Fathom Five National Marine Park
Fathom Five National Marine Park
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Fathom Five National Marine Park and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
20 within 5 kms
Attractions
26 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
186 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
36
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
1
budsfan29
Vaughan, Canada226 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We visited both Flowerpot Island via a Bruce Anchor Cruise, and the the Fathom Five Visitors Centre (which is included with your park pass). Both are well worth visiting. On Flowerpot Island we had up close glimpses of both Flowerpots and the Cave. We also saw the lighthouse and other islands from our boat (along with a couple of shipwrecks). Then at the Visitors Centre, we thoroughly enjoyed walking through the gallery of exhibits about Fathom Five, Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory. Then we climbed the steps to the top of the Lookout Tower for a great view of the bay and the Peninsula. If you are planning to only take the shipwreck tour think again and make sure a stop on Flowerpot Island in the Fathom Five National Park is included!
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brian f
4 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Loved the day trip to flower point island and the ship wreck with blue heron cruises. Enjoyed the boat cruise, looking at the ship wreck through the crystal clear waters , trekking in flower pot island and above all swimming around the flower pot island. Would recommend wearing water shoes, makes it easier.
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise D
University Center23 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We visited the Flower Pot Island. It was a quick and fast trip. The staff on the island was very helpful. It is a short and easy stroll on the island. We saw the pots and the Marl pond. They are upgrading the entrance to the cave currently. I would next time wear hiking bikes and not shoes. And remember, do your homework, there is not drinking water on the island.
Written May 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gadfly19
London, Canada4 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Fathom Five National Marine Park is comprised of Eight major islands north of Tobermory, of which the most interesting and accessible is Flowerpot island. Two boat companies offer ferry service. The cost to Flowerpot for two seniors, included parking, national park day pass, tax totalled $88.00 cad. We used the Bruce Anchor cruises, on the covered yellow boat with windows that could be opened or closed. Even on a fairly quiet day waves splashed passengers and windows needed to be closed. As advertised there was a glass panel in the bottom of the boat roughly 6x10' which was largely inacessible for most passengers, because of its relatively small size. You need to get on board early to sit near the back to be able to see through the glass bottom. However on a clear calm day the sunken wrecks in Lttle Tub Harbour were perfectly visible from the sides the boat. The trip at high speed from the wrecks to Flowerpot Island took about 15 minutes with helpful, listenable commentaries by ship's crew. Upon arrival at Beachy Cove on the island the Park staff reminded everyone of the Park rules, especially to carry out all your own garbage. The walk to the Flowerpots themselves was pleasant and shady on well groomed trails. The sunny swimming area near the flat rock area was crowded. We continued on to the light station, which was a steep climb up concrete steps, but well worth the climb for the view from the top. Toilets and snacks were available at the lighthouse keeper's house, but we always carry our own lunch and water. We needed bug repellant at the light station; lots of flies that bite, probably because it is a favourite lunch stop. We walked straight back to the dock and stepped onto the return cruise; although we were returning earlier than we had booked, there was no problem. We saw all we wanted to see in three hours. Hiking distances are clearly marked for each segment which makes it easy to judge time and energy.
Our day pass also gave us access to the visitors' centre a short drive south of town. The veiwing tower is worth climbing for the view; the visitors' centre houses an exceptionally informative series of displays of the Bruce peninsula, the escarpment and the marine park.
In the evening we drove east out of town to the end of Grant Watson Drive, and found parking near a side trail, another pleasant walk to the easten shore of the peninsula, where there were benches from which to admire the view.
Our day pass also gave us access to the visitors' centre a short drive south of town. The veiwing tower is worth climbing for the view; the visitors' centre houses an exceptionally informative series of displays of the Bruce peninsula, the escarpment and the marine park.
In the evening we drove east out of town to the end of Grant Watson Drive, and found parking near a side trail, another pleasant walk to the easten shore of the peninsula, where there were benches from which to admire the view.
Written July 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
warriorkim
Pickering, Canada117 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We hiked this trail after lunch and was surprised it wasn't busier than what it was. My husband and I did the entire trail (yes even the "difficult" side) and it took us about three hours. It was magnificent and the look out points were spectacular. Suggest going prepared with good shoes (hiking preferred) and proper clothing. Take water and snacks to have at the point because you will want to sit there for a bit to take in the magic. Since we were staying in town we just walked over so there was no need for parking but for those that need it - it is plentiful. I highly recommend taking the time to hike this trail while visiting Tobermory. I would totally do it again.
Written August 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iliketotravel6
Forest, Canada9 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Wear good footware ( and I don’t mean flip flops). You can walk many kilometres if you choose too. Take a towel in case you want something soft to sit on and dry yourself as you may just want to go in the beautiful water for a dip
Written July 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KitchenerJimmy
Kitchener, Canada321 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
Our trip to the Fathom Five National Marine Park by Blue Heron Tours was fantastic. The views through the glass bottom boat was wonderful. The boat was the new addition to the fleet. Blue Heron 8.
