New Book Shares the Stories That Shaped Flowerpot Island — and Why They Matter Now More Than Ever

Owen Sound author Miranda L. Miller’s new book, published by The Ginger Press, explores Flowerpot Island’s deep natural and cultural roots, urging visitors to travel with care and purpose.

Grey-Bruce author Miranda L. Miller wants readers to see beyond the iconic sea stacks of Flowerpot Island and understand the deeper stories that shape one of Georgian Bay’s most popular destinations.

Her new book, Flowerpot Island: Exploring the Remarkable Georgian Bay Island off the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula, released this week by The Ginger Press, blends regional history, Indigenous perspectives, environmental context, and practical travel tips. Miller challenges readers to go beyond sightseeing and explore the island with respect and responsibility.

Flowerpot Island, located in Fathom Five National Marine Park near Tobermory, draws thousands each year to its distinctive limestone formations and turquoise waters.

But Miller’s book pushes past the postcard image, tracing the island’s formation within the Niagara Escarpment, its stewardship by the Anishinaabek, and its evolution into a symbol of Great Lakes tourism.

“There are places in the world that feel timeless, where wind, water, and stone tell stories older than any human memory. Flowerpot Island is one of those places,” Miller writes.

She provides readers with hiking tips, geological insights, maps, and advice on low-impact tourism. The book features Miller’s own photographs, archival images from the Bruce County Archives, and a section on Indigenous history reviewed by Lenore Keeshig of Saugeen First Nation.

Miller, who co-founded Owen Sound Current alongside Ginger Press publisher Maryann Thomas, said her lifelong connection to the area and concern about increasing foot traffic motivated her to write the book.

“As more people discover Flowerpot Island, it’s vital that we also share what makes it sacred, fragile, and worth protecting,” she said.

The Ginger Press selected Flowerpot Island as the first book in its new Then & Now series, which aims to help readers explore Grey and Bruce with a greater understanding of the places and people that make this an increasingly popular place to visit. The series focuses on natural and cultural landmarks and encourages meaningful, sustainable travel.

Readers can find the book in-store for $20 at The Ginger Press Bookstore (848 2nd Ave. East, Owen Sound) or online at gingerpress.com.