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!
Continue reading “The Wild Western Islands”
Off the Dock!
It’s a beautiful June day on southern Georgian Bay as we push off the dock and set course for our 2025 cruise. This is our first season on the water as a fully retired crew, and we’ve planned a six‑week route winding through Georgian Bay’s stunning 30,000 Islands and then on to the North Channel for wilderness anchorages and lively port calls.
On board our 40’ Sea Ray sedan bridge “Georgian Pearl” is my husband (Captain Tony), myself (Admiral Elizabeth), our dinghy (George), and plenty of supplies. This is an especially exciting summer for us: our first post‑retirement cruise and at six weeks, our longest one yet.
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!
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!
This island is best visited on a warm day with low winds as it is situated a little offshore. Preserved and protected by the Georgian Bay Land Trust (www.gblt.org), it is 7 acres in size and located approximately 2 nm west of Monument Channel. Prior to visiting I recommend you review the GBLT website for visitor guidelines – here is the link:
https://georgianbaybeauties.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/9adc6-visitors_guide_2025.pdf
This island is ecologically sensitive and to ensure it continues to thrive, a GBLT representative will stop by regularly to check that all visitors are respecting the nature. And dogs are welcome, just no fires or over-nighting.
There is a small harbour at the north end of the island with a narrow and shallow entrance but with enough depth for dinghy’s, sea doo’s and other low draft vessels to enter when water levels are above chart datum. Once inside there are quite a few areas to disembark plus many nooks and crevasses to secure your lines. I always bring a dinghy anchor, grappling hooks and a spare fender, and remember to lift the engine upon entering the harbour.
With its natural rock harbour and unobstructed views of Georgian Bay, Southeast Wooded Pine Island should be on every boater’s bucket list!
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
Georgian Bay is all about breathtaking scenery, magical hideaways, and incredible sunsets! Check out my short video – starting with drone footage from the 30,000 Islands – of our 2024 explorations on the Bay and see how many places you recognize, or even better – perhaps you will spot your boat!
Part of the beauty of the Bay is finding those hidden treasures and quiet anchorages – spots you will never want to share the location of! – and I’ve included a few of mine in this video. Be sure to have your sound on for my introduction as I give you the location of the first stop.
And if you’re starting to think about your 2025 cruising itinerary, be sure to check back in a few weeks for my upcoming story on our top 5 anchorages of 2024 and the must see dinghy day trips from each location!
By paddle, sail, or motor – there are endless places to explore on the Bay, where is 2025 going to take you?
Georgian Bay Beauties: Find Your Wilderness! 