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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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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Caribbean of the North

October 3, 2021July 23, 2022georgianbaybeauties Leave a comment

Located on southern Georgian Bay are three beautiful islands I refer to as Canada’s “Caribbean of the North”, but without the salt!

Christian, Beckwith, and Hope Islands are an Ojibwa Indian Reserve, forming part of the Beausoleil First Nation lands. With their golden sandy beaches, clear fresh water, stunning sunsets, and various local shipwrecks to explore, it’s no wonder these islands are so popular with the local boaters during the summer months.

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Beausoleil – The Island of Beautiful Sun

September 17, 2021March 10, 2023georgianbaybeauties Leave a comment

The word “Beausoleil” translates into “Beautiful Sun” and that’s exactly what this southeastern Georgian Bay Island offers visitors throughout the summer months.

For boaters arriving to Georgian Bay via the Trent Severn Waterway, Beausoleil Island is one of the first major anchorages you will encounter. Located just north of Midland, it is 8 km long and the largest within the Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

Being situated on the edge of the Canadian Shield, the island’s unique topography combines beautiful bare rock and windswept pines on its northern shores with hardwood forests and wetlands on its southern shores.