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The Georgian Bay is located at the large eastern half of Lake Huron. The Bay is created from the northern shores, the Bruce Peninsula to the south, and the Manitoulin Islands to the northwest.
No matter where you travel along the Georgian Bay, there are hundreds of sights, attractions, parks, places to stay, and things to do between the north and south areas.
Following the Huron shoreline along the Georgian Bay makes an excellent extended road trip, while the individual towns and communities are each themselves a summer destination.
Tobermory
Tobermory is as far out as you can go on the Bruce Peninsula and directly to the west of Bruce Peninsula National Park. Both the park and town offer many things to see, explore, experience, and enjoy on a summer trip, including plenty of water-based adventures. The unique shoreline scenery of the Bruce Peninsula is easy to explore on self-guided trips or with local guides.
- At Fathom Five, visitors can take scuba diving tours, camp on Flowerpot Island, enjoy the trails, or relax at the beach. The cliffside views at the park include some of Lake Huron’s most incredible scenery. But, the biggest draw, especially for divers or snorkellers, are the shipwrecks scattered about the waters. This guide maps out the shipwreck sites and their dive difficulty levels- the sites range from simple snorkelling to highly advanced or for advanced groups only.
- Bruce Peninsula National Park offers various outdoor experiences set along the bright blue waters or in the lush woodlands. The Grotto is a famous swimming and beach location in the park, with several shallow pools set in the rocks. Other notable places to visit in the park include Singing Sands Beach, which has wildflowers and sand dunes, and Little Cove, which is a quiet and pebbly beach. For those looking to stay a while, the park provides camping in yurts or campsites in the backcountry.
- A second Parks Canada site near Tobermory is the Fathom Five National Marine Park. The park is a well-known site among scuba divers and snorkellers, given dozens and more shipwrecks around the Peninsula and under Lake Huron. Other park activities include camping, hiking, swimming, boating, or picnicking.
- Little Cove Adventures Aerial Park is perfect for young families looking for a thrilling time on a ropes course.
- The area has plenty more options for accommodations besides camping or the National Parks. Choose between motels, hotels, inns, cottages, cabins, or bed and breakfasts. Plus, there are additional campgrounds too!
- There are a few ways to get guided tours on the waters around the Peninsula. These include tours with Blue Heron Cruises, The Bruce Anchor, or Tobermory Wave Adventures.
- Find the local food by bike ride or walking across town. While Tobermory is a small town, the dining scene here is big, with seafood, international cuisine, waterfront dining, takeout, bars, and more.
Lion’s Head
A trip to Lion’s Head over the summers could fulfill several different vacations. Visit Lion’s Head for gorgeous outdoor areas along the Niagara Escarpment, arts and culture, beautiful beaches, and many chances for adventure.
- Lion’s Head Provincial Park is a beautiful location along the Niagara Escarpment for a hike or a sunrise. The Lion’s Head Trail begins in the town and leads to the park famous for the scenic Lion’s Head Lookout. From here, a side trail leads through the trees, while a second trail continues along the shoreline.
- Explore the limestone caves at Greig’s Caves and discover a landscape sculpted over millennia by glacial lakes and erosion, revealing majestic cliffs and historical dolomite formations, a testament to the region’s rich geological past.
- Nestled under the Niagara Escarpment, this enduring lighthouse, first built in 1903, has braved Georgian Bay’s harsh weather. Rebuilt and automated, a 1983 replica crafted by students continues to attract visitors to its historic charm.
- Each year, Lion’s Head makes the most of the town’s beautiful natural location with the Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race with boat and foot races, live music, a beer tent, and more. And all summer, catch weekly live musical concerts at the Harbourside Stage in Lion’s Head.
- Lion’s Head Lighthouse, first built in 1903, has braved Georgian Bay’s harsh weather. Rebuilt and automated, a 1983 replica at 16 Bruin Street crafted by students is a perfect backdrop for a summer family picture.
- Shop for many different local treats with the weekly Lion’s Head Farmers’ Market each summer, set up at the town beach. A few more unique local shops can be found on Webster and Main Streets in Lion’s Head.
