flowerpot island tours blue heron

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!

Flowerpot Island is 6.5km off the coast of Tobermory, Ontario making it a perfect day trip. The island is known for its turquoise waters and famous "flowerpot" rock pillars. #FlowerpotIsland #Tobermory #BruceCounty #Ontario #Canada

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.

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.

Making the Most of Your Visit to Flowerpot Island, Fathom Five National Marine Park

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!

[email protected]
519-596-2555

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Book A Cruise!

Sail With Us!

Book your sailing with us to experience Flowerpot Island and an unforgettable viewing of two nineteenth-century shipwrecks!

Our glass-bottom vessels run daily to Flowerpot Island. In addition to our breathtaking tours, we offer flexible return times, competitive cancellation policies, and unparalleled onboard commentary.

Tobermory Eclipse

Tobermory evolution, tobermory explorer, tobermory frontier, tobermory crusader.

Tobermory’s Finest Attractions

Flowerpot Island

Accessible only by boat, just 6.5 kilometers off the coast of Tobermory lies Flowerpot Island, one of Canada’s most fascinating natural attractions.

Over 20 shipwrecks are found in Fathom Five National Marine Park. They are a magnet for divers; non-divers can view the wrecks from our glass-bottomed tour boats.

Motel & Cottages

Enjoy the most spectacular view in Tobermory from Georgian Bay! The Bruce Anchor Motel is located within walking distance of the Chi-Cheemaun. It is a convenient place to stay overnight before boarding the ferry in the morning! Anyone and everyone will enjoy the rather fine amenities of the motel and cottages for a longer stay in the beautiful village.

New! Bruce Anchor Villas

Nestled amongst the cedars, we offer a variety of accommodations to meet your needs, from small rustic cabins to modern pine and cedar decorated motel rooms.

Bruce Anchor Cruises

Give the gift of experience!

Send your friends and family on a beautiful glass bottom boat tour to Flowerpot Island!

Purchase Gift Certificates!

Blue Heron Company

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0

You Might Also Consider

Style 4U Travel a Travel Best Bets Connected Agent

Discover Your Next Adventure with Style 4U Travel! As the owner of Style 4U Travel and a Travel Best Bets Connected Agent, I specialize in crafting personalized experiences for cruises, luxury getaways, and adventure travel. Whether… read more

in Travel Agents

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

PROS: + SAFETY: My friend recommended that we take the Blue Heron because it is a lot more steady than the jet boats. Because I didn't want to upchuck my lunch, I thought that this was well worth the little extra money spent. + SERVICE: The staff on the boat/cruise were very friendly and helpful. I found the customer service reps not as helpful when I purchased the ticket. At first, I was turned away on the Saturday because the last scheduled cruise time doesn't let you walk the Flowerpot Island (would've been helpful if the pamphlet reflected that). CONS: - SOUND: The "guided tour" was rather muffled from the sound of the water. Not that I'm complaining, however, I feel like they need a better speaker system. At nearly $50/ticket, you'd think they would be able to afford it (plus easily 100+ seats per trip). - TIME: I think they gave us a little under an hour to wander the Flowerpot Island, I personally would've preferred more. I guess, from a business standpoint, giving their customers more time on the island would lead to less cruise times and thus less money. I appreciated that Blue Heron Company added additional cruise times to facilitate the fact that I (and many others) visited the last week of the season. I came pretty close to missing the cruise option of wandering the Flowerpot Island. Typically the last scheduled cruise does not let you wander the island so be sure to make note of that when booking your ticket!

Took the last glass bottom boat tour at 3:40pm. There's not much to see in the shipwreck, you just see some shadows of a raft. And the glass bottom is a rip off, the glass is so far down the boat; you can't walk on it. Plus, there wasn't anything to see in the water anyway on the whole the ride! Some of the islands are nice; it was a really sunny day so the water was very blue. Thanks for warning us when water is going to hit us. I'm disappointed in this tour specifically, I can't say about the others from Blue Heron because I haven't been on those. But I would've done the drop off cruise to flowerpot island instead, because there's more things to do there and you can chill by the water all day. So it's worth more your money since the drop off and glass bottom are the same price I believe. I just couldn't take the drop off because they sold out that day. I don't recommend the glass bottom boat tour; the shipwreck and glass bottom is unrated and and not worth $40. Take another tour and make your money worthwhile.

