Fathom Five National Marine Park
121 Chi sin tib dek Rd., Tobermory, Canada
The beautiful Fathom Five National Marine Park in Lake Huron is a freshwater ecosystem that offers something for almost everyone: boating and birding, cliffs and rock pools, hiking trails, campsites, rare orchid species, and a whole lot of shipwrecks—24 to be exact. Nature and outdoor enthusiasts will love the marine and coastal landscape of the park, especially in the summer.
The basics
Travelers typically visit Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula to explore the rugged landscapes of the Bruce Peninsula National Park; Fathom Five National Marine Park is an extension of this. Along with the underwater attractions that you might expect from a marine park—namely the diving—most visitors check out Flowerpot Island, where there’s hiking, camping, and beautiful scenery.
Some people visit independently, but guided boat tours are a popular and convenient way of experiencing the park, and they usually stop at Flowerpot Island. The park can be reached from Toronto, but is a bit too far for a comfortable day trip.
Things to know before you go
Bring your own food and drink, since there’s none available on Flowerpot Island, including water.
Kayaking and canoeing in the marine park are only recommended for experienced paddlers.
There are composting toilets only on Flowerpot Island, and no garbage facilities.
Bookings for summertime camping on the island typically open in February, and only six spots are available, so book well in advance if you can.
There’s an entry fee to the park, but admission is free for visitors 17 and under.
How to get there
Tours of the marine park depart from the town of Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula, about 183 miles (295 kilometers) from Toronto, or a 4-hour drive. Stay at Tobermory or elsewhere on the Bruce Peninsula to make the most of the park’s sights and experiences.
When to get there
Boat tours from Tobermory to Flowerpot Island run from mid-May to mid-October, depending on weather conditions. Summer is the best time to dive, though the water can still be very cold. Lake Huron doesn’t freeze completely in the winter but a large area of it is covered by ice, so the marine park is generally not accessible at this time.
Hike the Bruce Trail
If you’re looking for a challenging outdoor adventure in Southern Ontario, consider hiking the 553-mile (890-kilometer) Bruce Trail from Niagara to Tobermory—or at least part of it. The trail passes through the UNESCO-listed Niagara Escarpment, and hikers will get a glimpse of mixed forests, meadowlands, marshes, quarries, gorges, and waterfalls.
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