Visit Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Georgian Bay Islands National Park is one of Canada’s Amazing Places

Only 1.5 hours north of Toronto, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is one of the amazing wonders of Canada’s National Parks.

Located in the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is also a part of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, a globally-important region designated by UNESCO in 2004. There are only 18 biosphere reserves in Canada that have received this designation, giving you a benchmark for how special this area truly is.

Just a little background, the national park isn’t one island, but actually a collection of 63 protected islands. The island that gets the most fanfare and visitation is the largest island, Beausoleil Island.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park is only accessible by boat, adding to the mystique of this special place. Being picked up and water taxied out to an island is a cool feeling, and really gives the sense you are disconnecting from the mainland.

Once on the Island, this fascinating and diverse ecosystem is yours to explore!

Getting to the island

You can get out to the National Park on your own boat, but most visitors take the DayTripper. The DayTripper departs from Honey Harbour and shuttles visitors to Beausoleil Island, running daily from Victoria Day weekend in May to Thanksgiving weekend in October. Reservations are required, so don’t leave home without one. Reserve your spot online here

When you reserve your spot on the DayTripper you will have two choices, go to Chimney Bay on the north part of the island or to Cedar Springs on the south part of the island. If you want to see Georgian Bay in all of its rugged glory, take the DayTripper to Chimney Bay. You have roughly 4hrs to explore the area before the DayTripper comes to pick you up and take you back to Honey Harbour.

Really, the best way to see ALL the island has to offer is to camp overnight and explore over a number of days.

Things to do on the island

Hiking is the best way to see the park, with over 30km of high quality hiking trails that show off the incredible biodiversity of the area.

If you want to see the Georgian Bay landscapes that are famous the world over, hike the northern part of the island. In order to get to this part of the island, book the DayTripper to Chimney Bay when making your reservations.

The Fairy hiking trail, a 2.5km loop that shows off an inner island lake is one of the must-hikes. A little insider tip, take the signs posted on the trail over to Honeymoon Bay, one of the most amazing places to swim in all of Georgian Bay. During the week Monday – Thursday, you might be the only ones swimming in this secluded part of the island making it feel as though you are on your own private beach in the most beautiful part of the world.

If you are feeling really adventurous, take Dossyonshing, a trail connected to the Fairy hiking trail. This mossy trail is a bit more challenging but well worth the view of Long Bay.

For more information on hiking trails including detailed maps, visit their website

Biking is another great way to get around the Island. Huron (6.9km) and Christian (1.5km) are two great trails for all skill levels. The Georgian Trail (7.1km) is an amazing trail that showcases Georgian Bay’s rocky and rugged landscapes but is recommended for advanced cyclists only.

Bike Rentals are available at the Cedar Spring Visitor Centre on Beausoleil Island, or depending on available space, day visitors may be able to bring bicycles aboard the DayTripper.

Stay & Play

Georgian Bay Islands National Park has a number of options for you to stay overnight.

You can ‘rough it’ in a primitive campground, or enjoy the comforts of flush toilets, showers and drinking water at Cedar Spring Campground. Their oTENTiks are a more comfortable way to camp and are just steps from the shoreline.

There are two locations for you to rent a cabin; Cedar Springs and Christian Beach. Cedar Springs Cabins are great for families and have two separate bedrooms, and the Christian Beach Cabins (pictured above) are great for couples. The Christian Beach Cabins also offer up some of the best sunsets in all of Georgian Bay.

If you prefer to be pampered after a day of adventure, stay at a local resort. There are a number of great options within a 15 minute drive of the DayTripper in Honey Harbour. Click here for places to stay in Georgian Bay