We kicked off T’s summer with a camping weekend filled with nature at beautiful Tobermory.
The highlight was Flowerpot Island at Fathom Five National Park, known for its rock formations, scenic caves and lighthouse.
Our ferry ride to the Island on Sunday morning started with a tour of sunken shipwrecks along the Tobermory coast.
T was mesmerized by the shipwrecks, while I was in awe of the clear blue water.
The Georgian Bay air was refreshing and the trees and rocks along the island’s edge were calming.
We enjoyed a mid-morning hike on the Island. T enjoyed exploring, lost in his thoughts.
This was the smaller flowerpot formation.
It was charmingly beautiful up close.
The rocky shore, blue water and thick wall of trees made for inspiring views.
T can’t resist a pebbled peach and we gave him time to toss rocks in the water. It calms him.
When we made it to the large flowerpot, another shape came to mind.
The hubby, our friend and I mused about what would happen to the local tourism if these structures tipped over one day.
I think it would still thrive because the island was beautiful with and without them.
T wistfully said goodbye to the island as we left.
After a campfire hotdog lunch at our campsite, we hiked to the Grotto and Cyprus Lake at Bruce Peninsula National Park.
I loved how well maintained the trails are.
I had wanted to visit the Grotto and Cyprus Lake for years, a 30-minute walk from the parking lot.
It did not disappoint.
The rocky shores and clear turquoise water were otherworldly beautiful.
I felt thankful that a place this amazing was relatively close to home.
As warm and appealing as it looked, the water was freezing cold.
We dipped our bodies in for a few minutes and then relaxed on the rocks, while T threw pebbles in the water.
It was a wonderful way to end our long weekend, three days filled scenic hikes – like Burnt Point Loop Trail on the Saturday (below).
The outdoors are healing. They are a key part of my self care toolkit and we immerse T in nature because it calms him.
It was a great way to start T’s summer break after an up and down school year.
On our last morning, as we got up early and frantically packed our tent before the rain hit, T lamented he didn’t want to leave.
We promised we’d return one day and that there was a lot of summer left to enjoy.
As we drove back to the City, and the gray sky loomed, I thought about the blue waters, tattooed in my memory.
When I saw the clear blue water in your photos, I thought it looked almost tropical! Almost, because then you said it was cold. 😄 This sounds and looks like a really nice and fun holiday, Ab! The beautiful lakes, the rock formations, the green trails, plus the weather was perfect. If I had come to this place at T’s age, I think I would’ve been mesmerized by the ship wreck as well — and my imagination would’ve gone wild.
Thank you, Bama! We are very blessed to have such a beautiful place that is a close drive to the city.
Hope you are having a wonderful summer so far too!
Heaven and Paradise in one place, Flowerpot Island is truly a vision of what Summer dreams are made of. Thank you for making your reader feel like we were there with you and your family. Love every picture and adventure. I’m glad you get to travel for Summer. Every needs that great escape and just to have that special time and moments with self and love ones. I requested few days off in August just before school begins, hopefully I get to experience something this magical. Thank you.
Thank you. It really was a wonderful place and the blue water reminded me of some of the magical places that you share on your travel posts. We are blessed indeed.
I hope that you are able to enjoy your summer as well. They really do fly by fast. And hope your time off is a magical and rest filled one with your family!
Thanks Ab. Yes, hope the rest of Summer will be beautiful and memorable. Meaningful moments with family doing what we love, going to places we love are very important. Time no matter fleeting has to be celebrated just the way we want to. Take care.
What stunning pictures!!!! I wondered why nobody was swimming, why was the water so cold? This place would be worth visiting every year.
Thanks Diane. Tobermory is more north, so water is naturally colder and it was also beginning of July and water gets warmest mid summer. We’ll definitely be back! 🙂
Your pictures are gorgeous!! It’s always nice to have fabulous weather while camping. I can see why Flowerpot Island was one of the highlights of your trip. I agree, even if the flowerpot rock formations tumbled, the island would still thrive as the scenery is beautiful. You are much braver than I am to take a dip in the freezing water! I’m sure it felt refreshing given the heat. What a great start to the summer!
Thank you Linda. It was an amazing start to our summer. And we had another outing last weekend. This coming weekend will be more relaxing as we need to slow down. 😆 The water was very refreshing – that’s one way to describe it!
That’s awesome, especially since the weather has been fabulous for camping and spending time outdoors. I’m with you, some R&R is sometimes needed to recover from all the activities. I’m so happy it’s Friday! Have a wonderful weekend.
Have a wonderful weekend too!
Wow, that water is amazing! It does look so refreshing and clear but I laughed out loud about how cold it is. Wow, what a wonderful trip and I loved this post taking me along for the ride. It calmed me too! Thank you, Ab.
Thank you, Wynne. It was a wonderful weekend and I miss it already. Glad it provided some calm for you too! 😊
The Bruce Peninsula has got to be one of the prettiest places in Ontario. Thank you for bringing these memories back, but I can’t stop laughing at where your imagination takes you 🤣
Thank you! I feel thankful we finally got to visit. It was on our wishlist for many years. And we’ll be back one day again soon. I also recommend Killbear if you’ve never been.
And yes, those rock formations are interestingly shaped!
We were in Killbear many years ago. It may be time for a repeat visit!
The photos are amazing!!!!! So happy you guys have this as a memory now, and a place to go for future times!!!
Thank you, Rebecca! And you said it best, it’s all about creating wonderful memories. 😊
What a beautiful and soothing place. It looks like a wonderful experience Ab. <3
Thank you, LaDonna. It was wonderful and I feel blessed that it’s within our reach. A great way to start our summer. Hope you and your family are having a great one too!
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