This, along with Blue Anchor Cruises, are one of the two ways to get to Flowerpot Island. Blue Anchor Cruises appears to be faster and smaller with more ships, while Blue Heron seems to be more scenic and like a tour. Many of the ships take you to see several ship wrecks on the way to Flowerpot island. The boats also have a glass bottom (albeit quite small), which allows you to see the ship wrecks. Seems like many people were eager to go home early due to some bad weather, and unfortunately, they won't let you on the boat if you don't have the proper ticket. The cost is $38 Canadian dollars round trip (about $30 US).

We took the "guided tour" on the glass bottom boat to Flowerpot Island and this boat is alright, big enough to cut through the waves. I was a bit surprised of where the "glass bottom" was, on bottom deck there are two windows where you look down through some enclosed 1ftX1ft window. The boat wasn't late to leave for Flowerpot island, but it was late to from Flowerpot island. But it also seems they added a lot extra boats when demand got greater which is good. Only thing is they were quite late, this may be as a result of choppy waters but who knows. The people there did their best to stay organized but it'd be good to know why everything was so late. The express boat is really the way to go. The waters are choppy and this boat goes 70km/hr to cut through them. I'd say it's a bad idea to sit in row1 and row2 because row1 you have nothing blocking you from the wind. The girl up front had this tank top that was blowing off she could hardly keep it on. row2, well there are only 4 people in row1 so row2 gets the next most wind. I saw in row3 and it really wasn't that bad from that point on. Blue Heron also runs a shuttle to/from Bruce Peninsula National Park from Tobermory. It's convenient because the parking lot is small at the park, but their system to get people on the bus is first come first serve and it is not very frequent. So if you miss one, you gotta just stand there waiting for the next one for like an hour. Each bus holds approximately 26 people. I'm not sure why they don't do a reservation system, but I guess it gives them ability to add buses for those who take risk and wait there. Overall, I think they do a good job on the trip to flowerpot, though try and figure out how come they are late.

14 of us took the glass bottom boat tour and saw sunken ships and flowerpot island..we got to take amazing pictures and the tour guide was so informative..we all learned a lot..the boat holds quite a lot of people but everyone is moving around all over the place taking pictures that no one is really in your way...we had a half price coupon for the trip in our hotel room and decided to do this trip..they even had several blankets onboard in case you get cold..

On our second trip to Tobermory in the last few years (this time with our 18 month old), we decided to take a boat tour to neaby Flowerpot Island (about 6.5 km North of Tobermory). There are a few tour companies to choose from, of course, and they are all seemingly competitive, in a really friendly, Tobermoryish way, with one another. We opted for Blue Heron Company's tours when the nearby Bruce Anchor Tours were sold out for the day. We thought we might be getting the second best (or something like that) but it turns out it was a great afternoon! We look the Flowerpot express which is a super-fast boat (travels at about 60-70 km per hour) and takes you from the Little Tub Harbour right in the heart of "downtown" Tobermory to the shipwrecks in Big Tub Bay nearby. The waters are so fantastically clean that you can see the shipwrecks up close and through several feet of deep Northern waters- pretty amazing if you're into that. Then, the boat turned into a turbo-charged ride to the Flowerpot Island, which is part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park- also very cool. You can choose to disembark there and then have a variety of hiking options around the island, where you can visit the two "Flowerpot" rock formations, some caves and a lighthouse. For me, the best part of the island was the large rock beach, beautiful clean waters and the feeling that we were somewhere else entirely in the world. Here are some cons: If you're hiking and bringing a baby, do yourself and buy (or rent in town) a baby carrier backpack thing- way easier. You cannot, under any circumstances, expect to successfully scale the trails on the island with a stroller. It's just not gonna happen. You should also wear shoes (i.e. not flip flops). We have two delays in depature times- one when first leaving and one when coming back. The first one was more irritating, because we were nearly 30 minutes delayed in departing, all because they were trying to pile more people onto the boat. It's a tad pricey- including the fee you have to pay to visit the Island to the park itself, it was $96 for two adults (baby was free) and the other options in town were cheaper, hence sold out, I guess.