- The town of Lion’s Head surrounds the harbour of the same name. Along the shores are wide and expansive sandy areas surrounded by warm and shallow waters. Most of the Lion’s Head waterfront is beach space with plenty of room for a picnic.
- Between caves, Lake Huron, the forests, and the beaches are many thrilling adventures to behold around Lion’s Head. But, if you’re new to these adventures and/or the area, get the help of the guides from Bruce Eco Adventures; they offer nighttime hikes or cave hikes.
- More adventures are available at Summer House Park, located about halfway between Tobermory and Lion’s Head on the Peninsula. The park and accommodations are on Miller Lake, where guests can enjoy a beach or a peaceful paddle.
Owen Sound
Owen Sound, located at the mouths of the Pottawatomi and Sydenham Rivers on an inlet of Georgian Bay, is a destination for all interests. Beachgoers can relax around the blue Huron waters, while history buffs can experience a variety of attractions and exhibits. This is also a wonderful place to take in the arts, culture, or music of the south Georgian Bay.
- Some of the best family-friendly attractions around Owen Sound include the Story Book Park, an outdoor amusement park for the younger kids, and many glimpses into local history. Enjoy a visit to the Marine & Rail Museum or Billy Bishop Museum.
- Find gifts, foods, souvenirs, clothing, bath and body, and much more through an Owen Sound shopping day. Visit the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, Grey Gallery, or the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market, open year-round.
- Take in a summer show at Owen Sound’s historic Roxy Theatre. The theatre puts on live performances, with the shows changing almost every month. Appreciate more local arts with the TD Harbour Nights and live concerts each Sunday evening in the summer (June-August).
- A completely free and easy way to see the work of Owen Sound artists is with a self-guided mural tour around town. As you walk to discover the town, the food, or the shopping, keep your eyes open for over 20 murals.
- Owen Sound’s Kelso Beach Park provides all you need for a day at the beach: sand and clear waters, washrooms and change rooms, picnic tables, a splash pad, playgrounds, and a few trails. A second great beach is a short drive north of Owen Sound at the Hibou Conservation Area, along with a forested interpretive trail.
- Chase the Owen Sound and area waterfalls this summer, as there are four beautiful falls to see as they crash over the Escarpment. Visit Inglis Falls, Weavers Creek Falls, Jones Falls, or Indian Falls, all with their own unique scenery to enjoy.
Meaford
The Municipality of Meaford stretches from north of Owen Sound, along the Huron shoreline, and past the town of Meaford. Additionally, this Meaford officially extends as far south as Walter Falls and as far west as Inglis Falls. From the waters to the forests around Meaford are excellent reasons to visit as a couple, a family, or as a group of friends. Take outdoor adventures, local shopping from two markets, summer festivals, or a guided tour.
- Explore the vast Hibou Conservation Area, offering 2.6km of trails, sandy beaches, and scenic boardwalks across 108 hectares. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and seasonal skiing or snowshoeing amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, maintained by the Grey-Sauble Conservation Authority. The pebble-strewn Leith Beach and the historic Trout Hollow Trail, where John Muir once worked, provide serene escapes with spectacular views of Georgian Bay and lush countryside.
- The Big Canoe Project is a local not-for-profit group that shares its love of the Georgian Bay Shore through guided paddle tours. Beyond the Georgian Bay, The Big Canoe Project also offers a tour option of Lake Eugenia.
- A second but different way to explore the waters with experienced guides is with the help of U Catch ‘Em Charters, which departs from the Meaford Marina. They offer guided fishing trips on large yachts or smaller charter boats and are open in April each year for the summer season.
- Meaford Hall Arts And Cultural Centre is a performance venue, art gallery, and events centre. The live performances to catch could include music, comedy, spoken word, dance, musical theatre, and more!
- The Meaford Farmers’ Market makes for a great selection of local goods. Take a shoreline drive to Thornbury for an additional Farmers’ Market, which is open for the season as of May.
- More great food is easy to find in Meaford, especially near the water. Follow Sykes Street, which runs north to south. It is the heart of Meaford’s local dining scene and connects you to two local waterfront areas: Fred Raper Park or Bridge Street to the Harbour and Marina.
