Shebahonaning

February 23, 2023February 23, 2023georgianbaybeauties 1 Comment

For boaters starting to plan their summer itineraries, the village of Killarney situated in the NW corner of Georgian Bay is a fantastic destination to visit!

The beautiful La Cloche mountains form the backdrop to this charming historical village that has welcomed mariners for more than 200 years. Originally named Shebahonaning – Ojibwe for “canoe passage” – the name was later changed to Killarney shortly after the establishment of a fur trading outpost in 1820. The village is one of the oldest settlements in Canada and in the summer months attracts boaters from all over the Great Lakes.

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Franklin Island

January 31, 2023February 20, 2023georgianbaybeauties 1 Comment

For boaters wanting to experience the wilder side of Georgian Bay without straying too far from amenities, look no further than Franklin Island! Located at the mid point of the 30,000 Islands on the east coast of Georgian Bay this beautiful and rugged Crown island is perfect for exploring and also offers a few “guilty pleasures” to entice boaters!

*Franklin Island, just 14 NM’s northwest of Parry Sound*

*Franklin Coordinates: N45 23’ 4”, W80 20’ 1”*

Situated approximately 14 NM’s northwest of Parry Sound, or about 45 NM’s north of Midland, this island was named after Arctic explorer Rear Admiral Sir John A Franklin.

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Holiday Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses!

December 14, 2022January 2, 2023georgianbaybeauties Leave a comment

‘Tis the season and what a festive one it is! The many holiday markets, tree lighting ceremonies and Santa Claus parades happening around the Bay have been attracting record crowds! Even the arrival of the CSL Frontenac to Midland Harbour on a chilly December evening saw many of us braving the winds to watch her maneuver into position alongside the silos. Quite a sight to see, with the twinkling lights from the mill creating a warm welcome for both Captain and Crew!

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Fall into Winter

November 12, 2022November 29, 2022georgianbaybeauties Leave a comment

Goodbye fall, hello winter! Looks like our warm weather luck has run out – over the past 2 days temperatures have plummeted almost 20 degrees celsius on the Bay! But we can’t complain – our fall has been filled with sunny days, warm southerly winds, little precipitation – a perfect time for being outside and enjoying some late season recreational boating!

Although Thanksgiving weekend arrived with some fluffy white stuff brought in by streamers off the Bay, it only lasted 5 minutes and gave those of us on the water an amazing view followed by sunshine again!

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The Hatteras “Stinkpot” and Her Journey to the Bay

September 26, 2022February 20, 2023georgianbaybeauties 2 Comments

New to Georgian Bay this season is a very grand, privately owned “Hat” named Stinkpot whose journey to her home port in Penetanguishene, Ontario, with her new owners took three attempts, spanned over two years, two Great Lakes, the North Channel and finally Georgian Bay. If you have ever purchased a new-to-you vessel and captained it home from a distant port, this is a story you won’t want to miss!

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Weekend Getaway to Parry Sound

September 14, 2022February 20, 2023georgianbaybeauties Leave a comment

Parry Sound is a vibrant eclectic harbour town that sees a big population boost during the summer months when avid tourists, boaters, cottagers, and day trippers descend on the town, all anxious to explore Georgian Bay’s beautiful 30,000 Islands. It is a fun town to visit during the height of boating season and also in the early fall when the leaves begin to change and days become cooler.

Located at the base of the Seguin River the town was incorporated in 1887 and holds the world record for deepest natural commercial fresh water harbour.

*View of Seguin River* *from Trestle Brewery*

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The Wild Western Islands

August 18, 2022February 20, 2023georgianbaybeauties Leave a comment

The Western Islands are a chain of low lying rock islands and shoals situated almost 9 nautical miles west of O’Donnell Point.

Barren and exposed with little vegetation they offer no protection from wind or currents; when the Bay starts to churn this is not the place you want to be! But when on her best behaviour the Bay can transform even this remote and rugged rock pile into a place of serene and magical beauty, particularly in the evenings!

The best way to plan a visit is not to plan at all, but rather wait for that perfect mix of sunny seasonal temperatures (less chance of squalls/thunderstorms if not too humid), and a long term forecast of very low winds. And remember to take a good assortment of ropes, grappling hooks, anchors and most of all patience!

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