Kayaking Georgian Bay in Ontario
The Georgian Bay is a large bay of Lake Huron, located within Ontario, lying east of the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island. This vast body of water is one of the most popular kayaking locations in eastern Canada. Perfect for the beginner or intermediate level kayaker, Georgian Bay offers an unrivalled array of landscapes and scenery to enjoy. With its warm breezes, glacial smooth islets, secluded bays, and tens of thousands of islands to explore, you can't help but fall in love with this kayaking spot.
A variety of tours and routes are offered, including the popular '30,000 Islands Tour'; a kayakers dream tour that covers a myriad of granite islands, protected covers and takes you through an untouched corner of the bay over seven days. If you're looking for a shorter excursion, a three-day kayak tour around the rocky islands, wooded bays and spectacular Shield scenery north of Parry Sound is a great introduction, sure to whet your appetite for exploring this gorgeous landscape further and you don't need a boat license!
Looking past the water, the rugged windswept coast has an ever-changing beauty that's steeped in colonial history. In the summer months, the sparkling, clear waters will tempt you in for a swim, after which you can bask on the shore's sun-baked rocks - a perfect way to relax the body and mind.
On most kayaking routes you'll discover historic villages and harbours, as well as a wealth of wildlife, including Arctic fox, black bear, moose and a variety of turtles and fish. The famous Mink Islands chain is strewn with channels and islands, and features fascinating vegetation that evolved to defy the harshest of winds.
About 300m off Green Island, in the southern end of the Mink Islands, is the wreckage of the Seattle – on a calm day you can glimpse the remains of this sunken steamship. In this area you'll also encounter the remains of what was once a prosperous fishing station. Another exciting discovery is Dead Island, on the way to the Outer Fox Islands: it's a sacred burial ground of the Ojibwe and should be treated with respect.
This immense body of water is a spectacular area for kayaking, whether you venture between islands or kayak to the large Beausoleil and go exploring. However, some parts are known for choppy waters and sudden storms, so make sure your route doesn't exceed your capabilities. If you want to explore in a motorised craft then take a boat exam to get a pleasure craft license.
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