots”, and loops back through the interior. A side trail branches to a cave where interpretive signs explain the island’s geology.

Lightstation Exploration

Another trail extends to a lighthouse on the island’s highest point, Castle Bluff, at the northeast end. Built in 1897, the lighthouse, along with the keeper’s home, are maintained by Friends of Fathom Five National Marine Park www.castlebluff.com. There’s a museum on-site, along with gardens, walkways, and a viewing platform.

For overnights, half-a-dozen campsites await on a first-come, first-serve basis. Boat shuttle to the island is provided by Blue Heron from Little Tub Harbour in Tobermory, also on a first-come first-serve basis. Park fees apply.

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