Fathom Five National Marine Park in Tobermory, Canada is only a four-hour drive from Toronto, but it couldn’t be any more different. Tall buildings and bustling streets full of honking cars fade away, replaced by Lake Huron’s sparkling waters. Ancient rock formations made of dolomite, some 420 million years old, rise through the calm surface, letting visitors know that this seemingly calm body of water is actually just the beginning. There’s so much more to discover at Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Cliff-edge forests and rare orchids make the breathtaking landscape serene. Calming. But more adventurous travelers can snorkel under the lake’s surface and see 22 shipwrecks, the gateway to Fathom Five’s mysterious past. Visitors who wish to uncover more of the national park’s secrets can camp overnight on Flowerpot Island, so they can wake up and dive right back into the park’s nature and history.
A Deep History
Before there were so many roads leading out to quiet areas like the Fathom Five, boats were the primary mode of transportation for people and materials around the Great Lakes. Tobermory was a busy hub of activity for boats passing by the Bruce Peninsula. But it wasn’t always safe.
“There are many islands and rocky shoals in the waters here, and navigation technology used to be quite primitive,” explained Ethan Meleg, Acting Acting External Relations Manager. “Many of the shipwrecks in Fathom Five were wrecked during storms when the ships crashed, or were blown, into islands and shoals. Some of wrecks in Fathom Five are also the result of fires that occurred on the boats.”
The Fathom Five National Marine Park was originally created as a provincial park to protect the shipwrecks that were found there. It was established as Canada’s first national marine park in 1987.
Because of Lake Huron’s cold, clear water, the 22 shipwrecks just below the surface are quite well reserved. This allows visitors to see the area’s marine history firsthand.
“Scuba diving or snorkeling on the wrecks is a great way to learn about the marine history of this area. There are wrecks suitable for a wide range of diving skill levels and local companies that specialize in dive charters,” noted Meleg.
Shipwreck viewed from the surface at Fathom Five National Marine Park in Tobermory [Photo/Susana Silva]
One visitor noted that the shipwrecks, located in the “frigid freshwater time capsule” of Lake Huron, are also visible from up on a cliff, or by simply kayaking over the surface of the location. Some visitors even take a clear-bottom boat to the area, gliding peacefully over the wreckage of the less fortunate boats.
In fact, Five Fathom offers glass-bottom boat tours.
Another traveler said they could even see the shipwrecks from a helicopter as they flew over the islands.
“On a clear day, you can see those wrecks and the divers going overboard to see them,” said the Trip Advisor user. “Lake Huron from above is a sight to behold.”
Nature Views Like No Other
It’s hard not to stare out into the expansive, still water and ponder the shipwrecks. To imagine the stories behind each one. To study the craftsmanship of each boat. The history each one had spill out of it as it sunk.
But visitors looking above the surface discover even more spectacular sights.
“We are surrounded by crystal clear waters and beautiful, rugged shorelines,” said Meleg. “There are expansive forests and unique geological features, preserved in a wilderness setting… the result is scenic!”
According to Meleg, the best way to view all of the beauty of Fathom Five is by climbing the 20 meter tower at the Parks Canada Visitor Center right in town. From there, visitors can see all of the nature and beauty that make up the Fathom Five islands.
Meleg has been working for Parks Canada for over 20 years, and has spent most of that time on the Bruce Peninsula. He still remembers the first time he ever took in the sights of Fathom Five National Marine Park.
“The first time I ever walked out to the Fathom Five shoreline,” he recalled, “and saw the clear blue waters… I was awestruck. The water was so beautiful I was literally speechless.”
Summer Activities Abound
It’s hard to look past the still, sparkling waters and the stoic shipwrecks of the Fathom Five. But while it’s a peaceful escape to nature, the park offers many ways for visitors to further connect with the landscape.
By booking a tour on a privately operated tour boat, guests can travel to Flowerpot Island. Named after the land’s iconic flowerpot rock formations on the shore, the island has an abundance of hiking trails that lead to the island’s historic lighthouse keeper station. Many people camp out on the island under the clear, starry skies. Amongst the birds and orchids.
When the sun starts to rise, visitors can explore Fathom Five in a variety of ways. This includes scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and even joining interpretive programs at the Parks Canada Visitor Center. This is where guests can talk to people like Meleg, who can offer some advice on how to best take in the beauty and history of the marine park.
“I am passionate about these national parks because of their natural beauty and diversity,” said Meleg. “I love taking my kids out exploring the trails and teaching them about how special this place is. And I love working for Parks Canada because I get to help protect the parks while sharing my passion with all visitors so they appreciate it as much as I do.”
Meleg advises visitors to plan ahead when visiting Fathom Five National Marine Park. July and August are the most popular months for the park, especially on holidays and weekends. Booking tours, camping, and accommodations ahead of time is very important. And you don’t want to forget hiking shoes.