Sherman Falls - Ancaster, Ontario

The Hamilton area is blessed with an abundance of easily accessible waterfalls and is host to many visitors through out the summer who come to take pictures and enjoy the natural beauty.

Although visited by many in the summer months, these waterfalls become much less frequently visited in the fall and winter months. In my opinion, this becomes an ideal time to explore as the area takes on a whole different feel during these seasons.

Taking advantage of a mild fall day, I recently headed out, with kids and dog in tow, to explore Ancasters Sherman Falls. Easy to get to, the trail starts right where Old Ancaster Road meets Lions Club Road in Ancaster and meanders over reasonable easy terrain for the short distance to the base of these falls.

There is a wooden bridge that crosses the stream right near the base of the falls that presents a great vantage point for photo taking.

Sherman Falls is a 17 metre multi tier waterfall surrounded by rugged limestone rock, mossy rock and natural forest. It is absolutely beautiful in the summer but in my opinion is great to visit all year.

An easy day trip, consider Sherman Falls when looking for a place to day hike or to take amazing pictures.

Flower Pot Island - Part 2

Leaving the flower pots behind, the main trail continues along the shoreline taking you to a large cave which is accessible by a set of stairs.

Some of the cedar trees that grow from the tiny crevasses in the rock are centuries old and you can’t help but be amazed at their ability to survive in such a harsh environment. The age of some of these tree’s are incredible. Growing from the cliff face, researchers from the University of Guelph found one cedar to be over 1800 years old, making it the oldest known living tree in eastern North America. The cave itself is beautiful and a great place to cool off before continuing your hike across the island.

Continuing down the trail, you will eventually get to the lighthouse at the north-easterly point of the island. Although the original lighthouse was built in 1897, a new, more modern version was constructed on the cliff face in 1969. This site features a lighthouse museum which is the former light keepers’ home and the view from the veranda is spectacular. This is a great place to have lunch and take photos before hiking back.

Plan to spend the better part of the day exploring this great island hiking, taking photo’s and swimming in the cool, clear waters of Georgian Bay. For the more adventurous, the island features 6 campsites complete with tent platforms if you wish to stay overnight. These sites are not reservable and are available on a first come first serve basis.

A beautiful spot and a truly unique destination, Flower Pot Island is just one more reason why I return to Tobermory every summer.

Flower Pot Island - Part 1

From the moment we stepped off the zodiac and onto the island, I knew that we had arrived somewhere special.
The trip to Flower Pot Island begins in Little Tub Harbour in Tobermory, probably my favorite little town in Ontario.
As the zodiac leaves the harbour and enters the waters of Fathom Five National Marine Park, the waves begin to grow. Crossing the wake of the M.S. Chicheeman as it takes its passengers and vehicles across to Manatoulin Island, the zodiac captain ensures that all passengers get good and wet.
Approaching Flower Pot Island, your eyes are immediately drawn first to the water which is incredibly tropical looking, and then on to the two sea stacks for which the island is named.
These stacks which are made of dolomitic limestone were created by the surrounding rock slowly being worn away by the crashing waves of Georgian Bay, leaving these magnificent stacks behind.

It’s a short hike from the boat dock, through a trails bordered by ancient cypress and cedar trees to the shore where these two flower pots stand, silently standing guard over the island. Standing at the base of them, your imagination takes you back to a time when the water level, much higher than it is today would have been crashing into them, eroding the surrounding rock and eventually receding, leaving only these rock formations standing.
This is a great place to swim, take photos or to meditate, taking in the natural beauty around you. You very quickly feel that you have arrived at a unique destination on the planet, truly a very special place.


Next week: Hiking the island.