- More summer events around Meaford to look forward to include the SummerFest each August Long Weekend, which includes a legendary Poutine-Off event, or the Electric Eclectics Festival set in a beautiful farmland area near Meaford with an “eclectic” lineup of musical performances; both are multi-day festivals in August.
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains in Grey County is an easy pick as a family, couples, or friend group vacation destination! The Blue Mountains offer pond and Huron beach options, a ton of space for paddle sports, beautiful scenery, and plenty of activities beyond the beaches.
Credit: OTMPC
- The Blue Mountain Resort provides numerous adventure opportunities. Their summer operations include lodge accommodations, too! Choose between Blue Mountain’s biking or hiking trails, the Canopy Climb Adventure, the Climbing Centre, the Timber Ropes Challenge, a Mountain Coaster, the Wind Rider Zipline, or the Open Air Gondola! Blue Mountain also operates two golf courses, and a private beach for lodge guests or Play All Day tickets.
- Look to the resort for summer events in the Blue Mountains. There are many to get excited about and around which to plan a vacation: YetiCon, Salsa at Blue, Canada Day, the Midweek Music Series, outdoor Movies Under the Stars, Symphony on the Pond, Country Fest, Reggae on the Mountain, Rock Fest, Opera under the Stars, Blues at Blue, and Summer Sundown! No matter your musical taste, there is likely to be a show for you this summer at Blue Mountain.
- Find even more adventures and many self-guided activities with the Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. This hiking park includes 15km of trails, part of which cross a 420ft suspension bridge, along with mini golf, Rocky the Train, picnic areas, and the Trail’s End Grill.
- The Resort surrounds the waters of Mill Pond, while the rest of the village lies along the Huron Shore. Along Lake Huron and within the Blue Mountains, visitors can take advantage of the beautiful Northwinds Beach with its mix of pebbled and sandy beach areas. The area is popular for swimming, paddle sports, and picnics.
- Escape some of the business of the resort areas with a campout or scenic hike at Craigleith Provincial Park. Nearby, you’ll also find a chance to dive into the area’s history with a visit to the Museum at the Craigleith Heritage Depot
- Get out on a country drive or tour of the local wineries and cideries. Around the Blue Mountains, you can choose between the Georgian Hills Vineyards, Spy Cider House and Distillery, Grey & Gold Cider, or Windswept Cider (closer to Meaford).
- Plus, Blue Mountain Adventure Tours offers guided trips through the wineries, distilleries, cideries, and eateries, to help with a transportation solution!
Collingwood
Collingwood is one of the last stops on the southern part of the Georgian Bay before the shoreline bends north toward Wasaga Beach. The scenic town is often considered a great place to stay for those visiting the Blue Mountains area. But Collingwood itself is easily a great summer destination on the Georgian Bay. The town is busy with festivals and events, is lush with summer scenery and greenery, and is a convenient place to explore on foot or bike.
- The local Collingwood Trails total about 60km across town. Begin at the Collingwood Arboretum to explore the town’s truly green scenery and follow the Georgian Trail west. This beautiful walk leads through the trees and to a lookout point over Lake Huron.
- And on the east side of the harbour are trails from Huron Street, which will take you to the Sunset Point Beach and Park.
- Sunset Point Park is a major hub of town activities in Collingwood. It is home to a swimming area, two more green spaces/park areas, a pavilion available to rent for larger groups, smaller picnic areas, and a stage.
- More ways to explore the Georgian Bay around Collingwood include the guided experiences from local tour groups. Collingwood Charters offers a wide array of boat cruise types, like sunset, live music, or fishing cruises. The Collingwood Adventure Voyages include trips for fishing, for sunsets, or guided shipwreck snorkelling. The Five Star Fish & Cruise Company is exclusively a fishing charter company with trips around the Bay. For something a little different, book your own jet skis or a boat tour with Xtreme Adventures, based out of Collingwood.
- Exploring the history of Collingwood is as simple as a walk or bike ride around the historic downtown areas. This is also where you can find the Collingwood Museum, open for daily visits, and the museum’s great deal of summer programming.
- Mark your calendars for these summer events in Collingwood to make trip planning a little easier. This includes two different local summer concert series, Canada Day celebrations and Side Launch Days (August).
Wasaga Beach
The town of Wasaga Beach follows the southern and part of the eastern shoreline of Huron’s Georgian Bay.
