Fathom Five National Marine Park

Fathom five national park is located in Canada Ontario. It is a national marine conservation area which is aimed at preservation of lighthouses and shipwrecks, and fresh water ecosystem. It is managed by a government entity called parks Canada.

It is a great spot for divers and nature lovers where there are 20 islands and many shipwrecks. It has amazingly crystal clear waters offering beautiful underwater visuals of shipwrecks. Flowerpot Island is an important part of the park with many admirers.

Fathom Five National Marine Park Tickets

Entry at the park is not free. You need to buy tickets. You can get ticket from the visitor center in Tobermory. The ticket is for the national marine park and flowerpot island. Adults need to pay around 6 dollars, while senior citizens, families, and youth are charges lesser amount. Free admission for kids under 17. You can also buy tickets for boat tours to explore islands and shipwrecks.  These tours are held between the month of May and October.

Below is the fee table for all citizens.

ADMISSION
Daily
Adult$9.00
Senior$7.75
Youthfree
Family/Group$17.50
Commercial Group, per person$7.65
Annual
Adult$43.50
Senior$38.25
Youthfree
Family/ Group$87.25
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
Adult$75.25
Senior$64.50
Family/Group$151.25
Order your Discovery Pass here!
BACKCOUNTRY USE AND CAMPING
Backcountry Fees
Flowerpot Island, per person, per night$13.50
DIVER REGISTRATION
Per Diver
Daily$5.50

Fathom Five National Marine Park Camping

Camping within Fathom is limited to Flowerpot Island.  There are six campsite that offer an amazing night. These are very popular sites during summer, you need to make reservations prior to your camping plan, as the house might be full.

There are some rules for campsite such as:

  1. Excessive noise is not allowed
  2. Damaging or removing anything from the site is not allowed
  3. No bonfires allowed
  4. Liquor can only be consumed at campsite
  5. At max 4 people are allowed at campsite
  6. Fireworks is strictly now allowed

You can make reservations by going to this link www.reservation.pc.gc.ca or by calling 1-877-RESERVE (877-737-3783)

  1. Go to the above link given
  2. Click on login link in the top right corner
  3. You will see two option, login with bank account or           GCKEY
  4. Input your email and password
  5. Now make search for the camping option,
  6. Add how many people you want
  7. Go to the cart and make the payment

If you don’t have an account, you can click on signup button on the login page

  1. Enter you details like email and password
  2. Generate your GCKey ID
  3. Now go back to login to make reservations

Fathom Five National Marine Park Map

Before going to the park, getting hands on complete map is important. The maps are available online and at the visitor center. The maps are designed to provide information on Islands, shipwrecks, and trails. You can easily plan your tour with these maps.

Here is a link to see all the maps for the Fathom Five Park.

https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/on/fathomfive/visit/cartes-maps

Fathom Five National Marine Park Trials

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Fathom Five National park. A 4.3 km trail has gone around the flowerpot island. It takes you to witness flowerpots, a cave, and lighthouse with their scenic views. The terrain is a bit rough, but the mesmerizing views are worth it.

Here are some trails at the park:

  1. Burnt Point Loop Trail

It is a 5.1 KM trail, it moderately challenging. It takes almost 1 hour 15 minutes to complete.  You will come across many people hiking on the trail.

  • Flowerpot and Marl Bed Loop

It is famous for 2 rock pillars. Its length is 4.7 km, takes 1 hour 13 minutes to complete.

  • Bruce Trail and Burnt Point Loop Side Trail

It goes through observation tower on the way to little drunks bay. It is 3.4 km long, an estimated time to finish it is 48 minutes.

  • Merl Bed Trail

It is 2.4 km long, with an estimated 35 minutes to complete.

Fathom Five National Marine Park Visitor Center

The visitor is located in the town of Tobermory. It is also a starting point for boat tours and hiking.

For by car Goers

Cyprus Lake Campground:

Cyprus Lake Road,

Tobermory, ON

GPS: 45.225937 N, 81.524772 W

Fathom Five National Marine Park Things to Do

There are a plenty of options available to do in the National Marine Park.

  1. Island camping is one of the best option where you stay an overnight on the campsite with other campers. It is a lifetime experience.
  2. Scuba Diving offers beautiful cleans fresh waters. They are submerged with geological formations like cliffs, caves, overhangs, and about 20 shipwrecks let you through a great experience.
  3. Flowerpot Island trip is the best experience one can have, it is famous for flowerpot rock pillars, attractive caves, historic light houses, and unique kind of plants. You can also take a boat tour to spend a full or half day in the Island waters.

Fathom Five National Marine Park Shipwrecks

There are more than 20 shipwrecks Marine park of Fathom Five. They are as below:

  1. Sweepstake Schooner Shipwreck
  2. City of Grand Rapids Steamer Shipwreck
  3. Big Tub Lighthouse Point
  4. The Anchor
  5. The Tugs
  6. Cascaden
  7. China Two Musted Schooner
  8. John Walters Two Musted Schooner
  9. W.L Wetmore Steamer
  10. James C. King
  11. Newwaygo Steamer
  12. Philo Scoville Schooner
  13. Charles P Minch
  14. Arabia
  15. Marion L. Breck
  16. Forest City Steamer
  17. Avalon Voyager
  18. Caroline Rose
  19. The Caves
  20. Little Cove
  21. Dunks Point
  22. North Otterwall
  23. Niagra II

Why Is It Called Fathom Five

The Fathom Five name is derived from measure of water depth. It reflects the park’s aim to focus on an underwater world and its conservation of old shipwrecks.  It also includes the marine life of the area.

How Many Ship Wrecks Are In Fathom Five

There are more than 26 shipwrecks in the fathom Five park, with 4 of them known. People from Canada and around the world come to see these wrecks.

Can You Swim On Flowerpot Island

Yes swimming is possible on the flowerpot island. You can also take gear and equipment to experience scuba diving and witness the amazing marine life and shipwrecks. Care is advised by the authorities as the Island has rocky shore and has sudden drop offs.  

Can You Stay On Flower Pot Island

Yes there are 6 camping sites available on the island. You just need to make reservation from the visitor center or online as there is rush all the time.

Is Flower Pot Island Worth It

Yes the island is absolutely worth it for true nature lovers. The unique terrain; rocks formations, hiking trails, beautiful views of Gerogian Bay, make it the best destination. 

How Much Time Is Enough For Flowerpot Island

A normal visit takes up to 6 hours to see all the trails, caves, flowerpot formation,  and visit the lighthouses.

Are There Bathrooms On Flower Pot Island

Yes there are basic bathroom facilities on flowerpot island but they are quite limited, you must come prepared.

How Long Is The Tobermory Cruise

The duration from Tobermary to Flowerpot in cruise is around 30 minutes. Some tours also stop at the islands and shipwreck, which extends it to around 2 hours.

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