Camping
Fathom Five National Marine Park
Flowerpot Island offers the only camping experience in Fathom Five National Marine Park. With Georgian Bay at your doorstep, it’s a unique place to spend the night on the island.
Six tent campsites are located near Beachy Cove, each equipped with a wooden tent platform. A free‑standing tent is required.
Important Notice: Day and overnight visits to this national park take place on an island and are only accessible by boat. Campers must arrange their own boat transportation or book with a private tour boat company.
Backcountry camping features
- Before going to the island, you must ‘check-in’ (obtain your camping and day use permits) at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory
- There are six tenting sites on Flowerpot Island, each with a wooden tent platform. Tents must be placed on platforms, free-standing tent required
- The sites are a short walk from Beachy Cove - the main dock on the island
- Access to the island is by private tour boat from Tobermory, your own boat, or kayak (experienced paddlers only)
- Pleasure boaters please note: Private motorized vessels must dock at the camper dock adjacent to campsites. Vessels must be no more than 24 ft. Paddlers can pull up their canoes or kayaks on shore. Motorized boats cannot anchor in Beachy Cove due to commercial boat traffic and safety considerations (anchor slipping)
- There is one composting toilet facility near the campsites
- Potable water is not provided - filter, boil bay water or carry in water for drinking
- Bad weather can leave you stuck on the island for an extra day or two - extra provisions for at least two days should be packed
- The island is isolated, so be prepared with everything you need
- Campsite check-out time is at 11 am. If you are returning to the mainland on a private tour boat, you are expected to return on the first boat of the day back to Tobermory
- If planning to dive in Fathom Five, you must first register and purchase a Dive Tag at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre
Island map
Map of Flowerpot Island Facilities
How much does it cost?
Applicable fees for camping at a backcountry campsite:
- Campsite fee - primitive
- Reservation fee
- Daily admission
The cost of a boat transportation to the island can vary. Contact a local operator to learn more.
What should you bring?
This list is not exhaustive! Need help knowing what to bring? Look at our camping checklist or download the Parks Canada App where you can edit and save your own packing checklist.
- Free standing tent
- Sleeping bags and mats
- Flashlight, lantern or headlamp, extra batteries or battery pack (electricity is not available at these locations)
- Personal gear: clothing, accessories, toiletries and towels
- Personal safety items: whistle, first aid kit, sunscreen and bug repellant
- Cooking stove and equipment, cooler, food and drinks, water filter or purifier, reusable water bottles, etc.
- Entertainment items (i.e. binoculars, books, cards or sporting equipment, etc.)
- Other (rope; hatchet, etc.)
Things to keep in mind
Food
- Food and cooking related items must never be left unattended on a campsite as this will attract wildlife
- Food should be stored in hard sided containers in the food storage lockers to prevent smaller animals from getting in
Fire
- Campfires are not permitted on Flowerpot Island
- Only gas stoves with a shut off valve are permitted for cooking; charcoal or woodburning stoves are not permitted
Waste
- You must pack out all of your garbage with you when you leave. Burning, burying, or leaving garbage is prohibited
Respect
- Electronic music (radios, speakers etc.) and any other excessive noise are prohibited at all times
- To protect the park ecosystem, stay on park trails. Removal, damage or disturbance of any natural or cultural items (sticks, stones, rocks etc.) is also prohibited
- Please leave your site as tidy as, or tidier than, you found it
A few rules
In addition to the national park’s camping regulations, Parks Canada users must follow a few additional rules:
- Alcohol and cannabis use is only permitted on your tent pad. No alcohol or cannabis consumption is allowed between the hours of 10 pm - 7 am
- During long/holiday weekends, alcohol and cannabis is strictly prohibited
- Pets must remain on a leash at all times
- Drones are not permitted to take off or land within the park
- Fireworks of any kind are prohibited in the park
- All structures must be kept on the wooden tent platform. It is prohibited to hang hammocks from trees
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