When out on the Bay I like to do quick periodic checks of forecasts, especially when enjoying a long dinghy day trip. Tired of going to the various websites I decided to compile everything I need onto one page so I can quickly access the information from my phone or tablet.

Note that this is not a substitute for regular MAFOR updates and you will need cell/internet service to access these (which is not available in all areas on the Bay). And it is always best to monitor Channel 16 on your VHF for marine warnings from Canada Coast Guard.

After clicking a link and viewing the info, if you wish to return to my page use the arrows on your browser, not the “X” or you will leave my site.

Note that in the off season, the Buoy data goes offline.

Forecasts and Buoy Readings

Environment Canada – this link will land on Georgian Bay for the marine forecast: https://weather.gc.ca/marine/forecast_e.html?mapID=10&siteID=05500

For a current reading of the conditions there are buoys on the Great Lakes with a code number you may text to receive an immediate response of wind/waves/water temp etc. The following link allows you to use the interactive map to locate whichever buoy you wish a reading from and find the correct text code.

National Data Buoy Centre (*see note below): https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/obs.shtml

On Georgian Bay there are 2 buoys available with this service. To access, first add the phone number to your contact list – 705-710-8011 and then text the buoy code to it. For the South Buoy text 45143 and North text 45137, below is an example of the data you will receive back:

Wind and Wave Forecast

“Windfinder” is my favorite for wind and waves and provides a few different readings around the Bay – below are links to the most popular:

South GB: https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/south_georgian_bay_lake_huron

North GB: https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/georgian_bay

Midland: https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/midland_grandview_beach

Western Islands: https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/western_island_georgian_bay

Christian Island: https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/georgian_bay_christian_island

Radar

https://www.theweather.net/radar-ontario-ca_ont-rain.html

Note: “Storm Radar” by the Weather Channel is also one of my favourite options – it is available as a free app on apple or android.

Water Levels – Great Lakes

https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Weekly-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/

For Georgian Bay, use “Mich-Huron” data.