Here’s the short version of what to pack for Flowerpot Island: layers, real shoes, water, and a rain shell you probably won’t need but will be glad you have. The island is located inside Fathom Five National Marine Park, a short boat trip from Tobermory across Georgian Bay, and remains one of the area’s biggest tourist attractions. Picture this: two limestone sea stacks—the actual “flowerpots”—jut out of the water, sea caves cut into the cliffs, a light station standing at the north end…and the water underneath the boat is clear enough that you’ll be looking straight down at rocks and old wreck timber before you’re even close to the dock.
There’s more than one way to see it. Plenty of people never leave the boat and still get the flowerpots, the shipwrecks below the glass bottom, and the shoreline scenery. Others hop off at Beachy Cove for a few hours on foot. Neither one requires much gear, really. Below is what’s actually worth packing—what to bring on the boat, what to wear, food and water, plus a few rules to know before you step onto the island.
Essential Items for the Boat Cruise
Spending a few hours cruising Georgian Bay isn’t the same as spending a few hours ashore—so pack accordingly. Here is what you need to pack for a Flowerpot Island visit:
- Backpack. A small backpack covers most of it. Doesn’t matter if you’re getting off at Flowerpot or not—it frees up your hands for the glass-bottom viewing panels and gives you a spot to stuff a layer once the sun’s out.
- Sunglasses. Sunglasses earn their keep here more than usual. Glare off open water is rough, and polarized lenses actually make a difference when the boat’s cruising over a wreck.
- Sun protection. Sunscreen and a hat are a must, because there’s almost no shade once you’re out on the bay.
- Photo equipment. Whether you are taking photos with your phone or an actual camera, keep it out at all times. Between the flowerpots themselves, the wrecks below deck, and the light station, you don’t want to be digging through a bag for your one good shot.
- Portable charger. Bring a portable charger if you’re filming much of the trip – cold air and a camera running that long will drain a battery faster than you’d expect.
- Rain jacket. Even if the sky’s clear when you are leaving the dock, throw in a lightweight rain jacket anyway. Weather here shifts faster than the Tobermory forecast lets on, and a decent shell packs down to nothing.
- Motion sickness medication. Motion sickness? Take whatever you use before you board, not after you start feeling it—the crossing takes 30 to 50 minutes, and calm water isn’t guaranteed.
- Binoculars. Binoculars are worth it if you like wildlife or just want a closer look at the shoreline and light station without leaving your seat.
- Money. Bring cash or a card too, since within the town of Tobermory, there are shops and cafés worth a stop before or after you embark on your cruise.
- Waterproof pouch. Don’t forget to get a waterproof pouch for your phone and wallet—cheap insurance against spray, an open window, and a couple of hours on the water doing their thing.
Ready to pick a time? Visit Bruce Anchor’s Schedule & Prices for more information.
What to Wear: Clothing and Footwear
Out on the water, the weather can feel completely different from whatever’s happening back in town. Clothing matters as much as anything in your bag—maybe more.
- Layer up. Mornings on Georgian Bay run cool, and even a warm afternoon can turn sharp once the boat’s up to speed and the wind’s in the mix. A base layer, something you can shed in the middle, and a windproof shell on top will cover most of what you run into between May and October. That windproof layer does more than people give it credit for—it’s not really about warmth; it’s about cutting the wind that builds up once you’re moving, and that’s what turns a mild day cold in a hurry. Underneath, comfort and breathability are the goals, especially if you’re hiking once you’re ashore.
- Pick the right shoes. Footwear is usually where people trip up. Between the uneven rock, roots, and loose gravel on Flowerpot Island’s trails, closed-toe hiking shoes or trail runners are really your only sensible bet. Flip-flops are fine on the boat but don’t hold up on the terrain once you’re headed toward the flowerpots or the light station.
- Pack an extra layer. Going in shoulder season, or even midsummer mornings and evenings? Bring an extra layer. The temperature swing on the water catches more people off guard than you’d think, particularly on the first and last sailings of the day. In warmer months, quick-drying fabric is worth having, especially if you end up wading near shore.
Dress for the lake, not whatever forecast you checked at the hotel. Georgian Bay does what it wants once you’re a few hundred metres from shore.
Food and Water Guidelines
Sort your food and water out ahead of time, and the rest of the day goes more easily, whether you’re staying aboard or hiking for a few hours.
- Bring lots of water and snacks. Bring more water than seems reasonable. There’s no source of drinking water on the island itself, so fill up before you leave Tobermory. Light snacks like trail mix, a granola bar, or some fruit hold up fine in a daypack without weighing you down.
- Pack lunch for longer trips. Spending several hours ashore? Pack lunch. Nothing’s for sale on the island, so whatever’s not in your bag, you’re going without until you’re back in town. Stick with food that won’t spoil or get flattened.
- Clean up after yourself. Leave No Trace rules apply throughout the park, and Flowerpot Island is no exception. Whatever you bring in, carry it back out—this helps to protect the plant life and keeps wildlife from learning that hikers mean an easy meal. Keep food with you while you’re moving, instead of setting it down and forgetting about it.
Amenities on the island come and go by season, so check what’s currently available before you travel rather than trusting whatever you read a while back. Once you’re off the boat and back in Tobermory, there’s no shortage of good food, with a broad selection of restaurants and cafes for any taste.
Important Island Regulations and Tips
A handful of rules keep Flowerpot Island in decent shape and keep your day from going sideways:
- Going ashore means paying the Parks Canada admission fee—there’s no getting around that. If you’d rather skip it, staying aboard still gets you the flowerpots, the shoreline, and the light station from the water, which works fine if you’re short on time or travelling with someone who’d struggle on rocky trails.
- Once you’re actually on the island, stick to the marked trails. Some stretches run close to cliff edges and rocky drop-offs, and stepping off the path puts both you and plant life that’s taken decades to establish at risk.
- Keep your distance from wildlife, and skip feeding anything—yes, even the chipmunks that look like they’re asking. Pack out everything, fruit peels included, and keep an eye on safety signage, especially near the caves and cliffs.
- Build in extra time to make it back to Beachy Cove before your pickup. You don’t want to be late, as missing your boat means being stranded on an island with no way off until the next available sailing—if there is one that day.
Have more questions about the trip? Visit the Bruce Anchor’s FAQ page for answers to the questions first-time visitors ask most.
Ready for a Day on the Water?
When packing for a Flowerpot Island cruise, get the basics right—layers, decent footwear, enough food and water—and the rest of your trip takes care of itself. Check the forecast if you want, but pack for the lake anyway, because Georgian Bay rarely cooperates with the app’s forecast. Book early if you’re travelling during peak season—spots disappear fast. Between the cruise, the Sweepstakes and City of Grand Rapids shipwrecks, and the choice to walk the island and see the flowerpots up close, it’s worth doing properly. Book a Cruise with Bruce Anchor and go find out for yourself.