The shipwrecks are fantastic. The scenery of the islands is breath taking.
This park is a "must see" for any visitor to Tobermory.
The shipwrecks are fantastic. The scenery of the islands is breath taking.
This park is a "must see" for any visitor to Tobermory.
Written July 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArvinDiesel
Markham, Canada140 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
The fathom five park was a great hike with so much to see. Great vantage points and interesting rock formations and of course you have to check out the flower pot at the island. The main land park you can see at Cyprus lake but if you don't get there early you will not be able to go in right away and you will need to reserve a space for a later time slot. If rough hiking is not your thing the boat tour offers great scenery but it is quite expensive at around 30 a head.
Written December 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan Keeping
Brandon, Canada19 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
What an amazing place. We rented out some kayaks and went paddling out to one of the shipwrecks in the area. The waters were so clear you could see right down to the wrecks. lots of tour boats in the area so if you can go at non peak times it is definitely better. We had to move out of the way for a few ships but we definitely got a good look. Its definitely one of the "you have to see it, it believe it" kind of experiences. A tour would have been fine but I would definitely recommend taking out some kind of kayak or canoe on the water to experience it up close, even a snorkel to have a peek under the water if you are more organized than myself. Absolutely beautiful and a must see!
Written October 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faisal Riaz
Toronto, Canada244 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
If you need a reason to remember why Canada is just so plain great, this is the perfect reminder.
Pristine water, well maintained & clean trails (please bring a garbage bag for your own trash) & a wonderful break for the hustle and bustle of a city.
To walk from the dock where Blue Anchor boats drop you off to the Flowerpot Island lighthouse/museum, give yourself about 3 hours total so you don't have to rush & can stop numerous times to take all the hecka amazing pictures your heart desires.
Pro Tip 5000:
Walk from the dock all the way to the lighthouse FIRST to avoid the crowds at the flowerpots - stop at each Flowerpot on the way back to the dock and the crowds should be less and your pictures will be great!
Pristine water, well maintained & clean trails (please bring a garbage bag for your own trash) & a wonderful break for the hustle and bustle of a city.
To walk from the dock where Blue Anchor boats drop you off to the Flowerpot Island lighthouse/museum, give yourself about 3 hours total so you don't have to rush & can stop numerous times to take all the hecka amazing pictures your heart desires.
Pro Tip 5000:
Walk from the dock all the way to the lighthouse FIRST to avoid the crowds at the flowerpots - stop at each Flowerpot on the way back to the dock and the crowds should be less and your pictures will be great!
Written September 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
goingbe42old
Muskoka District, Canada
what is the price to go on the glass bottom boats
Written September 13, 2020
Hello. We are 8 people (5 adults and three children 10-10-6) and we are going to visit the Park on April 2018 (Easter period). We want to know if the park is open and what we can do there in one or two days. Thank you.
Written December 28, 2018
Which cruise company does anyone recommend ?
Once they drop off the flower island , is there schedule for pick up?
Written July 2, 2018
We used blue heron and we were happy. I’m sure there are other good options as well.
They have plenty of departure times available both coming and going. Also have the option of taking the longer glass bottom boat trip one way and the faster express jet boat on the other way.
You book your time slots for both the outbound and inbound trips, and which type of boat you want (same price).
Written July 30, 2019
I have two questions!
1) Is there a boat tour that includes both a stop at flowerpot island AND a view of the shipwrecks? From the website it doesn't seem like it but I thought it'd be better to ask.
2) Is it better to book a boat trip ahead of time or can I book one once I get there?
Thank you!
Written June 9, 2018
Yes we did this with Blue Heron (maybe other cruises do this as well). On the glass bottom boat, you stop in Big Tub Harbour and can see two shipwrecks before heading towards Flowerpot Island.
Written July 30, 2019
We are planning our day at Fathom Five and, after spending time in the Visitor Centre we want to hit the trails. On the map, I don't really see any beaches in Little Dunks Cove so just wondering if there are swimming spots at the end of any of the trails as it would be nice to have a bit of a cool down before the hike back to the Visitor Centre.
Written July 20, 2017
This morning, it was 48F at approximately 70 feet deep. Ambient air temperature as of 3 pm is +27C. Divers on our boat this morning were diving WITHOUT hoods & gloves at ~30 feet by noon.
Written August 23, 2016
jispencermaine
Camden, Maine
What is the current water temp at flower pot Island in C. or F. ( we use F but can convert)
Written August 21, 2016
The air temperature, as of August 10th, was 82F. Go to the Five Fathoms Marine Park website at Parks Canada for current details (surface temperatures necessitate a wet suit [at depth I dive in a 7 mm wetsuit]).
Written August 22, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 13
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing