Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Georgian Bay Islands National Park is a national park composed of 63 islands near Midland in Ontario. Its islands are part of the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, where the windswept white pines and granite shores of the Canadian Shield turn to dense deciduous woodland. It is one of several protected natural areas that form part of the Georgian Bay UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, encompassing the archipelago from Midland to French River.

Understand
The park covers, and was established in 1929.

Cycle wooded trails, overnight at secluded campsites or waterfront cabins and hike to viewpoints atop emerald shoreline.

The landscape of Georgian Bay Islands National Park inspired the Group of Seven, a group of Canadian artists who sought, in the early 20th century, to create a type of art that would reflect the Canadian wilderness. Their art is featured in the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, and the McMichael Collection in Kleinberg.

It is part of the Georgian Bay Littoral Biosphere Reserve.

Landscape
Georgian Bay Islands National Park (established 1929) consists of 63 small islands or parts of islands in Georgian Bay, near Port Severn, Ontario. The islands blend the exposed rocks and pines of the Canadian Shield with the hardwood forests found further south.

Flora and fauna
It is home to mammalian species such as woodland caribou, white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, coyote, wolf packs, lynx, bobcat, porcupine, raccoon, beaver, red and gray fox species, chipmunk, and red squirrel. This park also provides habitat for 33 species of reptiles and amphibians, including the threatened eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Some of the more isolated islands provide nesting areas for colonies of gulls and terns.

Visitor information

 * Park website

Get in
Georgian Bay Islands National Park is 2 hours north of Toronto near the village of Honey Harbour.

The park can only be reached by boat; there are limited camping facilities on the largest island, Beausoleil Island.

Fees and permits
Admission, daily (2021):
 * Adult $5.90
 * Senior $5.00
 * Youth and children free
 * Family/group $12.00

Seasonal:
 * Adult: $30.05
 * Senior: $25.04
 * Family/group $60.20

Daytripper (park passenger vessel, includes return trip and park entry):
 * Adult	$15.80
 * Senior $13.55
 * Youth	$8.55

Get around
The park is accessible by boat only. You can bring your own boat, canoe, or kayak, take the DayTripper shuttle boat, or a water taxi. There are 63 islands and points of land along the coastline that form the park, stretching from in the north, to  in the south. Most of the coast and many islands between are not part of the park, and some park islands are not precisely shown on public maps. Obtain a local nautical map before your trip.

On Beausoleil Island, adult-size bicycles are available for rent from the. Several points on the southern half of the island are accessible by trails which permit cycling.

Do
The park offers 12 hiking trails, all of which are on Beausoleil Island. The park's hiking trails ranges from short easy strolls of 300 m to more demanding hikes of over 7 km. A couple of trails are accessible to bicycles. The trails take visitors through the scenic beauty of the park and provide opportunities to view park wildlife.

Northern Beausoleil trails showcase the beauty of the Canadian Shield. This area's characteristic bedrock and wetland environment is rich in species diversity and is a major breeding area for amphibians, turtles and snakes.

The trails in Southern Beausoleil pass through a rich mosaic of forest communities. This area's mixed forest is a good representation of the West St. Lawrence Lowlands natural region.

Make sure to have sturdy footwear, drinking water and bug spray to enjoy your hike.

Buy, eat and drink
There is a gift shop, but you should get provisions for your hike in Honey Harbour or Midland.

During the summer season, Honey Harbour has a café and a fish and chips shop, the Delawana Resort Hotel, and cottages for rent. The Honey Harbour General Store is a full grocery store.

Midland has a wider selection of services and accommodations that are open year-round.

Camping
Fees (2021):

Group Camping
 * One night, Cedar Spring, per person, with showers: $5.93

Island Camping
 * One night, Cedar Spring - Unserviced with washroom building having toilets and showers: $26.06
 * Primative camping at Thumb Point, The Oakes, Sandpiper Bay, Tonch South, Tonch East, Chimney Bay, or Honeymoon Bay: $16.05

Reservation fee per reservation: $10.02