Flowerpot Island Loop Trail

Route Description for Flowerpot Island Loop Trail

Although the Flowerpot Island Loop Trail is a fantastic hiking route, there are a few things to consider before setting out on your adventure. Firstly, the island is only accessible by boat and reservations can fill up rather quickly. Make sure to book your trip out to the island in advance to avoid getting left at the harbour. Additionally, the island does not feature any garbage facilities, so please make sure to pack out any waste that you might generate on your hike.

If you are looking for a fun adventure that isn’t too strenuous but will produce lasting memories, then the Flowerpot Island Loop Trail may just be what you are looking for. After making your way by boat to the island, you will be able to explore the trails along the eastern portion of the island. Here, you will hike through beautiful stretches of forest and along a rugged coastline featuring the severely weathered flowerpot rock formations and stunning views looking out onto Georgian Bay. With easy-to-navigate trails and pleasant terrain, this short and exciting hike can easily be enjoyed by the entire family.

Setting out from the trailhead at the Flowerpot Island dock, head to the northeast along the trail as it leads you along the forested shoreline. After 0.7 km, you will pass by the large flower pot rock formations that tower above the water and provide the island with their name. On your left, there will be a series of natural caves that can be explored, so long as they are open to the public.

From here, follow the trail as it turns away from the edge of the water and leads you toward the northeast, where you will find the Flowerpot Island Lightstation Museum. If you want to take an optional detour for some more beautiful views of Georgian Bay, take the path on the right to make your way along the edge of the water to the lighthouse. If not, turn left and follow the trail through the forest to the southwest.

Hiking between the Northern Bluff and Middle Bluff, you will arrive at a junction in the trail in 1.0 km. Turn left here and follow the trail to the east, as it takes you through the campsite to arrive back at the dock where you began the Flowerpot Island Loop Trail. If you are camping out on the island, take some more time to explore the natural beauty of the area, if not, you can head over to the dock to wrap up your journey with the return boat ride back to Tobermory.

Insider Hints for Flowerpot Island Loop Trail

• Flowerpot Island is only accessible by boat from Tobermory harbour during the May-October window. Make sure to plan ahead for your adventure and book your boat trip well in advance.
• Very experienced paddlers can canoe or kayak across to the island.
• The island does not have any garbage facilities, so remember to pack out any trash that you may bring.
• Wear proper hiking footwear with good ankle support for this hike.