Fathom Five National Marine Park

Located at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, near the town of Tobermory in Ontario, Fathom Five National Marine Park is a lakefront park with a rocky shoreline.  It is a part of the National Marine Conservation Area along the Georgian Bay of Lake Huron and was established in 1987 to protect the unique underwater ecosystems and shipwrecks in the area.  The park is spread over 130 square kilometers and includes 24 shipwrecks, numerous islands, lighthouses, distinctive geological formations, and freshwater ecosystems. 

Fathom Five National Marine Park is famous for its shipwrecks, some of which date back to the 19th century, including the Sweepstakes, a 19th-century schooner, and the City of Grand Rapids, a steamer, making it a popular destination with divers.  This park is home to several islands, with Flowerpot Island being the most famous due to its unique rock formations, which are naturally sculpted sea stacks.  It also plays a significant role in protecting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, supporting diverse endemic plant and animal species, including the monarch butterfly, the eastern ribbonsnake, and the eastern whip-poor-will.

Fathom Five National Marine Park does not have lifeguards but offers many other amenities, including restrooms, showers, picnic areas, picnic tables, shaded areas, marinas, an observation deck, hiking trails, campsites, a visitors center, restaurants, and hotels.

Fathom Five National Marine Park offers many fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, camping, hiking, ice diving, and snowshoeing.  If you are planning to go into the water, it has a safe place to go swimming.  The water near the beach is shallow, which is ideal for canoes, kayaks, and small boats.  Visitors can also rent beach equipment or book kayaks, glass-bottom boat tours, and boat tours.  You can enjoy glass-bottom boat tours that offer intriguing views of the shipwrecks and underwater ecosystem.

Snorkeling and diving are the most popular activities among visitors to Fathom Five National Marine Park.  The presence of crystal-clear waters, unique rocky formations, diverse marine life, and historic shipwrecks attracts a large influx of snorkelers and divers all over the world, especially during the summer.  The waters in the park are known for their exceptional clarity, often allowing visibility of up to 30 meters.  In addition, divers may spot numerous shipwrecks lying in shallow waters, which provide fascinating glimpses into maritime history without the need for scuba gear, making it a fascinating spot for nature enthusiasts. 

Hikers can enjoy the nearby hiking trails, including the Bruce Trail to Little Dunks Bay, the Bruce Trail Burnt Point Loop, and the Tobermory Harbour Trail, which offer unique insights into the local biodiversity and spectacular views of Georgian Bay.   If you enjoy camping, you may reserve a campsite to explore the Fathom Five National Marine Park.  There is a point near the beach known for taking the best Fathom Five National Marine Park photos.  If you are visiting during the winter, you can enjoy ice diving and snowshoeing. Dogs are not allowed here, and the beach is open from sunrise until sunset.

Fathom Five National Marine Park offers an access path for people with disabilities.

Getting to Fathom Five National Marine Park is easy - the park has a paid parking lot located at 120 Chi Sin Tib Dek Road, Tobermory, which provides easy access to the park.  Visitors must pay nine dollars per person as an admission fee to access Fathom Five National Marine Park.   You may refer to the Fathom Five National Marine Park map for locational details.parking at Fathom Five National Marine Park is available at designated lots within the park. There may be a parking fee, and it is advisable to check the specific parking regulations and fees before your visit. During peak times, parking availability might be limited, so arriving early is recommended.

The Saugeen Ojibway people were the traditional owners of the region and made a great contribution to preserving the flora and fauna of the region for thousands of years.  They provide interesting insight about Lake Huron and its ecological value to the reserve, park, and their overall livelihood.

There are many attractions near Fathom Five National Marine Park.  Bruce Peninsula National Park is a protected area located on the Bruce Peninsula that is known for its towering cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, rugged landscape, underwater caves, lakes, hiking trails, and diverse ecosystems.  Visitors can enjoy many fun activities, including camping, swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, rock climbing, hiking, and watching wildlife.  The Big Tub Lighthouse is a 14-meter-tall white, wooden structure with a lantern room at the top that offers stunning views of Big Tub Harbour and Georgian Bay.  It was built in 1885 and has been guiding ships safely into the harbor for over a century.  Flowerpot Island is a small island located just off the coast that is famous for its two natural sea stacks that resemble giant flower pots, which were formed by centuries of wave action eroding the dolomitic limestone.  The island features several caves, hiking trails, a lighthouse, and a variety of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and unique plant species, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.   Tobermory Harbour, located at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, serves as the gateway to both Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park, making it a popular destination for visitors exploring the region.  Visitors can enjoy many fun activities, including boat tours, fishing tours, diving, snorkeling, biking, kayaking, canoeing, shopping, and dining.  If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Greig's Caves is a series of ten interconnected limestone caves surrounded by dense forest that offer visitors an opportunity to explore impressive rock formations and enjoy stunning views of Georgia Bay.

If you get hungry, there are many nearby Fathom Five National Marine Parks.  Shipwreck Lee's serves amazing salads, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, meat, pork, and poultry dishes.  Crowsnest Pub & Restaurant serves amazing soup, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  Tacomory serves incredible Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, seafood, beef, meat, and poultry dishes.  StarvINN Restaurant serves delicious salads, burgers, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby restaurant, Pharos has outdoor seating areas that serve pre-designed meals.

If you are looking for a nearby Fathom Five National Marine Park hotel, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 3-Star Tobermory Princess Hotel is four minutes away by car and offers many amenities, including an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and complimentary breakfast.   A more affordable hotel is the beachfront 3-Star Bruce Anchor Villa & Cabins, which offers many amenities, including a barbecue grill facility and a picnic area.  Another moderately priced option is the beachfront 3-Star Tobermory Inn & Suites, which has many amenities, including free wifi and a tennis court.  A more reasonably priced option is the oceanfront 2-Star Big Tub Harbour Resort, which offers a few amenities, including free WiFi and a boat rental facility.  If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby hotel, the 2-Star Cedar Vista Motel offers many amenities, including a barbecue grill facility and a picnic area.