flowerpot island tours blue heron

Blue Heron Flowerpot Island Cruise

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

24 Carlton Street

Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0

You Might Also Consider

Style 4U Travel a Travel Best Bets Connected Agent

in Travel Agents

GTA Prestige Limo

in Taxis, Limos

People also searched for

Hotels & Travel

Things To Do

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

I've always wanted to go to Tobermory to see the Grotto. I thought that would have been my highlight, and although it was gorgeous, my highlight was actually the Blue Heron Flowerpot Island Cruise. We bought our tickets online very easily. I had a couple of questions as we were bringing a dog, and since our trip was fairly short and I had never been there I had some questions getting around. The staff were really helpful when I emailed them. When we arrived in Tobermory it was easy to pick up our tickets. The staff told us about the various free lots we could use throughout Tobermory with our parking pass. We parked in the main lot near the ticket centre and used their free shuttle to get down to the dock. It wasn't too far away so you could easily walk as well. The cruise was spacious and had indoor and outdoor space. They spent a lot of time around the sunken ships which you could see from the glass bottom inside the boat, or standing outside. Then you're dropped off at Flowerpot Island. The island is absolutely gorgeous. There are lots of places to swim, hike, and enjoy nature. There is a little snack shop that sells chips and pop, but most people bring their own food and picnic. They give you about 4 hours on the Island which is the perfect amount of time to enjoy your day. You don't feel rushed, and you're also not dying to get off the island. If and when I get back to Tobermory, this trip will be at the top of my list.

Blue Heron is one of the two cruise companies in Tobermory that will take you to Flower Pot Island. Chose this one because it was ever so slightly cheaper than the other company and the times matched things we were planning to do. They have several options for boats - glass bottom, jet boat. Each has it's own schedules and pros and cons. There is also one boat that just does a boat tour - basically you don't get off on the island for this one, they just take you to see things and you stay on the boat - great for those who are unable to hike long distances but still want to see everything. Service: The people at the office were great - answered all our questions, kind and courteous. At the dock, people were also fantastic. Very clear instructions and safety content. Guides on the boats were informative, engaging and fun to listen to. Boats: We tried the glass-bottom boat on the way there which was great. They go over the shipwrecks and you can see them really clearly through the glass bottom. That ride was about 40-45 mins. Don't worry about fighting for a seat near the glass bottom - everyone just gets up and hovers around it anyway so hogging seats is pointless. Arguably, its better to explore the front of the boat or go to the top and then come to the glass bottom during the shipwreck portions. On the way back, we took the jet boat - super fast only 20 mins. I have a major tendency to get motion sickness but both these boats were travelling fast enough that I had no problems. Schedule: The boats come and go from the island and Tobermory fairly often. ProTip: You CAN hop onto an earlier return boat (doesn't even have to be the same boat you paid for) IF they have space. My group ended up finishing exploring the island an hour early before our scheduled departure - the Blue Heron employee told us we could join the standby line for the earlier boats - if there was space, they'd take us. There ended up being space and off we went - saving 1 hour of our time to explore other things in Tobermory. Parking: They provide free parking if you book with them. They have a main lot and a secondary one. We were early enough that we got into the main lot by their offices. Price: Since there are only 2 companies, it is pretty price-y. We paid over $50 per person for a round-trip. It would be nice if they came up with a family package or something since I could see it getting pretty expensive for larger families.

Blue Heron is a good company with good service however they do share a dock on Flowerpot island with Bruce Anchor and Bruce Anchor is always extremely slow when it comes to boarding the boat so we have been stuck in the rain a few times because of them but they do your job and get you from Point A to Point B with reasonable prices but overall a good company

My boyfriend and I took our two dogs on the Jet boat (the only boat that accepts dogs). The staff was very friendly and accommodating. I'm so happy that they allow dogs on this boat and we could take a day trip out to the island where we hiked with the dogs and enjoyed the views. This was my second time on their jet boat with my dog (visited once a few years ago). I decided to return with my boyfriend and his dog because I had such good service the first time.

Very well done. On time. Organized and accommodating. Probably the parking signs could be improved. The agent sent us to paring spot 5. We never found it. Was a confusion between parking B and 5? Other than that it was a very pleasing trip. Good work

Waste of time. They say children is free, youth $30 something. My child is 6 yrs old and they charged us for youth. Not sure what "children free" means. Babies? Not specified. Obviously children is not free. It's all lies. Mis-advertised, Never coming back here again. Will be putting a complaint in. Took a picture of the board. When I confronted the manager, she told me it was common sense. Very rude and arrogant attitude. Only reason I went with it is, my wife wanted to go on it. After all this written, they realized their mistake and they reimbursed me for my child.

I enjoyed this cruise! Unfortunately the day we went, it was cloudy, misty, foggy, and a bit rainy - but the experience was still amazing! You have a choice between picking the speed boat, or the tour boat which goes over the shipwreck (but it takes longer to get to flowerpot island). They call it a "glass bottom", which gives you the impression that you will be walking on glass inside the ship and be able to see underneath into the water... but in fact it is just a small section inside the boat that is about 10 feet lower than the floor that has glass, but it is surrounded by railings so you're not able to walk on this. It's good for a first time experience, not sure if I'd do it again though since we pretty much hiked all over the trails on flowerpot island, so there isn't much more to see there.

People Also Viewed

Blue Heron Company

Bruce Anchor Motel & Cruises

Cyprus Lake

MS Chi-Cheemaun

Escarpment Heights Motel

Tobermory Village Campground

Harmony Acres Campground

Kicking Mule Guest Ranch

Happy Hearts Park

Owen Sound Transportation Company

Other Tours Nearby

Find more Tours near Blue Heron Flowerpot Island Cruise

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

• Passport Magazine and Coupon Book
• Field Trip Planner
• Summer Contest
• Buy Experience Passes
• Things To Do
• Places To Visit
• Field Trip Planner For Educators
• Search For Meeting & Event Spaces
• Gift Certificates & Memberships
• Virtual Tours & Online Collections
• Educational Activities For Kids
• Take Our Attractions Quiz
• Event Listings
• Members Area

• Accommodations
• Arts and Culture
• Casinos and Gaming
• Festivals and Events
• Food and Drink
• Golf Courses
• Great Outdoors
• Historic Sites and Landmarks
• Parks and Gardens
• Theme Parks
• Tours and Sightseeing
• Water Parks
• Zoos and Aquariums
• Passport Coupon Book
• Search For Meeting & Event Spaces
• Gift Certificates & Memberships
• Virtual Tours & Online Collections

Blue Heron Company – Cruise Tobermory Claimed

Tobermory blue heron boat cruises.

In business for almost 50 years, Blue Heron Cruises has the latest and best innovations in boat design.

Our new Glass Bottom Boats have the largest glass bottoms in Tobermory as well as an upper, open air deck and a lower enclosed cabin. Move around between decks to take in a natural beauty from all angles. Our forward facing seats ensure you always have a superior view.

Exciting open-air Jet Boats are perfect for those who want nature full-on! Exhilarating speed and for the lucky perhaps a little splash of Georgian Bay! With spacious, comfortable forward facing seating, our Jet Boats take in all the scenic highlights including an excellent view of the shipwrecks.

Our knowledgeable and experienced crew offer insightful commentary at all stops and are happy to answer all your questions.

Boat Cruises:

Flowerpot island drop off tour.

Cruise To Flowerpot Island, visiting the shipwrecks on the way. On this tour you depart the boat at Flowerpot Island to Explore!

Glass Bottom Tour of Shipwrecks, Lighthouse, Islands then depart the boat and Explore Flowerpot Island!

Choose this cruise option if you wish to leave the boat to explore the trails, cave, lighthouse and shoreline of Flowerpot Island.

This drop off tour is available on a Glass Bottom Boat or Jet Boat to Flowerpot Island. Both boat options offer excellent views of Big Tub Lighthouse, two nineteenth-century shipwrecks, and Flowerpot Island.

Please note that shipwreck tours not available on Sundays before 12 noon.

Scenic Glass Bottom Stay Aboard Cruise

Includes Shipwrecks & Tour of Fathom Five National Marine Park Including Flowerpot Island

Glass Bottom Tour of Shipwrecks, Lighthouse, Islands & The Flowerpots

Take a 1 hour & 30-minute tour on the 125 passenger Great Blue Heron. This non-stop glass bottom tour begins with a visit to Tobermory’s other harbour, marked by Big Tub Lighthouse, where you will view two 19th century shipwrecks. From there you will cruise through the Devil Island Channel as well as the narrow channel between Cove Island and the Otter Islands. This cruise also sails past the light station at Flowerpot Island with the final highlight – a photo opportunity at the two world-famous Flowerpots – before returning to Tobermory Harbour via Middle Island (or “Plucky” as it is known locally)

Tobermory Escarpment Sunset Tour

Sunset cruise along the beautiful Niagara Escarpment to the Grotto.

Enjoy this little known gem of a cruise as it meanders along the cobblestone bays and coves of the unspoiled Niagara Escarpment coastline. View the Grotto and Indian Head Cove from the water. Be awed by the majesty of the towering cliffs at Cave Point. When Mother Nature is showing off, there will be a sunset to crown your holiday.

Hot drinks and snacks are available on board at our tuck shop.

Departure times vary to coincide with the sunset.

7425 Highway 6, Tobermory, ON, Canada

• 1-855-596-2999
• https://cruisetobermory.com

( Blue Heron Company – Cruise Tobermory )

Claiming your business listing.

Please provide your business email which will be use for claim procedure.

Please provide your verification details which will be used for claim procedure.

NEW USER? TO SIGNUP ENTER AN EMAIL

Claim request is processed after verification..

August 3, 2017

The perfect visit to flowerpot island.

Flowerpot Island - What to Know Before You Go

How do i get there, what operator should i chose .

Where can I buy tickets? 

How much does it cost.

What is a glass bottom boat?

What time should i go  .

How long should I spend on the island? 

• 1.5 hours:  See the flowerpots and cave 
• 3 hours:  See the flowerpots, cave & light station 
• 4-5 hours:  See the flowerpots, cave, light station, picnic, hike the entire loop trail

What facilities are available on the Island?

• Compost toilets (at Beachy Cove and light station)
• Picnic shelter
• Hiking trail
• Camp sites (reservations required)
• Historic light station and museum
• Small snack bar available at light station (cash only)

What do I need to bring?

• Sturdy footwear   
• Bathing suit, towels
• Hat, sunglasses
• Hand sanitizer
• Bag for garbage
• Enough water to last the entire visit
• Snacks and/or picnic lunch

I’m traveling with my children. Are strollers allowed? 

Are there garbage facilities on the island, is there drinking water available on the island.

Additional questions about a trip to Flowerpot Island, or another experience in or around Tobermory? Please ask! I’d be happy to help!

Big Time Travels

A Day Trip to Flowerpot Island: A Visitor’s Guide

Flowerpot Island is a stunning island that is part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park.   At the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, you will find Flowerpot Island 6.5km off the coast of Tobermory , Ontario.   The island is known for its turquoise waters, rugged coastline and famous rock pillars, known as “flowerpots”.  During the summer, people flock to the Flowerpot Island as a day trip to get a glimpse of its serene beauty.

What are Flowerpots?

The “flowerpots” are giant rock pillars that have formed after many years of harsh weather conditions.   Elements such as wind, ice and waves repeatedly thrashing against the coastline, have caused the limestone to erode, leaving the remarkable rock pillars.   Many people believe that the remaining rock formations resemble flowerpots, hence the name Flowerpot Island. 

Getting to FlowerPot Island for a day trip

In order to visit Flowerpot island, you must take a boat, as it is an island after all.   The most popular way to visit Flowerpot island is to prebook a seat on one of the tour boats that shuttle visitors back and forth from Tobermory.   Normally, tour boats operate from mid-May until October as long as the bay is safe to cross.   Blue Heron Cruises and Bruce Anchor Cruises are both reputable tour operators in Tobermory that make day trips to Flowerpot Island possible.

Tip : Boats make multiple trips to and from the island throughout the day, but can get busy.  It is recommended to book your preferred times in advance.

Shipwrecks on the Way to Flowerpot Island

On the way to Flowerpot Island, your tour operator will stop by Big Tub Harbour.   Once at Big Tub Harbour, you’ll get the chance to admire the Big Tub lighthouse and the shipwrecks that remain below the water.   Both shipwrecks, The Sweepstakes and The City of Grand Rapids are visible from your boat through the clear waters of Georgian Bay.   This area of Georgian Bay has been known to be ruthless to many boats in the past.   With over 20 shipwrecks in the area, Tobermory has become a popular scuba diving location during the summer months.

Things to do on Flowerpot Island

As your boat approaches Flowerpot island, you’ll start to see the “flowerpots” and beautiful coastline.   While c ruising around the island you’ll quickly notice that Flowerpot Island is an outdoor enthusiasts playground.   The “flowerpots” are a huge draw to the island, but there are plenty of other things to do as well.   The island offers a great trail system, beautiful lookout points, a cave, swimming, a historic light station and a good ole dose of fresh air.   To be able to see and do everything Flowerpot Island has to offer, I suggest spending 4-6 hours.

Hiking on Flowerpot Island 

Given that the island is small in size, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground.   Hiking around Flowerpot Island is the best way to see the main points of interest.   If you’d like to see all the main attractions on the island, the 4.3km trail is the one you’ll want to follow.   The trails are classified as moderate as some spots are rocky and can have a bit of an incline.   Overall, the trails are easy to navigate.

If you’re arriving by tour boat, you’ll start your day at the Beachy Cove main dock.  From here you can follow the hiking trail to take you to past the “flowerpots” and their lookout points, which are incredible!  If you keep carrying on, you’ll stumble across a cave and eventually end up at the historic light station.  The trail provides you with many opportunities to peek out and look at the alluring water and scenery around the island.  Hiking around Flowerpot Island is certainly a highlight for many visitors.

Swimming and Snorkelling Around Flowerpot Island

The water around Flowerpot Island is the most stunning shade of turquoise, making you feel as if you’ve been transported to the Caribbean.   The water here looks very inviting, but it generally stays quite cool, even during the summer months.   If you can brave the cool temperatures, there are some nice swimming spots around the island.   It must be noted that swimming locations are rocky and can drop off quickly, so be mindful of where you are.   Since the water around the island is so clear, many people enjoy bringing their snorkel gear to explore the under water world.

Camping on Flowerpot Island

Flowerpot Island is often visited as a day trip, but camping on the island is possible.   If you’re interested in camping, you need to make your reservation well in advance as there are only six campsites on the entire island.   With only six campsites, you’ll be given the unique experience to spend the night in almost solitude.  Visit  Parks Canada for more information on camping on Flowerpot Island. 

What to bring to Flowerpot Island

When visiting Flowerpot Island, the basic rule of thumb is to bring whatever you think you’re going to need for the day.   The light station does sell water, snacks and some smaller items for cash only, but it isn’t always open. 

It is important that you bring enough water with you because the island isn’t equipped with safe drinking water.   The island also isn’t equipped with garbage facilities, so you will be required to take everything with you off the island.

Things you’ll want to consider bringing on your day trip to Flowerpot Island:

• Sturdy shoes
• Food and water
• Sunscreen and bug repellent
• Snorkel gear
• Water shoes (Optional)

A day trip to Flowerpot Island is a great way to stay active and explore the great outdoors.  Between the coastal views and “flowerpots”, Flowerpot Island is sure to impress you.  If you’re interested in visiting other islands from Tobermory, Manitoulin Island is a great spot to explore for a weekend or a few days.

Since you’re thinking about Tobermory and Flowerpot Island, I recommend you dig a little deeper and explore some other jaw dropping locations Bruce County  has to offer.

Pin it! Share on Pinterest!

Want to see more of my travel photos? Follow me on Instagram! 

Want to stay connected? Join my Facebook Page!

One thought on “ A Day Trip to Flowerpot Island: A Visitor’s Guide ”

I need to visit this island, so beautiful.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• [email protected]
• 519-596-2555

We are now taking bookings for the 2024 season!

Enjoy flexible departure and return times.

Gift Certificates

Give the gift of experience! Send your friends and family on a beautiful glass bottom boat tour to Flowerpot Island!

Do you have questions about our tours, boats or points of interest? Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Tobermory Eclipse

The newest addition to the Bruce Anchor Family! The Eclipse is a state-of-the-art glass-bottom vessel designed to provide an unparalleled cruising experience. The 2023 season is the Eclipse's first summer in operations and it has already made a great impression. With large glass-bottom panels in the front cabin, a spectacular viewing area at the bow of the vessel, and large open-air sections on the upper deck and lower deck, the Eclipse delivers a great adventure for everyone. We are also proud to announce that the Eclipse was the first vessel in Ontario to be approved for an IMO-3 designation. This means that it is 4x more efficient than the current industry regulations dictate for a vessel its size. The Eclipse represents the pinnacle of Bruce Anchor's efforts to protect our waters and minimize our footprint.

Tobermory Evolution

This custom-built vessel was delivered to us in July 2016. We had it built to provide a unique viewing experience not seen elsewhere in the area while still ensuring the highest standards of passenger comfort. The Tobermory Evolution features two large glass bottoms, a large upper viewing deck and an enclosed glass canopy bottom deck. The UV-resistant glass canopy provides protection from the sun's rays on those hot summer days and from the wind, cold, and water-spray on cooler days, making it the most versatile tour experience in Tobermory.

Tobermory Explorer

Explore Fathom Five National Marine Park onboard the Tobermory Explorer! Originally designed as a whale-watching vessel, the Explorer was built to provide an immersive 360-degree viewing experience. This 75-passenger vessel offers a relaxing trip to Flowerpot Island with plenty of legroom. The Explorer has a fully heated cabin and a washroom onboard setting, the stage for a comfortable and enjoyable cruise. It also boasts a UV-resistant canopy to keep passengers out of the sun and not-so-nice weather.

Tobermory Frontier

This 50-passenger vessel combines the riding experience of the Crusader with the canopy protection of the Evolution and Explorer. A cross of adventure and comfort, the Frontier offers something for everyone in your group. With large glass bottom panels running down the center of the vessel, you can get a great view of the shipwrecks from any seat on board. The Frontier is currently running stay-aboard-only tours during the peak season.

Official Tourism Website of Wiarton, Ontario

Take your family on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour or a Jet Boat Tour through Fathom Five National Marine Park to Flowerpot Island. Both boat tours will take you to the best view of Big Tub Lighthouse, two shipwrecks and the famous flowerpots!  Flowerpot Island is famous for its natural sea stacks ‘Flowerpots,’ the caves, secluded campsites, historic light station, and iconic views of Fathom Five National Marine Park. You can choose to spend a half day or full day on the island.

Boat Touring to Flowerpot Island is operated by the following companies:

Blue Heron Company Phone No.:  519-596-2999      1-855-596-2999 Email:  [email protected] Website:  www.blueheronco.com Address:  7454 Highway 6, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0

Bruce Anchor Cruises Phone No.:     519-596-2555      1-800-591-4254 Email:   [email protected]   Website:    www.bruceanchorcruises.com Address:  7468 Highway 6, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0

• Add Review Name Title of Feedback Rating Rate review... 1 2 3 4 5 Description

What's Nearby?

MS Chi-Cheemaun

Travel & Transportation

Tobermory Boat Cruises: A 2024 Guide

Heading to Tobermory this summer, and want to take one of the famous boat cruises? You’re in the right place.

Tobermory is one of the most charming and unique small towns in Ontario , and is surrounded by some of the most scenic beauty. The boat cruises are one of the best ways to explore the rock formations of the Niagara Escarpment and the crystal-clear blue water.

Having been to Tobermory multiple times, I can break down the different cruise options for you, as there are so many of them.

The main thing you need to know is that there are two main cruise companies in Tobermory: Bruce Anchor, and Blue Heron. They have both been around for a long time, are tried and true and you’re unlikely to be disappointed with either.

Both of these cruise companies offer glass-bottom cruises, which Tobermory is famous for.

Whether you choose Bruce Anchor or Blue Heron depends on a few key differences and your personal preferences. I’ll share all the details so that you can make the best decision – and go over a few other cruise options as well.

By the end of this article, my hope is that you’ll have a pretty good idea of which cruise you want to book in Tobermory.

So, let’s dive in – a guide of Tobermory boat cruises!

Glass Bottom Boat Cruises

Here’s everything you need to know about the stops that will be made on the glass-bottom boat cruises

These glass-bottom boat cruises are offered by two different companies: Bruce Anchor , and Blue Heron. They both offer a ‘stay on’ cruise option, and a ‘drop off’ option.

The glass bottom cruises (whether you sail with Bruce Anchor or Blue Heron) generally make two different stops:

• Stop 1: Big Tub Harbour , which is a small cove. In the cove, you’ll see a Big Tub Lighthouse, and the 1880s Sweepstakes Shipwreck (pictured above) which is only 5 ft below the water and very well intact.
• Stop 2: Flowerpot Island , famous for its beautiful ‘flowerpot’ shaped rock formations.

You can either get off at Flowerpot Island and spend 1-3 hours, or you can stay on the cruise and simply admire the view from the boat.

The Stay-On Options (at Bruce Anchor and Blue Heron )

The stay-on option means that you stay on the boat for the round trip. You will go from Tobermory to the Big Tub, and then Flowerpot Island, and straight back again. The entire trip will take just over an hour.

If you choose the ‘drop off’ option, then you will get off the boat at Flowerpot Island, and you are picked up later.

Let’s go through what you need to know about each of these options.

The Stay-on Option

Tobermory is famous for its glass-bottom boat cruises. The water is crystal clear and the glass-bottoms allow you to see down to the floor of the lake.

The stay-on glass bottom boat cruises are perfect for anyone who doesn’t particularly want to hike Flowerpot Island, for whatever reason.

If you just want just the cruise without the hike, then this is the perfect option.

TIP: If you choose to sail with Bruce Anchor, they have two different ships. The Explorer and The Fusion. They both cost the same, and look fairly similar.

The Drop-Off Option

Both Bruce Anchor and Blue Heron offer the option for you to get off at Flowerpot Island and explore. Here’s a breakdown on how those work.

Bruce Anchor and Blue Heron both offer cruises that allow you to get off at Flowerpot Island, and stay there for a few hours before hopping on a cruise that takes you back to the mainland.

Both cruises:

• depart several times throughout the day
• their number of departures and prices decrease during peak times.

Pro Tip: You can expect to spend anywhere from $60-$70 per boat ticket on either of the cruises, depending on shoulder season or peak time, or adult or child ticket. Seniors get a discount.

Bruce Anchor vs Blue Heron

Both of these boat cruise companies are tried and true, and have been in town for a long time.

One is not necessarily ‘better’ than the other. They have similar pricing, similar hours, and similar rules and schedules.

The best one depends on what you prefer between the differences that set them apart. Here are a few key differences between the Bruce Anchor and Blue Heron experience.

Bruce Anchor Cruises

• The boarding area for Bruce Anchor is at 61 Front Street, which is about a 5-10 minute walk from Little Tub Harbour. It’s located on a shoreline with a really pretty view. (It’s the place where people go to catch a stunning sunset over the lighthouse.)
• Their cruises are slightly shorter (by about 10 minutes) only because their boarding area is closer to the destination than the Blue Heron boarding area
• Cancellation policy is 24 hours

Blue Heron Cruises

• Blue Heron Cruises boarding area is right in Little Tub Harbour. This is much easier and more accessible to get to, especially if you have any mobility issues.
• Slightly more flexible cancellation policy – 48 hours

Personally, I’ve always sailed with Bruce Achor. I initially booked with them because I was staying at their motel, which is just a stone’s throw from their boarding area.

I had a great experience cruising with my toddler that time, so I returned this past summer and sailed with them again; this time with my 3-year-old and pre-teen. Both kids loved it, and couldn’t stop talking about the cruise after.

I believe the key thing that sets the cruises apart is where you want to board from. Bruce Achor has a much more scenic boarding area (pictured above) plus its slightly closer to the destinations.

Blue Heron’s boarding area is right in Little Tub Harbour, so most people stumble upon it naturally and book on the spot. (It also means their cruises are more likely to be full – although both are very popular and both tend to fill up.)

A few things to note (about both cruise options)

• Book in advance. Both Bruce Anchor and Blue Heron are very popular and fill up fast
• “Peak times” on both of their websites refer to any time in the summer months – June, July and August.
• While 0-3 children are free of charge, they still require their own ticket , so don’t forget to include them in your booking

Compare schedules and book tickets in advance for Bruce Anchor and Blue Heron on their websites.

Should You Get Off at Flowerpot Island?

Flowerpot Island is a unique piece of natural landscape and is famous for its ‘flowerpot’ shaped rock formations, which can’t be found anywhere else. Here’s everything you need to know about exploring Flowerpot Island.

Generally speaking – of course you should! Flowerpot Island is a beautiful piece of natural landscape that is completely unique to this region and can’t be found anywhere else.

You can go swimming, hiking, have a picnic, or simply relax on benches and the rocks, taking in the views.

There are caves to explore, and of course, you’ll want to get photos of the gorgeous one-of-a-kind rock formations against the turquoise water.

Its an experience that doesn’t do justice until you can see it in real life.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind about visiting Flowerpot Island. Most people can visit it easily, but it may not be for everyone.

Things to Keep in Mind about Flowerpot Island:

• It’s not stroller-friendly, or wheelchair accessible
• There are no amenities: no food, no electricity or garbage cans.  Bring full water bottles, and a bag to bring your trash back in
• There are compost washrooms only
• The terrain is quite uneven and it’s not the easiest hike. Be sure to wear good walking shoes!
• Flowerpot Island is a sensitive piece of nature that they are working hard to preserve, so please leave it better than you found it. Take all your garbage back with you.

How long to spend on Flowerpot Island

When you book your drop-off cruise, you’ll be able to choose how long to spend on Flowerpot Island.

We spent 1 hour, because I thought that it would be challenging to do more than that with our 3 year old.

We ended up wishing we had done 2 hours, because 1 hour on the island isn’t a lot of time to see the cave, or to just spend time relaxing or taking it in.

One hour only really gives you enough time to get to where the famous ‘flowerpot’ stacks are, take photos at a few different lookouts, and run back to the boarding area for your departure time.

So, unless you only want the bare minimum on the island, then I recommend choosing the 2 or 3 hour time frame.

Things to Bring to Flowerpot Island

Add these to your Flowerpot Island or Tobermory boat cruise packing list.

• Hiking boots, or decent walking shoes
• Reusable water bottle
• Hat with good sun protection
• Swimsuit and towel, in case you want to swim
• Snacks, ideally waste-free, such as apples, bananas, etc.
• A bag to bring back any garbage (if you have any) since you can’t throw it out there
• Bug spray, or mosquito repellent stickers

Other Boat Cruise Options in Tobermory

The glass-bottom boat cruises are the most popular and well-known option, but there are others to consider as well.One of the most popular activities in Tobermory are sunset cruises.

Sunset Cruises

Sunset Cruises in Tobermory are offered through Blue Heron. They will take you to see the Grotto and the Indian Head Cove .

Departure times vary to leave it well-timed with the sunset, so the timing changes slightly throughout the summer months.

In spring, the sunset cruises leave on Saturday nights only. In the summer, they leave every night. All of these cruises are weather-dependent.

Tobermory Wave

Another boat cruising company in Tobermory is Tobermory Wave . Like Blue Heron, Tobermory Wave leaves from Little Tub Harbour. They don’t have glass bottoms – these boats are smaller, and more similar to a motorboat. Unlike with Blue Heron and Bruce Anchor daytime cruises, you get to see the grotto with Tobermory Wave.

So if you want to see the grotto in addition to  Flowerpot Island, and the Sweepstakes shipwreck from a boat in one tour – then Tobermory Wave might be what you’re looking for.

With Tobermory Wave, an adult ticket is $70 and children’s are $62. The tour is 2h 20 mins. They do have a 3-day cancellation policy, so keep this in mind when you book.

Tobermory Cruises: Where to Stay Nearby

There are a few accommodation options in Tobermory, but it’s always nice to be close to the harbour and the cruise boarding areas, to minimize the stress of commuting to the town and looking for parking.

If you’re sailing with Bruce Anchor, there’s nowhere more convenient to stay than their hotel , which is located just a stone’s throw from their dock. This is what I chose to do. It was convenient being so close by. The nice thing about The Bruce Anchor Hotel is that its also only a 5-minute walk to the Tobermory Harbour and restaurants . So the location was great all around.

If you’re planning to sail with Blue Heron, the Bruce Anchor motel is still close – about a 10 minute walk from the Little Tub Harbour where you’ll board.

Heading to Tobermory with kids? Click here to read about family-friendly accommodations in town.

Tobermory Cruises: Final Thoughts

We hope this covered the information you need to select the best Tobermory cruise for your stay. I sincerely hope that this was helpful to you. The cruises are a must, whether you’re in Tobermory with kids , or a group of adults.

Make the most of your trip to Tobermory by being well-informed, and knowing where and how to make the best cruise choice for you or your party.

The Top 9 Spots for Scenic Views in Detroit

Updated : August 13, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, WA

Table of contents.

• William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor
• Campus Martius Park/Cadillac Square
• The Spirit of Detroit Statue
• Sunset Point
• Blue Heron Lagoon
• Dequindre Cut Greenway
• Detroit Princess Riverboat
• Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

Plan Your Trip to Detroit with AAA

Detroit, Michigan, is one of America's great cities, attracting visitors with its rich automotive history, vibrant sports scene and significant arts and culture heritage. The city is also renowned for being the birthplace of some of the most influential music in the country.

Taking in concerts and club shows, hopping between top-class museums, relishing some outdoor dining along the riverfront, you’ll also be treated to a stirring cityscape that combines some eye-catching architectural icons with a proud grittiness. From skyline panoramas to gardenscapes, read on to explore the top 9 spots for scenic views in Detroit below.

1. William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor

• Address/Location: 1900 Atwater St.
• Visiting: Free entry. Parking, restrooms.

Opened in multiple stages as Michigan’s first urban state park, William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor (aka Milliken Park) is both a recreational playground, conservation site and key spot to take in the cityscape.

The park offers some of the city's best views, particularly from the 25-foot summit of a berm created in 2003 using dirt and sediment from harbor renovations. Fondly known as “Ze Mound,” this artificial hill provides a refreshing bit of topography in the otherwise flat Motor City. The hill has been enhanced with hand-railed stairways and a paved path leading to the top, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Detroit River and the Windsor, Ontario skyline. Additionally, a pair of spotting scopes at the summit provide color-enhanced views for colorblind visitors.

The harbor portion of Milliken Park includes another Detroit photo op: a 63-foot-tall lighthouse modeled after the historic one at Tawas Point up on Lake Huron in the northern Lower Peninsula.

2. Campus Martius Park/Cadillac Square

• Address/Location: 800 Woodward Ave
• Visiting: Open daily 7 AM to 11 PM. Garage, lot, & street parking.

In 1805, a fire obliterated the village of Detroit. When rebuilding, city planners marked a site called Campus Martius (“Field of Mars”) as the center of the new city. Campus Martius Park, installed in 2003 on that spot and ranked by USA Today as America’s “Top Public Square,” is indeed Downtown Detroit’s heart, a 1.5-acre gathering place and events venue (and wintertime ice rink) giving visitors fantastic center of the city views. Adjoining Cadillac Square includes such Instagram-ready landmarks as the Woodward Fountain.

