Flowerpot Island with Kids: Family Guide to Trails, Glass Bottom Boat, Ferry & Rock Towers

Planning a family trip to Tobermory? Flowerpot Island is one adventure you really should add to your list. Part of Fathom Five National Marine Park, it is best known for its two giant rock pillars that look like flowerpots, short scenic hiking trails, and a lighthouse that feels straight out of a storybook. But honestly, the fun starts before you even get to the island, with a glass-bottom boat ride over real shipwrecks and those gorgeous Georgian Bay views.

The best part is that Flowerpot Island works well for kids. The trails are short enough for little legs, there are plenty of cool things to spot along the way, and the lighthouse museum gives everyone a peek into island life from the past. Pack a picnic, keep your eyes out for wildlife, and it all adds up to a family day trip that feels adventurous without being overwhelming, a perfect day trip or weekend getaway from Toronto.

 

Choosing Your Cruise

To reach Flowerpot Island you need to book a boat from Tobermory. The two main companies are Blue Heron Cruises and Bruce Anchor, and both offer glass-bottom boats. We went with Blue Heron, and you can read our full review of that experience here: Blue Heron Cruise Tobermory with Kids (Is It Worth It?)

For Flowerpot Island, the tour you want is the Drop-Off Cruise. It takes about 45 to 50 minutes on the way out, includes a shipwreck and lighthouse, and gives you around three hours to explore the island before returning. There are other options like a scenic cruise, sunset trip, or even a jet boat, but if your goal is to actually set foot on Flowerpot Island, the drop-off is the way to go.

 

Glass-Bottom Boat Experience

One of the coolest parts of heading to Flowerpot Island is the boat ride itself. If you book with Blue Heron Cruises, you get to ride a glass-bottom boat, which is a total hit with kids. The boat passes right over a shipwreck in Big Tub Harbour, and the water is so clear that you can see the old wooden hull resting on the bottom. Standing over the glass panels and spotting the details below feels like an adventure all on its own.

Not the whole bottom of the boat is glass, but there are large sections where families can gather and look down. Some boats even have two glass viewing areas. And even if you cannot snag a spot directly over the panels, the shipwrecks are also visible from the side of the boat because the water in Georgian Bay is crystal clear.

The ride is about 45 to 50 minutes, which is just long enough to keep kids engaged without anyone getting restless. Along the way you will also see lighthouses, other islands, and those stunning turquoise waters that Georgian Bay is famous for. Honestly, it feels like you are getting a mini cruise and an attraction before you even arrive at the island.

👉 Try to board early so you can grab a good viewing spot near the glass panels. And if you are traveling with pets, Blue Heron allows dogs on board, but they have to stay on the outside decks.

 

Arriving and Hiking to the Flowerpots with Kids

Once the boat pulls up to Beachy Cove, your adventure on Flowerpot Island really begins. The dock area has a few essentials like a Parks Canada shelter and washrooms, but there are no shops or restaurants, so make sure you bring your own drinks and snacks. If you booked with Blue Heron, your Parks Canada entry fee is already included in the ticket, so you can just hop off and start exploring.

From the dock, it is about a 15-minute walk to the Flowerpots, and the path is perfect for kids. The trail is clearly marked and mixes boardwalks, rocky stretches, and a few sets of wooden stairs. It feels just challenging enough to keep kids interested without being too long or difficult. Strollers do not really work here, so a carrier is the way to go if you are traveling with little ones.

The highlight, of course, is reaching the two famous Flowerpot rock formations. They are massive limestone pillars that look like giant flower vases, shaped over thousands of years by wind and waves. This is the ultimate photo spot, and kids usually love scrambling around the base to get a closer look. Just be careful, the rocks can be slippery, especially near the water, and climbing too high is not safe.

If you still have energy and time, you can keep going to see the caves carved into the cliffs or take the trail up to the Castle Bluff lookout for a wide view of Georgian Bay. But even if you only do the dock-to-Flowerpots walk, it is more than enough for younger families and still feels like a real adventure.

