Georgian Bay

[sailsmanship]

I have heard alot of how nice Georgian Bay in Ontario is and would possibly like to go on vacation to camp and explore around there. The only problem is that it seems so big and I wouldn't know where to start looking at where to go. Does anyone know a source of information where I could go to read up on the best places to go there?

 

[rndn]

Re: Georgian Bay

I just wanted to offer the fact that I went there years ago and the splake fishing was awesome. Splake were stocked and are a cross between speckled and lake trout.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Georgian Bay

I have heard alot of how nice Georgian Bay in Ontario is and would possibly like to go on vacation to camp and explore around there. The only problem is that it seems so big and I wouldn't know where to start looking at where to go. Does anyone know a source of information where I could go to read up on the best places to go there?

First of all...great choice. It is a very nice place in the summer. As for where to start...I would contact the Parry Sound chamber of commerce. Parry Sound is a small town that is very much the 'jump off' point for a lot of Georgian Bay activity and tourism (as well as the 'home of hockey great Bobby Orr'). They would undoubtedly connect you up with reams of info and places as to where to go and what to do. I'm sure you would find them very helpful.
In that info there would, I'm sure, be references to several Provincial and/or National parks that are in that area. Often some of these are 'marine parks' accessible by boat...so that might fit with what you have in mind.
However....google Parry Sound, chamber of commerce (or equivalent) and you should be well on your way.
Good luck and keep us posted.
BP

 

[rolmops]

Re: Georgian Bay

Great choice.
My son has been going to "Camp George" near Perry Sound for the past 6 years,and every year we visit him,bringing my boat along.The main problem is where to launch,because there are so many beautiful bays and inlets and small lakes.Not to mention Algonquin Park which is just around the corner.
You should realize though that Perry Sound is about 280 kilometers north of Toronto.

 

[Zamboni]

Re: Georgian Bay

Tons of info on Georgian Bay on the net-spectacular boating. There is a Provincial Park (Mississauga) that name escapes me, nice camping boat only access sites.

I was far up last year, Killarney...that area near Manitoulin island has great Rainbow fishing. Good, expensive golf resorts (Taboo?)....nice country.

I scanned in Georgian Bay charts, if you settle on a general area let me know and I'll email those charts. There is a protected inner route to travel, very well suited to cruisers....how large is your boat?

 

[sailsmanship]

Re: Georgian Bay

Thanks for the info.... I plan on towing my 25ft. boat up there if there is not alot of hassle going accross the border with it.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Georgian Bay

Thanks for the info.... I plan on towing my 25ft. boat up there if there is not alot of hassle going accross the border with it.

You shouldnt have any problems, most don't. Take some boat/trailer title info with you if you have it or something that proves they are both yours. Don't bring any firearms or they will confiscate them at the border. They watch for that.
You can never say for sure but generally they are looking for suspiciousness more than anything...from there they start checking. Most of it is a few key, intelligent questions which most people simply answer. Ba-da-bing, away you go.
You'll love the boating...lot's of places to go...and generally a very nice place in the summer. Enjoy!!
BP

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Georgian Bay

I love "the Bay" and the endless boating it has to offer along with crystal water and windswept rock and pine scenery. Driving up from the US you might consider putting in at Port Severn near the south east part of the lake as your first stop. It's a real nice run of a few hours up the inner channel to Parry Sound and from there you can explore further north if you like. Only downsides are the channels and marinas can get awfully busy on summer weekends and be prepared for truly obscene fuel prices at the marina pumps. I always take jerry cans filled at automotive stations before I launch.

Also, make sure you've got charts and a depth sounder. You will see lots of neat bays and places to explore off the beaten path but that body of water is chocked full of shoals -- far too many to mark once you are off the main channels. Hundred feet deep one second and three feet the next. Most of the time the water's so clear you can see em coming but when its cloudy or the sun is at the wrong angle....Crunch! All in all, though, a terrific place to boat.

 

[pwrplay]

Re: Georgian Bay

Hey There,

I've been boating and cottageing up there for many years and it is truly one of the most beautiful boating destinations in Ontario.

If you want to start from a bigger port, you could start out from Midland Ontario, it's on the SW shore of Georgian Bay, or a little farther north there is Penatanguashene, which sits in a nice protected harbour good for overnight anchoring.

If you want to start from a little smaller town, you could try Honey Harbour, Victoria Harbour or Wabashene. All of these are located on the Southern end of Georgian Bay and is closer then Parry Sound if your driving up from the US.

And like a previous posting advised be careful of the shoals, they can show up out of nowhere (especially at night LoL) . I have seen a few props and outdrives get mangled.