Southeast Wooded Pine Island

Southeast Wooded Pine Island is the perfect dinghy day trip for boaters anchored in the vicinity of Go Home, Monument Channel or Indian Harbour. In fact I have even made the trip from Hope Island on a 10’ dinghy with a 15 hp tiller engine but that was on an extremely calm day!

Coordinates: N44 59’ 19”, W80 1’ 7”

A beautiful island with stunning 360 degree views of Georgian Bay, the expansive flat bedrock top is easy to walk while the gently sloping sides provide wind protection for picnics and afternoon naps.

The shore is lined with small coves – many perfect to swim from – and if you stay late enough on a sunny afternoon you will be guaranteed a stunning sunset for the ride home!

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Blackstone Harbour: Waterfalls, Hiking and a few Ghosts!

Blackstone Harbour is one harbour that hides its treasures well!

Located deep within the Massasauga Provincial Park the narrow shallow entrance can be found off Woods Bay just north of Moon River Marina. Depth through the channel varies from a few inches to about 5’ so keep a bow watch going through and try to stay in the middle.

Upon first entering the harbour only the occasional campsite or cottage can be seen lining the shore, nothing to tempt you onwards. However looks can be deceiving, especially on Georgian Bay!

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Cruising the 30,000 Islands: Canada’s Freshwater Paradise for Boaters! ❤️

If you’re planning to cruise the 30,000 Islands of Georgian Bay then be sure to check out my article in Canada’s largest national boating magazine – “Canadian Boating”!

Cruising Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands: Canada’s Freshwater Paradise for Boaters

Cabot Head Light Station: Another “Ghost of the Bay”?

Situated on the remote northeast point of the Bruce Peninsula overlooking Georgian Bay, Cabot Head Light Station was just a few short years ago a drive-up tourist “destination” with museum, picnic area and gift shop! Sadly this property with it’s stunning views of the Bay now sits abandoned, looking more like a ghost town!

The light station boarded up, sidewalks crumbling, picnic areas overgrown with brush, the only road in barely passable by car. Reasons for the abandonment? From what I understand there were/are three main ones: road access/maintenance, hazardous contamination, and lack of funding – each made all the more difficult to resolve due to the isolated location of the property.

Approaching the Light Station from Wingfield Basin trail (I include more photos at end of story, including a peek inside)

The sidewalks and steps overgrown
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A Taste of the Bay: A 7 Day Cruise Itinerary from Midland

During my Toronto Boat Show’s “30,000 Islands” seminar, a common question asked by attendees, especially boaters new to the Bay was “where do you recommend we go?” Well, that’s an easy one for me to answer! Georgian Bay’s eastern coast is an absolute treasure trove of destinations filled with fun activities for boaters, regardless the size or type of vessel!

Wide open water for the good days, secluded tree lined anchorages for the bad; all with great swimming, paddling, fishing, and hiking. Add in stunning sunsets, star-filled night skies, sugary sand beaches, delicious local food, amazing history and you will never want to leave! But how/where to combine all of that into a one week cruise?

To make the ‘where to go/what to do’ part easier, here is my “Taste of the Bay” itinerary which is a “short haul” trip but ticks all of the boxes above. This is ideal for boaters new to the Bay who wish to venture out and try some interesting places plus learn a little about Georgian Bay along the way. And all locations are pet friendly so nobody gets left out on this trip!

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