Author georgianbaybeauties

Ten Fun Facts about Georgian Bay (plus one special bonus!)

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Georgian Bay, named for King George IV and often referred to as the “6th Great Lake” has some interesting history along with a few world records! Here are 10 fun facts about the Bay:

#1: Wasaga Beach on the southern shore is the world’s longest freshwater beach.

#2: Manitoulin Island at the NW edge is the world’s largest island situated in a freshwater lake.

#3: The Georgian Bay Ship Canal, if built as planned in the early 1900’s, would have joined Ottawa to the Bay through the French River. This project would have been along the same scale as the Panama Canal, with large commercial freighters and cargo ships passing through what is now the unspoiled wilds of the French River. Here is a link to the story if you wish to learn more:

https://www.northernontario.travel/northeastern-ontario/french-river-georgian-bay-ship-canal

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The Falls at Go Home

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The falls at Go Home are a great place to visit by dinghy or small boat, the journey being just as fun as the destination!

Go Home – a beautiful water access cottage community just north of Cognashene – recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. There are a few stories about how this area was named, the more popular being for the loggers who drove the timber down the Musquash river system into the Bay during the 1800’s – once they had delivered their log booms to the local wharf for transport by steamer, their job was complete and they could “go home”.

By the turn of the 20th century that same wharf began to welcome what would become the original “Go Home” cottage settlers, along with supply ships throughout the summer months bringing mail, visitors, and sundries. Today it is still the social hub of the community, hosting many get togethers for the local cottage association members to participate in.

The Waubic approaching Go Home Wharf (photo courtesy Madawaska Club, ca 1915)
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New Flare Technology for Canadian Boaters

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With Transport Canada’s recent approval of Electronic Visual Distress Signals (eVDSD) for pleasure craft vessels, I decided to do a little research into this newer technology to see what benefits they offer boaters.

I focused on the following three priorities: ease of use, safety factor, and environmental impact to determine if they are a better option than traditional pyrotechnic flares. And here is what I found:

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Love the Lichen!

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You will see them on Georgian Bay this summer covering the most exposed rocks in hues of yellow, orange, grey and green – these wonderful organisms are often confused with moss. We admire their beautiful colours however many don’t realize the critical role lichens play on the Bay!

Southeast Wooded Pine Island

A unique combination of fungi and algae, lichens form and spread on surfaces, building a foundation for moss, grass and other plant life to grow under the harshest of conditions. They release an acid that breaks down the rock but over a very long period of time. And when illuminated by the final rays of a Georgian Bay sunset, their glow is spectacular! ❤️

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Georgian Bay Forecast, Wind, and Water Level Website Links

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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.

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