This Canadian National Marine Park Features A Gorgeous Hike Around Flowerpot Island

As you set sight on the vast open turquoise waters, the sunshine hitting your face, birds flying high above you, and you hear the waves lapping against the shoreline, you may think that you're in the Caribbean. If you saw photos of this scene, you'd never have guessed that you were standing in one of Canada's most beautiful national marine parks that boasts an incredible hike around Flowerpot Island.

Located at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, you'll find the teeny tiny harbor community of Tobermory, one of the best towns to visit along the Great Lakes, and once home to the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. It's easy to see why this is one of the most beautiful hikes that show off the Great Lakes, and the area consistently tops the list of must-see destinations in the province. Lonely Planet even named the Bruce Peninsula one of the best places to visit in Ontario for 2025.

Fathom Five National Marine Park, just next to Tobermory, is home to many natural wonders that leave travelers in awe of its natural beauty and stunning scenery. Considered a freshwater ecosystem in Lake Huron, the waters here glisten in the sunlight and give off colors one would only dream of seeing in tropical countries. I've had the chance to visit Flowerpot Island on two separate occasions and was blown away by the beauty each time. The island's name doesn't refer to actual flowerpots, but to unique rock formations caused by years of wind, rain, and waves that crashed against the soft rock of these sea stacks.

Fathom Five National Marine Park should be a must-visit for outdoor and hiking enthusiasts. Flowerpot Island is only accessible by boat from Tobermory, located 4 miles away. Visitors can easily hop on a glass bottom boat tour with Blue Heron Cruises to Flowerpot Island from May through to mid-October. During the 45-minute long trip, you'll get to view the final resting place of a historic shipwreck — a ship called The City of Grand Rapids — in an area considered the freshwater scuba diving capital of the world thanks to its great visibility.

Typically, visitors to Flowerpot Island take a day trip to spend a few hours exploring, hiking, and admiring the serene landscapes surrounding them. As you follow the easy Loop Trail towards the Lightkeeper's Cottage, you'll be spoiled with views that emerge to a rocky beach with bright red Adirondack chairs, inviting you to take a few moments to have a snack, chill out, and enjoy staring out at the turquoise waters.

Head in the opposite direction along the Loop Trail and you'll come across Beachy Cove, where boats drop tourists off. In my opinion, this has to be one of the most beautiful scenic places in Canada. Most visitors disembark and head straight to the stars of the show, the flowerpots; however, if you hit the trail in the opposite direction, you'll practically have the Loop Trail all to yourself. Pack a swimsuit during the hot summer months and take a plunge into the clear waters to cool off. At the time of writing, the Marl Bed Trail on Flowerpot Island was closed due to a large amount of downed trees.

After admiring the stunning flowerpots along your hike around the island, you're probably wondering what else there is to do or see on the island. Flowerpot Island boasts backcountry camping, so you can enjoy the views in solitude once the day trippers leave. With only six camping sites available, you'll want to ensure that you make reservations well in advance, which can be done online at www.reservation.pc.gc.ca or by calling 1-877-RESERVE (877-737-3783). The weather can be unpredictable, so if you plan on staying overnight, make sure you bring enough food, snacks, and drinking water, as it's possible to get stuck on the isolated island if ferries can't operate. For all rules and regulations for camping in Fathom Five National Marine Park, make sure to check out the Parks Canada website.

Swimming and snorkeling in the waters along Flowerpot Island may be chilly, but the crystal clear water offers amazing clarity. Picnic areas are also situated all along the island's trails and make for the perfect way to relax after a dip in the water, all while enjoying the stunning nature Fathom Five National Marine Park has to offer.