We tried both the Flowerpot tour (with hike) and the 5 island tour on separate days. The guides and drivers were all friendly and helpful. We were put off by the ticket agent who didn't understand the tour lengths, nor how to get us on the right boat (express vs. glass bottom), but then talked to another ticket agent who was very knowledgeable. There is free parking for Blue Heron downtown if you know where to look (as we were told by the knowledgeable ticket agent). All-in-all very professional tours.

Other Tours Nearby

Find more Tours near Blue Heron Company

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

Tobermory Cruise with a Baby or Toddler (2024)

Heading to Tobermory this summer, and wanting to take a Tobermory boat cruise with a baby or toddler? You’re in the right place! Boat tours in Tobermory, when well planned, are a fun thing to do with kids of any age – including babies and toddlers.

Boat cruises are a main attraction in Tobermory, because they bring visitors to the famous Flowerpot Island, the Sweepstakes 1800s shipwreck, the Grotto, Niagara escarpment coastline, and other natural local wonders.

Going on cruises and travelling with a toddler can present some unique challenges to babies and older kids, so its best to be prepared.

There are three companies that offer boat cruises in Tobermory; Blue Heron , Bruce Anchor and Tobermory Wave.

Blue Heron and Bruce Anchor allow stay-on , and drop-off cruises options- (meaning, to stay on the ship for a round-trip cruise, or to get off the ship at Flowerpot island, and be picked up later.) You select your preference for stay-on or drop-off when you book your ticket.

We’re going to go through what the stay-on and drop-off cruises entail, and the similarities and differences between each cruise line so you can make the best decision for your family while you’re visiting Tobermory.

So, let’s dive in – Tobermory boat cruises with babies and toddlers.

Since the stay-on option is generally what I’d recommend for families with young kids, I’m going to start with what the two cruise offer for their stay-on cruises.

STAY-ON cruises (Blue Heron and Bruce Anchor)

Here’s an outline of Blue Heron and Bruce Anchor stay on options: the similarities and differences between them so you can make the best choice for sailing with your baby or toddler.

Both stay-on cruises with Blue Heron and Bruce Anchor:

Have glass bottom boats, which means there’s a small area inside the vessel that has a glass bottom.
Have both indoor and outdoor seating options (I liked this option so I could sit in a shaded area with my toddler)
Children under 4 are free, but still require a ticket
Allow online booking
Destinations include Big Tub Harbour to see the shipwreck and lighthouse, and Flowerpot Island
Are pet friendly (with some restrictions)

The differences between Blue Heron and Bruce Anchor STAY-ON options:

Blue heron .

1.5 hours long cruise (if you select the stay-on option)
Stay-on cruises leave daily at 10:50am, 12:45pm and 2:50pm
Operates from June 24th to September 3rd
Stroller accessible boarding
Leaves from Little Tub Harbour
You can cancel/get a refund before 48 hours
You can park at any of their parking spots located at: 7425 Highway #6, 7456 Highway #6, 7445 Highway #6 or 20 Head Street.

Bruce Anchor

70 minutes long cruise (if you select the stay-on option)
Operates from early May to early October
Departs every hour throughout the day from 8:30 – 3:35pm
They have their own dock , and its not in Little Tub harbour like Blue Heron’s is. It’s at 61 Front St, which is a 5-10 min walk from Little Tub Harbour
The boarding area is NOT stroller accessible . There are three flights of stairs to get down to the boat (however, they do allow umbrella strollers on the boat)
You can cancel/get a refund before 24 hours
You receive free parking during your cruise

Both DROP-OFF cruises

If you choose to get off at Flowerpot Island, you will be there for 3 hours before the next boat comes

You must buy a Fathom Five National Marine Park pass if you’re stopping on Flowerpot Island. Adults cost $6.90 each, and youth 0-17 years old are free of charge. You can buy these passes from the cruise provider directly, or online through Parks Canada .