The town is also where the Natawasaga River and lake meet. The long stretch of beach and town are part of Ontario’s Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. This means that all along this 14km stretch of the Georgian Bay shoreline, visitors will find Provincial Park amenities like picnic tables and shelters, washrooms, change rooms, a welcome centre with interpretive information, and overall, a ton of summer fun. This is also the longest freshwater beach in the entire world!
- Wasaga Beach Provincial Park has six-day use areas and parking lots over 14km of shoreline. All allow swimming except for the area around the Nancy Island Historic Site. Find the boat launch at Beach Area 1 and the dog beach at Beach Area 3, and travel between all beaches with the bike and walking path.
- The Nancy Island Historic Site is open from spring to fall as a museum and interpretive centre to showcase the area’s history around the War of 1812. Learn about ship battles and the importance of the HMS Nancy in the battles.
- The Provincial Park is a day-use park, so while the park doesn’t offer camping, there are several nearby places to stay. Look to Mosley Street in Wasaga Beach for hotels between the river and the lake.
- Find plenty of adventures off the waters and more to the east of Wasaga Beach with attractions like the Wasaga Adventure Park (airsoft and paintball), Rounds Ranch (fun farm) or the Wasaga 500 Go-Karts.
- Adventures are easy to find on the waters, too. Rent your own boats or watercraft with Wasaga Watersports and Picture Perfect Marine Rentals. Take a more relaxing ride with the Shaka Wasaga Boat Cruise, complete with bar service!
- These summer events around Wasaga Beach and the park make for fun ways to plan a family vacation. These include events like the Summer Sets outdoor concerts each Friday and Saturday evening, or Kites & Castles (June), Canada Day, or Sand & Soca (August).
Endless Summer Fun at Wasaga Beach: Adventures, Festivals and Relaxation
Tiny
The Township of Tiny in Simcoe County takes up the shoreline on Georgian Bay from Woodland Beach to Sawlog Bay. Overall, this is 70km of shoreline along the south Georgian Bay and is considered the heart of the Bay! To many, this party of Ontario is also considered a cottage country. The Tiny Township has many wonderful places to stay, beautiful beaches, family-friendly activities, and plenty of trails, arts, and outdoors to explore.
- Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area is a great place to escape any busier parts of Tiny over the summer and enjoy quiet interpretive walks through the forest.
- For a longer hike, or a much longer hike, take to the Tiny Trail, which alone is over 20km, and which connects to the 30+km North Simcoe Rail Trail. The trail also forks at another, which leads to Wasaga Beach.
- Awenda Provincial Park boasts over 30km of trails, RV and tent campsites over six different campgrounds, four different beaches including a pet beach, a general store, picnic areas, Kettle Lake and boat rentals for Kettle Lake, and great fishing spots.
- Celebrate local heritage and culture in July with the annual Festival Du Loup. The festival celebrates different parts of the area’s rich Francophone heritage.
- Pick a beach, any beach! There are many along this expansive shoreline. Public beaches around Tiny include Balm, Bluewater, Jackson, Lafontaine, and Woodland Beaches. Balm Beach is especially attractive for families with the Go Karts & Mini Putt.
- All along those beautiful beaches and shorelines, as well as inland, is a huge number of cottage and cabin resorts or rental options. Choose between accommodations nestled in the dense woodlands or right along the water.
Penetanguishene
Consider Penetanguishene a beach destination, an arts and culture destination, or a fun and relaxing family vacation setting. This Georgian Bay town provides numerous ways to fill a day, weekend, or entire week. Plus, there are several ways around town to get on the beautiful Huron waters from beaches and swimming to boating and boat tours.
Discovery Harbour
- There is a lot of interesting history to discover and uncover around Penetanguishene. Start at the water with Discovery Harbour, and follow the water south to visit the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum.
- King’s Wharf Theatre is along that same walk from Discovery Harbour to the Museum and is yet another chance to dive into local culture. The Theatre offers performances of live music and live musical theatre.
- Find more music over the summers in Penetanguishene through the Bayside Summer Soiree. The event showcases local musical talent each Friday.
