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.
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!
When spring arrives to Georgian Bay my boat 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, sometimes even earlier if it’s been a warm spring.
Boating early in the season can be one of spectacular beauty and quiet solitude, plus cold air and water create great visibility due to such low rate of evaporation.
Departing Midland April 26, 2026
And sometimes you see things you’d never see later in the season!
Photo above is of an ice island (all ice – the rock is flat, sitting right at water level) situated east of Giants Tomb, April 17, 2026 (courtesy Trevor Sherwood). Below is my photo when I passed by April 26th but from the distance they at first looked like floating ice bergs!
The cold water is the scariest part of early spring boating but we’ve also encountered navigational buoys off station or missing, much more debris in the water from local homes and cottages along shore – once we saw a floating dock! – and sometimes the winter ice lifts a few deadheads off the bottom so captain and crew need to be on the watch! And then 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.
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.
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.
Georgian Bay Beauties: Find Your Wilderness! 