Should you stay on the boat, or get off at Flowerpot Island?

Flowerpot Island is beautiful, but its covered in very uneven, rocky terrain, and also has flights of stairs. It’s not stroller-friendly , and none of the cruise companies recommend that you bring a stroller with you onto the island.

You know your child, and your hiking abilities best. I personally wouldn’t recommend getting off at Flowerpot Island unless your kids are 5+ years old , OR you feel confident carrying your baby or toddler for a 3-hour time-frame.

There is swimming at Flowerpot Island, but the lake is pretty cold , even in the summer. The average temperature would be around 15 C (59 F) on average; it might be closer to 20 C (68 F) by the end of July – but either way, it’s not comfortably warm.

There is a beach, but its not the sandy kind – its all rock. When the boat pulls up to Flowerpot island, you’ll probably see tons of kids on it, but most of them are school-age kids.

There are washrooms on the island, but they’re the compost type. There are no change tables . There is also no food for sale, wifi or any other amenities available on the island.

Flowerpot Island is a sensitive piece of nature that they are trying their best to preserve. If you bring any garbage, be sure to bring it back with you and leave the island better than how you found it.

If you choose to hike at Flowerpot, you will be there for 3 hours until the next boat comes to pick you up. This is a big part of why I think the drop-off options are more suited to older children.

Is one cruise company (Blue Heron or Bruce Anchor) better than the other?

Bruce Anchor tours and Blue Heron Cruises are both highly reputable, so you can’t go wrong with either of them. Your choice will likely depend on the time of year, and their schedules and availability.

Tobermory is very busy with tourists in the summer, so the availability of cruises does fill up, so if you have a time you’re very keen on, book it as soon as you can. I booked my cruise a couple of days in advance, and there was plenty of space, but it was a full ship on the day of departure.

One thing to keep in mind when booking your cruise is cancellation policies – Bruce Anchor allows you to cancel 24 hours in advance, but with Blue Heron you must cancel 2 days in advance. So just be pretty sure you can commit to the time when you book it, because the tickets aren’t cheap. One adult ticket is around $50-$60. Children under 4 are free on both cruise lines.

Other Tobermory boat cruise options with Blue Heron and Bruce Anchor

In addition to stay-on and drop off at Flowerpot boat cruises, Blue Heron and Bruce Anchor both offer:

Flowerpot express cruises (that take you straight to Flowerpot without stopping to see anything else)

Blue Heron offers:

A sunset cruise leaving at 7:30pm in the evenings, which takes you to the Niagara Escarpment coastline, Indian Head and the Grotto. These cruises are non-stop. Children under 4 are free, and youth 4-17 are about $10 cheaper than an adult

How does Ticketing Work?

I chose to sail with Bruce Anchor, for reasons I’ll get into below. However, one thing I find more convenient (especially with travelling with kids) is how the ticketing works with Blue Heron.

With Bruce Anchor, you need to go to 10 Bay street 60 minutes before your cruise to show your e-reservation to their ticketing office. 10 Bay street is a short 2-minute drive away from the docking area. If you don’t pick up your ticket by 60 minutes before departure, then they may sell them to someone else (I don’t believe you’d get a refund because of their 24-hour cancellation policy.)

I had my little one napping right before our cruise, so I called Bruce Anchor to ask if I could pick up my ticket much sooner – such as 4 hours before, or even the evening before. They were alright with this, and extremely accommodating. So if you have a similar predicament, just call them. They are helpful over the phone.

Blue Heron allows you to show up 15 minutes prior to departure and just show them your email reservation ticket. Bruce Anchor has plans in the works to make their ticketing process smoother as well for the future.

Line-ups for Tobermory Boat Cruises with a Baby or Toddler

The tickets you buy guarantees you a spot on the vessel, but not in a specific seat. There’s no priority seating option – its just first come, first served . Some people prefer to sit on top of the vessel, even though its direct sun, so that they can get the best view and shots.