- The incredible beauty of Georgian Bay and the harbour is easy to explore, and boat tours are available from town. Enjoy dining or sightseeing cruises with Landmark, or with Georgian Spirit Cruises. With Diverse Rentals, you can choose between renting your boat for a self-guided adventure, or a guided boat tour.
- Huronia Park and Rotary Park are two local beaches and parks that offer a day’s worth of family fun. These parks both offer swimming and sandy beach space, playgrounds, picnic areas, parking, and washrooms.
- Follow Main Street from Rotary Park to find all the best of Penetanguishene’s local dining and shopping. Along the way, discover smaller local parks, historical monuments and buildings, and local public art.
Midland
Don’t sleep on or drive past this Georgian Bay shoreline town. Midland is home to a thriving arts and cultural scene which is on full display all around town. Plus, the town is a beautiful place overall with lush greenery, historic districts, and beaches. Midland is also home to Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival and a handful of other summer celebrations.
- Plan for time exploring the vibrant downtown Midland. The beautiful space is well-kept with trees and gardens to help decorate the historic buildings. The area is also home to dozens of local shops for any kind of need or want, as well as an array of local eateries. Find even more goodies from the Midland Famers’ Market (May-October).
- Little Lake Park offers a quiet beach experience off of Lake Huron and on the shores of the smaller Little Lake. Enjoy swimming, beach volleyball, the trails, or a visit to the Huronia Museum and Huron Ouendat Village.
- Martyrs’ Shrine, a national historic site, commemorates the Canadian Martyrs with a story spanning nearly 400 years that shaped Canada. The shrine spans 300 acres, featuring natural forests, gardens, and devotional spaces designed for reflection and connection with nature.
- Discover more water and swimming opportunities with Midland’s Huron Beaches at Gawley Park, or Pete Pettersen Park.
- For a small fee, visitors and locals are welcome to use the Midland Harbour Boat Launch for self-guided boating on the Georgian Bay.
- Each September, Midland hosts a massive Mural Festival. And while this would make for a later summer/fall visit, the murals from past festivals create a great art walk around town. For celebrations earlier in the summer, visit Midland for Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival (June), Canada Day, The Tugboat Festival/Tall Ships Festival (August), or Music in the Park (July-August).
Tay Township
The Tay Township, east of Midland, encompasses the Georgian Bay shoreline from Elimere Point to Waubaushene. This is a quieter and more rural part of the Georgian Bay but still offers plenty to see and do over the summers.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
- Discover local history at the Sainte-Marie among the Hurons open-air museum between Midland and Port McNicoll.
- Near the museum is Tay’s Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Here, you can partake in a few different outdoor activities like hiking, biking, wildlife viewing or birding. The Centre also offer guided hikes. Alternatively, you can spend your time discovering the shoreline scenery or Bay sunsets from the Tay Shore Trail. This is over 18km of paved walking and cycling path.
- Tay Township is home to five gorgeous Georgian Bay Beaches! From west to east are Magnus Beach, Patterson Park Beach, Albert Street Beach, Mackenzie Park Beach, and Waubaushene Beach.
- Tay Shore Trail, spanning over 18 kilometres along Georgian Bay’s shores, offers scenic views of the Bay, Wye, Hogg, and Sturgeon Rivers. It’s ideal for rollerblading, biking, walking, and running, with interpretive plaques highlighting local wildlife and history.
- The majority of Tay’s dining is scattered along the shoreline’s communities, including charming takeout spots, cafes, and pubs, as well as waterfront dining.
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Honey Harbour is the base camp community for adventures on the Georgian Bay Islands. The Islands, also a National Park, are only accessible by boat. Luckily, there are five private companies with charters, ferries, and boat rides to the Georgian Bay Islands.
- Get to the National Park from Honey Harbour with the help of Parks Canada on their DayTripper, or take a water taxi. Georgian Bay Islands Water Taxi, Georgian Coastal Water Taxi, Honey Harbour Boat Club, Harbour Water Taxi, or the Island Express are the most convenient options for those wanting to camp and spend multiple days on the Georgian Islands.
- Parks Canada provides a few options on ways to spend overnight trips to the Georgian Islands: choose between cabin or oTENTik rentals, or tent and RV camping.