3. The Spirit of Detroit Statue

• Address/Location: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center/Spirit Plaza (2 Woodward Ave)
• Visiting: Free to visit. Nearby street/garage parking.

Noted Midwestern artist Marshall Frederick was commissioned by the Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority in 1955 to make a sculpture embodying the spirit of humanity and progress. Frederick crafted what at the time was said to be the heftiest cast bronze statue made since the Renaissance: the 26-foot-tall seated figure that came to be known as The Spirit of Detroit .

Dedicated in 1958, the statue comes backed by a monument wall adorned with the seals of Detroit and Wayne County. An instantly recognizable symbol of Motor City, occasionally dressed in a jersey to celebrate the success of hometown teams, The Spirit of Detroit can be readily enjoyed downtown from Spirit Plaza at its feet.

4. Sunset Point

• Address/Location: Belle Isle Park (99 Pleasure Dr)
• Visiting: Belle Isle Park free to enter on foot or by bicycle; Recreation Passport required if driving here. Park grounds open 5 AM to 10 PM year-round.

Currently managed as both a city park and state park, 985-acre Belle Isle in the upper Detroit River is one of Motor City’s true treasures. And besides such attractions as the James Scott Memorial Fountain, Belle Isle Aquarium and Dossin Great Lakes Museum, this river island lays claim to some of the best views to see in Detroit. Perhaps the most celebrated lies at the far western tip of the island: the aptly named Sunset Point, where you can admire the sundown spectacle backdropping Detroit’s skyscrapers and flaring up the Windsor skyline across the river with day’s-end light.

5. Blue Heron Lagoon

• Visiting: See above entry on Sunset Point for park-visitation details.

At the opposite end of Belle Isle from Sunset Point lies the 41-acre Blue Heron Lagoon, the largest of the river island’s waterbodies. An ambitious restoration project in 2010-2013 revived a long-lost direct connection between the lagoon and the Detroit River, allowing native Great Lakes fish—including the mighty lake sturgeon—to once again travel freely between them. A pedestrian bridge that’s part of the Blue Heron Lagoon Trail lets you walk right over it, admiring views into the lagoon and out over the riverscape.

If you’re a fan of fishing and scenic views, you’ll definitely want to bring your pole along on a visit to Blue Heron Lagoon, which offers a fishing pier and hosts such gamefish as bluegill, yellow perch and rock bass.

6. Hart Plaza

• Address/Location: 1 Hart Plaza
• Visiting: Parking available.

One of Downtown Detroit’s go-to gathering places, Hart Plaza serves as a venue along the Detroit International Riverfront for numerous annual events, among them the Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival. Flanked by downtown buildings, the plaza—named after Michigan Senator Philip Hart—includes one of the city’s signature landmarks and classic photo ops: the Horace E. Dodge & Son Memorial Fountain, designed by celebrated landscape architect Isamu Noguchi.

7. Dequindre Cut Greenway

• Address/Location: Connecting East Riverfront & Eastern Market, Downtown Detroit
• Visiting: Free street & lot parking in vicinity. Access points: Atwater St., Franklin St., Woodbridge St., Lafayette St., Gratiot Ave, Wilkin St., Mack Ave.

This mostly sunken paved path, which traces a former Grand Trunk Railroad route, provides a two-mile-long walking, jogging and bicycling route between Downtown Detroit’s Eastern Market and Rivertown neighborhoods. A highlight is the graffiti making murals out of the bridge underpasses and abutments along the way—a reminder that art is an important part of the city culture.

8. Detroit Princess Riverboat

• Address/Location: 1 Civic Ctr Dr.
• Visiting: Seasonal public cruises; also available for private events.

Stellar views of the Detroit (and Windsor) skylines await you aboard the Detroit Princess , built as a Mississippi River casino riverboat and reborn as a Motor City sightseeing vessel in 2005. Its two- to three-hour tours give you a fantastic look at the Ambassador Bridge—busiest road crossing on the U.S.-Canada border—spanning the Detroit River as well as Belle Isle.

9. Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

• Address/Location: 1100 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI
• Visiting: Open year-round (admission charged) for self-guided & guided tours.

The 1928-built English manor-style house of Edsel Ford, son of Henry Ford and longtime president of the Ford Motor Company, and his wife Eleanor. With the site being a National Historic Landmark set at Gaukler Point on Lake St. Clair just a stone’s throw from Motor City, it makes for a grand interior tour. The Ford House exterior and estate gardens mean the grounds of this property lay claim to some of the nicest views in Detroit’s immediate backyard.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Detroit today. Dream up the perfect trip and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels , rental cars and entertainment tickets.

More Articles

Travel like an expert with aaa and trip canvas, get ideas from the pros.

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!