 

Other Things to See on the Island

While the Flowerpots steal the show, there is plenty more to discover on the island if you have the time and energy. One of the best stops is the Flowerpot Island Lighthouse Station, about a 45-minute walk from the dock. The red-roofed lighthouse is run by volunteers and doubles as a small museum. Inside, kids can peek into restored rooms that show what life was like for the lightkeeper’s family, think vintage bedrooms, an old wood stove, and even toys from decades past. There are also displays about shipwrecks and local history that are fun for curious little explorers.

The lighthouse station is also one of the few places where you might find snacks for sale in the summer months. They only accept cash and stock is not guaranteed, so it is smart to bring your own picnic just in case. There are picnic tables outside the lighthouse with beautiful views of Georgian Bay, making it a great lunch spot if the kids need a break.

If you have extra time, check out the caves near the Flowerpots or continue to the Castle Bluff lookout. From there you get a sweeping view across the bay that really shows off the scale of the Niagara Escarpment.

 

Wildlife & Nature

Flowerpot Island is not just about rocks and history, it is also a great place for kids to connect with nature. The trails wind through cedar, spruce, and pine forests, and some of the twisted old cedars clinging to the cliffs are over 1,500 years old. It is pretty wild to think they have been standing there since long before Canada even existed.

The island is also home to lots of birds like gulls, cormorants, loons, and osprey. If you are lucky, you might even spot a bald eagle soaring overhead. Smaller critters like red squirrels and snowshoe hares live here too, and garter snakes are common along the trails. They are totally harmless, but kids usually get a kick out of spotting one sunning itself on the rocks.

For families who love nature, these little discoveries often end up being just as exciting as the famous Flowerpots.

 

What to Pack for a Family Visit

Since Flowerpot Island is part of a national park, there are almost no services once you get there. The only place that sometimes sells snacks is the lighthouse, and even then stock is limited and cash only. A smart idea is to pack an easy lunch, sandwiches, fruit, and granola bars work perfectly. Bring enough water for everyone too, especially on hot days, since there are no fountains.

Sturdy shoes are a must for the rocky paths, and you will want sunscreen, hats, and bug spray depending on the season. The weather on Georgian Bay can change quickly, so it helps to bring a light jacket or extra layer, even in summer. If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, skip the stroller and go with a carrier since the trails have stairs and uneven sections. And do not forget a fully charged phone or camera, you will want it for the Flowerpot photos.

 

Tips for Parents

A few practical things to know can make your day run a lot smoother:

• Parking: Blue Heron lots can fill up quickly in peak season, and they are not right at the dock. Plan to arrive early and allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes to walk from your car to the boarding area.
• Washrooms: There are only two sets of washrooms on the island, one at the dock where you land and another at the lighthouse station. Plan bathroom breaks around them.
• Timing: The drop-off tour gives you about three hours on the island, which is usually just right for families to walk to the Flowerpots, maybe explore the lighthouse, and have a picnic. Keep an eye on your ferry return time, since boats do not wait for late passengers.
• Weather: Cruises are weather-dependent. If the forecast calls for strong winds or storms, sailings can be delayed or canceled. Check ahead and have a backup plan, especially if you are traveling with little kids.
• Garbage: Since this is a national park, you have to pack out everything you bring in. Bring a small bag for your trash so it is easy to carry back onto the ferry.

 

Final Thoughts

If you are visiting Tobermory with kids, the Flowerpot Island Drop-Off Tour is the way to go. The glass-bottom boat ride was a huge hit with our kids, they loved standing over the floor panels and spotting the shipwreck below. The hike to the Flowerpots is short and fun, with just enough variety to keep little ones interested, and the views when you finally see those giant rock towers are absolutely worth it.

Three hours on the island felt like the perfect amount of time to explore without rushing, enjoy a picnic, and snap plenty of photos. It is adventurous enough to feel special, but still very doable for families. If you are looking for a memorable Ontario day trip that mixes nature, history, and just the right amount of challenge, Flowerpot Island delivers.

Looking for more Ontario family day trips? Check out our guides to Canada’s Wonderland with kids and Toronto Zoo family tips.