With more than 30,000 islands dotting its waters, it is sometimes hard to remember that Georgian Bay lies nearly in the middle of the North American continent, not at its edge. Marked by the presence of tall cliffs topped by pine trees, the area has astounding biodiversity and has been a tourist destination for Canadians for over 100 years. Visit Georgian Bay and let the outside world melt away as you relax in the quiet serenity, with very few reminders of humanity.
Follow the Georgian Bay Coastal Route winding between the area’s most famous destinations. Spend hours exploring charming Honey Harbour before getting on the DayTripper to Georgian Bay Islands National Park, which is also accessible by private boat. Explore the well-maintained hiking trails of Beausoleil Island or investigate one of the other 62 protected sites.
Sunbathe on Wasaga Beach, the longest freshwater beach in the world at 9 miles (14 kilometers) in length. Stroll along the boardwalk on Manitoulin Island, with its Providence Bay Beach. Glimpse the region’s long history by touring the six 19th-century lighthouses, known as the Imperial Towers, which skirt the bay to warn captains. The result of ignoring those warnings can be seen in Fathom Five National Marine Park, where glass-bottom boats provide views of the shipwreck beneath the water.
See the views captured by the Group of Seven artists. Try to capture them in photos by taking a day trip to Killarney Provincial Park, whose vistas are as staggering today as when the revered Canadian artists painted them.
Georgian Bay is in northeastern Muskoka, on an extension of Lake Huron. Drive here from Barrie, the regional hub on Lake Simcoe, in about 45 minutes. Toronto’s international airport is under 2 hours away by car. There is no public transportation to connect the communities of Georgian Bay, so a private vehicle is a must. Note that many towns and attractions shut down completely during winter. Check online for boat regulations as well as ferry timetables.
