Blue Heron Cruises, a family-operated business in Tobermory, Ontario, has been offering eco-conscious tours through the Fathom Five National Marine Park for over 50 years. Their glass-bottom and jet boat tours provide immersive experiences of shipwrecks, the iconic Flowerpot Island, and the pristine waters of Georgian Bay.
As stewards of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Blue Heron Cruises integrates sustainability into their operations. They employ waste reduction practices, energy-efficient infrastructure, and host electric vehicle charging stations. Collaborating with GreenStep Solutions, they are working towards internationally recognized sustainable tourism certification.
Beyond environmental efforts, Blue Heron Cruises is deeply invested in their community and workforce. They offer ongoing staff training, career development pathways, and participate in community events like the annual “Scrub the Tub” cleanup initiative. Their contributions also include significant donations to local landmarks, such as the Big Tub Lighthouse restoration project.
Operating on the traditional territories of the Anishinabek Nation, including the Ojibway, Odawa, and Pottawatomie Nations, Blue Heron Cruises acknowledges and honors the Saugeen Ojibway Nation as the traditional keepers of the land and waters they navigate.
Blue Heron Cruises exemplifies how tourism can be a force for environmental stewardship, cultural respect, and community enrichment.
