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.

Continue reading “Cruising Georgian Bay 2024: My four week – 12 stop itinerary”

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!

Continue reading “A Taste of the Bay: A 7 Day Cruise Itinerary from Midland”

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.

Continue reading “Pass Me a Cold One: Early Season Boating on the Bay”

Working the Bay: My Chat with Tugboat Captain Robert Cox about his 30+ Years on the Bay and most Challenging Tows

Spring time on Georgian Bay and the “Boys are Back in Town”!

For over 30 years this family owned and operated tow and salvage company has plied the waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, providing assistance to mariners in distress and performing various essential marine operations.

Continue reading “Working the Bay: My Chat with Tugboat Captain Robert Cox about his 30+ Years on the Bay and most Challenging Tows”

Killarney Bound!

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!

Killarney Channel

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.

Continue reading “Killarney Bound!”