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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“Water Ways TV” visits Georgian Bay Beauties on location!

In 2024 “Water Ways TV” debuted a new show, “Water Ways Ontario”, on the Global TV network and I was invited to be on the Georgian Bay episode!

It has recently been made available online and focuses on the 30,000 Islands, Stanley Boats in Parry Sound, and the Penetanguishene area. Click link below to see the full episode:

https://youtu.be/BYEye763rr8?si=jWu0of8UHvjRtFv9

Cruising Georgian Bay 2024: My four week – 12 stop itinerary

Following May’s hectic pace of getting boats launched, cleaned and the winter gremlins cleared out, June is the perfect month to research, plan, and then begin your cruising itinerary for the summer.

For Georgian Bay I utilize my charts, Great Lakes Cruising Club binders, and Ports guide when planning our trips. Occasionally I will check Google Earth and/or Google images for additional info when heading into an unfamiliar area or just searching for places to explore by dinghy or on foot, like rivers and forests.

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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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Pass Me a Cold One: Early Season Boating on the Bay

When spring arrives to Georgian Bay my planning begins as we like to be launched, provisioned and most importantly out on the boat enjoying the Bay by the first weekend in May.

Boating in the early season can be one of spectacular beauty, quiet solitude, great fishing and no fuel dock lineups! However it also comes with a few challenges. Overnight frost warnings, water temps in the low 50’s, navigational buoys off station, and shore debris in the water can make this a difficult time for Captain and Crew! And don’t forget the dreaded chore of climbing out of bed in the frigid morning to greet the icy toilet seat! 😱

All kidding aside, this is a critical time to ensure you are well prepared and have a good safety plan in the event of an emergency.

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