One glance is all it takes…
One glance at its mosaic of open waters, barren rock islands, and sand and cobble beaches, dotted with those iconic west wind pines, is all it takes to know that Georgian Bay is an Amazing Place.
Located within traditional Anishinaabek Territory and the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, Georgian Bay is also part of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve (GBBR), an organization that works to build and support sustainable care for and engagement with the area.
And, one of the sustainable tourism initiatives they’re involved with is the Amazing Places project, a list of significant natural sites, which currently features three provinces and five of Canada’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Best of all – six Amazing Places can be found right here in Muskoka!
Read on to learn more about these must-visit destinations that feature the exceptional beauty of eastern Georgian Bay and its unique environment and heritage.
School House Trail
Distance: 4km (one way)
The Schoolhouse Trail is a charming, easy access trail in Port Severn on Violet Drive, just off Hwy 400 at exit 156.
This trail is ideal for hiking and biking, as it winds through Georgian Bay landscapes of forest, rock barren, and wetlands. There is a large cedar bridge spanning a wetland that is teeming with life – be on the lookout for birds, moose, deer, and more!
Keep an eye out for GBBR’s “Biosphere Walks,” a guided hike open to all. Private tours can also be arranged, just contact GBBR staff for more information.
Visit their website for more information
Living Edge Trail
Distance: 1km (can be combined with the .5km Milne trail)
A hike-only route, the Living Edge Trail is located within Six Mile Provincial Park. This park lies within a “transition zone”, where species from both northern and southern Ontario exist. In these wetlands on the edge of the Canadian Shield, you could see moose, herons, five-lined skinks (Ontario’s only lizard), and more.
With easy access off Hwy 400 and accessible by ParkBus, this stunning trail is a great option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint! Plus, if you’re camping and looking for other things to do as well during your visit, rentals are available if you are looking to paddle.
Visit their website for more information
Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery
There is never a shortage of activities to partake in at the cranberry farm, regardless of what time of year it is!
Their Bog to Bottle Discovery tour, which runs daily and leads you through the bogs and teaches you about the process of turning those nutritious berries into delicious drinks and snacks. Do you know why they are called “cranberries”? You will find out on the tour!
Afterward, you will get to sample some of the delicious wines produced on site – yum – and peruse their cran-tastic giftshop where you can snag all of your own cranberry goodies. Other highlights of visiting in the summer include relaxing on their stunning patio, touring Blueberry Hill, and seeing the cranberry blossoms.
There is also a very impressive trails network on the property, with an abundance of interpretive signage along the way.
Visit their website for more information
Christian Beach
Christian Beach is a beautiful little gem on Beausoleil Island, within Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
Beausoleil Island is the largest island in the park, and is boat access only, so you can boat, kayak, take a water taxi, or the DayTripper. It truly is a little paradise, nestled on the western shore of the island – a perfect spot to take a refreshing dip after biking around the island (rentals available).
You can also camp on this island, or stay in one of the four waterfront cabins by Christina Beach.
Visit their website for more information
Fairy Lake
Fairy Lake is another Amazing Place you’ll find on Beausoleil Island in Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Located at the north end of the island, this stunning site is accessed by its namesake trail (Fairy Lake Trail) – a must-hike loop of 2.5km.
After exploring wetlands, forests, and rock barrens, you will be further rewarded with views of the gorgeous, small blue lake, surrounded by colourful rock ridges.
Read the interpretive signage to learn about Miinkekwe (Blueberry Picking Woman), and her encounter with Migcheshibzhii.
Visit their website for more information
Georgian Bay
Last, but in no way least, Georgian Bay itself was recently named the 20th Amazing Place within the GBBR, making the collection complete.
Often referred to as the “Sixth Great Lake,” it is deeply treasured by many for its deep waters, west wind, white pine, and gneiss rock islands. The iconic rocky landscape is billions of years in the making –the islands are the eroded remnants of the ancient Grenville Mountain range, which was similar in scale to the modern day Himalayas! It is truly a boater and paddler’s paradise, boasting the 30,000 Islands – even explorer’s who have lived a lifetime on Georgian Bay could never get bored of this ecological gem.
Visit their website for more information
Even More Amazement
As of 2019, there is now a complete collection of 20 Amazing Places within the GBBR. Visit their website to see the complete collection of all 20 Amazing Places within the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve.
And, while you’re exploring, remember to leave no traces and (of course) discover your own amazing places!
Stay and Play
Make the most of your Muskoka experience and check out our top recommendations for places to stay and perfect getaway packages.
Content produced in partnership between Muskoka Tourism and the government of Ontario
