Cove Island Lighthouse
A picturesque red and white lighthouse on Georgian Bay, best viewed from boat tours departing from Tobermory.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better cruise availability
Cove Island Lighthouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better cruise availability
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque red and white lighthouse on Georgian Bay, best viewed from boat tours departing from Tobermory.
"One of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world... but it needs to be REACTIVATED!"
🚢 Book Boat Tours Early
Advance booking for cruises to see the lighthouse is essential, especially for popular glass-bottom boat tours.
📸 Capture from the Water
The best photos of Cove Island Lighthouse are taken from a boat. Plan your cruise accordingly.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 16 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cove Island Lighthouse
Georgian Bay
A picturesque lighthouse offering stunning views and a glimpse into maritime history. A must-see on Georgian Bay.
Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise
Tobermory
Explore shipwrecks and marine life beneath the waves while en route to iconic sights like the lighthouse.
Flowerpot Island
Fathom Five National Marine Park
Unique rock formations and hiking trails with a historic lighthouse. Accessible via boat tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Cove Island Lighthouse Visit
Getting the Best Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Boat Tours Early
Advance booking for cruises to see the lighthouse is essential, especially for popular glass-bottom boat tours.
📸 Capture from the Water
The best photos of Cove Island Lighthouse are taken from a boat. Plan your cruise accordingly.
💡 Consider a Lighthouse Petition
Some visitors wish the lighthouse was reactivated. There's a mention of a petition to bring it back to life. [^Review]
🚗 Parking for Cruises
If you book with certain cruise lines like Blue Heron, they may provide parking. Check their website.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Boat Tours Early
Advance booking for cruises to see the lighthouse is essential, especially for popular glass-bottom boat tours.
📸 Capture from the Water
The best photos of Cove Island Lighthouse are taken from a boat. Plan your cruise accordingly.
💡 Consider a Lighthouse Petition
Some visitors wish the lighthouse was reactivated. There's a mention of a petition to bring it back to life. [^Review]
🚗 Parking for Cruises
If you book with certain cruise lines like Blue Heron, they may provide parking. Check their website.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cove Island Lighthouse incredibly beautiful and a highlight of boat tours from Tobermory. Many appreciate its historical significance and picturesque setting, especially when viewed on a clear day. However, some express disappointment that the lighthouse light is no longer active, feeling it diminishes the experience.
"Very very beautiful"
Poet Nitin Chopra
"One of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world... but it needs to be REACTIVATED! Petition the township to turn the lighthouse (and other lighthouses and beacons on the island) back on!
This used to be a staple of every Chi Chi Maun boat ride (to see the flash of the rotating light in the lighthouse). Now they shut it off and it has lost the very essence of what it is. What a shame."
Taekwondo Time
"It amazes me there is so much history behind this lighthouse"
Tricia Norcia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cove Island Lighthouse is best viewed from the water. Access is typically via boat tours departing from Tobermory, Ontario. Popular options include glass-bottom boat cruises that pass by the lighthouse as part of a tour of Fathom Five National Marine Park.
No, Cove Island Lighthouse is an island and cannot be reached by car. You must take a boat tour from Tobermory to see it.
The drive from Toronto to Tobermory is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point.
Yes, there are parking options in Tobermory. Some cruise companies, like Blue Heron Cruises, may offer parking as part of their booking. It's advisable to confirm parking arrangements when booking your tour.
Near Cove Island Lighthouse, you can explore Fathom Five National Marine Park, visit Flowerpot Island, see shipwrecks, and enjoy the town of Tobermory. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need separate tickets for the lighthouse itself, as it's viewed from a boat. However, you will need to purchase tickets for a boat tour that includes passing by the lighthouse.
Prices for boat tours vary depending on the company and duration. A glass-bottom boat cruise to Flowerpot Island and passing the lighthouse can range from $50-$100 CAD per person. Booking in advance is recommended.
Boat tours typically operate daily during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Hours can vary, so it's best to check the specific cruise company's schedule online or by calling.
While same-day bookings might be possible, it's highly recommended to book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak season or on weekends, to guarantee your spot.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or group bookings. It's worth checking the cruise company's website or contacting them directly for any available promotions.
📸 📸 Photography
The most stunning photos are captured from the water during a boat tour. Aim for clear skies and consider the angle from the boat for the best composition.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting conditions, with softer light and potentially fewer glare issues on the water. Clear skies are ideal for vibrant blues.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse and its surroundings. If you have a telephoto lens, you can get closer shots of the details. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
Yes, you can get some distant shots of the Cove Island Lighthouse from Flowerpot Island, but the views are much more dramatic from the boat tours.
Drone usage may be restricted in national marine parks. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit