Visiting the Flowerpot Island

Visiting the Flowerpot Island is one of those must-do things when visiting the Bruce Peninsula. The flowerpot island is part of the Fantom Five Marine National Park and the cruise ticket typically covers the entrance cost. The cruise drops you off to spend 3 hours on the flowerpot island. This should give you more than enough time to visit the flowerpots and even walk to the lighthouse if that is the plan. Visiting the Flowerpot Island was high on our bucket list when we moved to the area and we were so glad to be able to go.

Where to book the cruise

We booked with Blue Heron cruises and each ticket costed us $69 including taxes. To book your cruise with Blue Heron cruises, Click Here. If you are planning to visit the Flowerpot Island, pre-book your tickets because they fill up well in advance! If your looking for places to stop on your drive up to Tobermory or things to do in Tobermory with kids, don’t forget to visit our blog post by Clicking Here.

Visiting the Flowerpot Island also includes cruising through the shipwrecks. This is such a phenomenal sight as are all shipwrecks. The remains of the Sweepstakes lie in the Big Tub Harbour. You can view these from the boat or if you are even more adventurous – snorkel or dive from the Big Tub Harbour!

A bit about these shipwrecks

In August 23, 1885 the Sweepstakes hit a rock near Cove island. She sank in shallow water closer to the lighthouse of the Big Tub harbour. On September 3, she was towed into the Bug Tub harbour. She was found to be beyond repair. All useful rigging and equipment were stripped off before she sank in the present location. Such a sad incidence can turn into such a beautiful sight in the future! The hull is nearly intact and is in 6 meters of water.

As you turn the curve of the island from the cruise, you will be greeted by the amazing flowerpots. Originally there were 3 flowerpots but one fell down in 1903. These rocks are created from the waves crashing against the cracks of the limestone. This gradually wore away the softer lower limestone from the harder dolomite top resulting in the shapes of the flowerpot.

On the Flowerpot Island

The cruise drops you off at the flowerpot island for 3 hours!
Tip: The cruise has a washroom so if you need to go, that is your best option. The island has two washrooms – one at the dock you get off at and the other is where the lighthouse is located. Naturally the ones at the dock are used the most and it was not in good condition at all! I wanted to change Into my swimsuit but I was left to do that on a secluded part on the beach!

Tip: Make sure you take lots of snacks for those hungry kiddos. We took a cooler full of fresh food, fruits and drinks! The food stalls on the island were closed and I have no idea when they plan to open them up.

Stops to make on the Flowerpot Island

There are three main things you can check out once on the island!

1. The big and small flower pots – this is a 15 minute walk from the dock
2. The caves – a 15 minute walk from the dock
3. The lighthouse – a 30 minute walk from the dock

While visiting the Flowerpot Island, make sure you plan your time accordingly on the island so that you don’t miss your return cruise to Tobermory.

There are quite a few spots you can stop at to get into the water. As soon as you get off the dock, a 2 minute walk will take you to a shaded picnic bench area. This area was great for us with the girls but the beach area was extremely rocky and it was a battle to get into the water. The rocks were very slippery in the water and it was a workout trying to keep your footing in the already cold water.

Where to stop for a swim

Walk past the picnic shaded area (as tempting as it can be to spend your day here) and park yourself for the day at one of the two flower pots. You will be sitting on rocks but they are bigger and do not hurt (and TRUST ME they can hurt). Plus it’s easier to get into the water. You can literally jump off the big rocks into the water and swim without worrying about slipping on the rocks!

Flowerpot Island has some spectacular views and even though we did not get time to hike up to the lighthouse, it is definitely on our list for when we visit next. The island is such a great spot for a day picnic amongst the beautiful Lake Huron amidst the most gorgeous water you will see here in Ontario!

Visiting the Flowerpot Island was such a fun experience for our family. This island is the perfect spot to spend a hot summer day or even a cool chilly day in the Fall. No matter when you plan to visit, DO NOT FORGET TO BOOK IN ADVANCE!