- The park’s hiking trails are all on Beausoleil Island with dozens of kilometres to explore. A few of these trails also allow for cycling. Plus, Bike rentals are now available at the Cedar Spring Visitor Centre on Beausoleil Island.
- Beausoleil Island is also home to the park’s beaches and day use areas, yet another reason to make the DayTripper from Honey Harbour.
- If you are looking for amenities in Honey Harbour, enjoy local dining and waterfront dining, cottages and cabin rentals, and hotels.
- The area also has more great beaches like those at Six Mile Lake Provincial Park.
Parry Sound
Located on the shore of Georgian Bay, the less-visited town of Parry Sound opens a plethora of opportunities to explore more than 30,000 islands of the bay and enjoy summer on the beaches.
Credit: Serena Felsman/Parry Sound Cruise Lines
- Choose from M.V. Chippewa III (Parry Sound Cruise Lines) or Island Queen and cruise around 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay, including visiting the Huckleberry Island.
- The erstwhile blue flag-certified Waubuno Beach is perfect for swimming. The beach has a playground and a beach volleyball court.
- Oastler Lake, Killbear and Massasauga Provincial Parks are all within half an hour’s drive from Parry Sound, making it an ideal base for a week-long stay in town.
- See Georgian Bay from up above and experience a 360-degree view of Parry Sound atop a 30m high observation tower located at Tower Hill Garden, with views of floatplanes and barges and the famous Canadian Pacific Railway trestle bridge below you.
- For those looking for festivities, kick off summer with Canada Day, and the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in July. Summer events with multiple dates include Art in the Park (weekends in July), and the Summer Market (June-August). Do not miss the Festival of the Sound, an annual two-week event in late July and early August.
Top Adventures For a Summer Getaway to Parry Sound
Wiikwemkoong on the Manitoulin Islands
This eastern-most part of the Manitoulin Islands is convenient to access from the Tobermory Ferry in the south, or the northern highway access route. It is an unceded First Nations Territory on the northern side of the Island. One of the biggest draws to this beautiful part of the Georgian Bay is the opportunity for cultural education, immersive experiences, and guided tours.
Wikwemikong Tourism provides a number of these amazing tours that offer several types of experiences. They are available from June to September or October.
- The food experiences include an Indigenous Culinary Tour, a Stone Cooked Venison and Tea experience, Clay Baked Georgian Bay Trout & Tea, or the Cedar Plank Georgian Bay Trout & Tea experience.
- Their step-on Tour is a deep look into the area’s history, with any of those culinary experiences available to add on at an extra cost! A second foot tour includes the Bebamikawe “Making Footprints.”
- Take to the waters with their Paddle the Night Sky, or Bay of the Beaver tours.
- Be sure to visit in August for the region’s multi-day Cultural or Music and Arts Festivals (August long weekend).
Killarney
Killarney in northeastern Ontario is on the opposite side of the Georgian Bay from the Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory. It is also considered the northern gateway to the Georgian Bay.
The waterfront areas of Killarney, then, look out over the Manitoulin Islands. The official municipality extends quite far across the north Georgian Bay and includes locations as far east as Grundy Lake Park and as far west as Killarney Provincial Park. This rural part of Ontario, which is a rugged part of the Lake Huron shoreline, has a hub of the Killarney Village located on the west side of the municipality.
Credit: OTMPC
- Killarney Provincial Park is wild, rugged, and exceptionally large, with tons of wilderness activities to enjoy. Camp in tents or yurts after a day on he 80km park trails, after swimming or paddling on George Lake, or a day of canoeing one of dozens of single-day canoe routes among the park’s 50 lakes!
- For those without a boat still wishing to make use of those many lakes, Killarney Outfitters offer kayak rentals, complete outfitting rentals for camping or hiking, and help with route ideas.
- The Village of Killarney also provides a local campground overlooking the Channel.
- Killarney Mountain Lodge offers a blend of rustic charm and elegance on northern Georgian Bay’s shore. Experience comfortable accommodations, fine dining, live entertainment, and outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing in nearby Killarney Provincial Park.
- Those who visit the village or Provincial Park swear by the two local eateries: Herbert’s Fish & Chips, and the Gateway Restaurant & Bakery.