Some people (like me) prefer the lower, indoor part of the vessel, in order to avoid the direct sunlight. However, I also wanted to sit directly by the ships edge, so that I could get good photos.

Its a personal preference, and I don’t find that one option fills up faster than the other. It just depends on the group. If you have a strong preference, try to show up 15-30 minutes before your cruise (regardless of whether its with Bruce Anchor or Blue Heron) so you’re more likely to get a spot you’re happy with.

There was an extremely long line up in front of me and I almost worried I wouldn’t get a good seat – but the ships are quite big with lots of space, so I got my preferred type of spot.

Tobermory Wave Adventures

Tobermory Wave is another boat tour in Tobermory, which leaves from Little Tub Harbour. There’s an option to book private boat tours with them. I wouldn’t generally recommend this company for parties with young children, only because it’s a longer cruise in a boat that is much smaller and doesn’t have any indoor seating options. However, unlike with Blue Heron and Bruce Anchor, you get to see the grotto as well 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, and you think your little one could handle sitting in the boat for 2 ½ hours – no reason not to go for it. With Tobermory Wave, an adult ticket is $70 and children’s are $62. They do have a 3-day cancellation policy, so keep this in mind when you book.

My Bruce Anchor Cruise with a 1-year old

I chose to sail on a Bruce Anchor cruise with my one-year-old, because we were staying at the Bruce Anchor motel, which is near Little Tub Harbour. Technically, it would have been fairly close to either boarding area, but it was much closer to the Bruce Anchor docking area. I simply strapped my 1-year-old in a carrier and crossed the street to the boarding area.

The first stop on the cruise is Big Tub Harbour. You see a pretty lighthouse on the ship’s right as it’s pulling in to the harbour (if you’re sitting on the left side, don’t worry – you’ll be able to see it on your side on the way back.)

The boat will spin around (slowly) so that you can see the shipwreck, Sweepstakes which sank in 1885, well preserved in the cool lake waters. The top of the ship is less than 5 feet from the water’s surface, so you can see the outline of the ship pretty clearly from the boat, and have good photo opportunities!

The captain of the ship will share some interesting details about the ship. It originally sank in Lake Huron, and was towed to Big Tub harbour. It’s now a popular snorkelling and scuba diving destination.

While I didn’t get off at Flowerpot, you can still see the beautiful rock formations from the boat and the famous flowerpot-shaped rocks. You have opportunities to take photos there as well.

By the end of our 70 min cruise with Bruce Anchor, my 1-year-old had just about had enough, so I was glad that the cruise didn’t last any longer than that!

What to bring on a Tobermory boat cruise with a baby or toddler

None of the cruise options I’ve seen offer any drinks or snacks, so you’ll need to be sure to bring anything your little one might need.

Things to Bring on a Tobermory boat cruise:

A good sunscreen (even the shaded areas on the boat can get pretty sunny)
Bottle of water
LOTS of snacks for young kids; especially babies and toddlers

In addition to the above, if you’re getting off at Flowerpot Island, you must bring:

Plastic bags to pack any of your garbage back in (diapers, wipes, food wrappers, doggie bags.) Flowerpot Island does not have any sort of waste disposal system, so you must bring all garbage back with you; gross as it may be. To continue the health of this delicate ecosystem, we need to leave no trace of ourselves as visitors
Extra water , since you’ll be there for hours
Any needed sippy cups or bottles for young children and babies
An umbrella for shade if you think you or your little one(s) will be sensitive to the sun. There are trees on Flowerpot, but a lot of the walking areas are not shaded

Conclusion: Should you take a Tobermory boat cruise with a baby?

By now, you should be prepared for your Tobermory boat cruise with a baby or toddler. With the right planning, Tobermory boat cruises are a fun activity for all ages and allow you to see some gorgeous Ontario natural beauty.

Final thoughts: Tobermory Boat Cruise with a Baby

We believe that a Tobermory boat cruise with a baby is a great way to spend time outdoors entertaining your littles ones, and see some of the most picturesque views in the Bruce Penninsula. You’ll be glad you did it!