Explore the visually stunning Georgian Bay Islands National Park, which is composed of 63 islands where the windswept white pines and granite shores of the Canadian Shield and dense deciduous woodlands inspired the Group of Seven.
Take the DayTripper, a water taxi, or visit in your own boat to the destination adventure abound! Cycle wooded trails, overnight at secluded campsites or waterfront cabins and hike to viewpoints atop emerald shoreline.
Visitors without their own boat can experience Georgian Bay Islands National Park by reserving the DayTripper round-trip shuttle service to Beausoleil Island in advance.
If you choose a taxi or DayTripper, the island has two drop-off points – Cedar Springs Chimney Bay. Most people can only do one portion of the Island in a day.
WHAT TO DO:
Located in the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, this park offers thousands of years of Indigenous history and a rich ecological diversity.
Start your journey at Cedar Spring, the hub of activity in the park. You can rent mountain bikes, enjoy interpretive programs, or take a dip in the swimming beaches. The trails are perfect for hiking and biking, with options for all skill levels.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head up to Chimney Bay on the north end of the island, where you’ll find the best hiking trails and stunning views out over Georgian Bay.
Make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, sturdy footwear, drinking water, and bug spray for your hike. Trails can get muddy after rain. There are no services on Chimney Bay except for a “rustic” washroom.
If you want to do the entire Island, you will have to hike Cambrian and Massassaugs trails on the Chimney Bay side (northern section of Beausoleil Island) and connect to Huron/Georgian trail on the Cedar Spring side.
If you’re looking to cover more ground, you can rent a bike at Cedar Spring and explore the park on wheels. The Huron and Christian trails offer a peaceful ride through mature forest, while the Georgian trail offers a more challenging route with technical, rocky sections.
For a truly rustic experience, stay in one of the waterfront cabins located at Cedar Spring or Christian Beach. Equipped with all the gear you need to “rough it” in style and comfort, these cabins are an easy, affordable, and comfortable way to enjoy the national park. Walk out your door to the beach, hiking and biking trails, or just relax on the porch and feel the breeze off the bay.
The cabins at Cedar Springs can accommodate up to four people and feature a queen-sized bed in one bedroom and a bunk bed (twin over double) in the other. The cabins at Christian Beach are more remote and require a 1.8-kilometer walk from the drop-off dock at Cedar Spring. These smaller, one-room cabins offer a quiet retreat and sunset views, accommodating up to two adults.
WHERE IS IT
The park is located 166 kilometres north of Toronto. Visit both the north and south of Beausoleil Island via DayTripper boat or private watercraft from Honey Harbour.
2611 Honey Harbour Road, Honey Harbour, ON P0E 1E0
HOW MUCH TO VISIT
The DayTripper shuttle costs $24.96 per person.
Park Admission: Adult: $6.25, Senior: $5.25, Youth: free; Family/Group: $12.75
WHEN TO GO – DayTripper
Victoria day Weekend May 19 – June 15th and September 6th – October 9, 2023 | Friday to Tuesday; Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.
June 16th – September 5th, 2023 | Open daily.
Cedar Spring Departure (South end of Beausoleil Island) | 10:30 am (2:30 pm return) & 12:00 pm (4:30 om return)
Chimney Bay Departure (North end of Beausoleil Island) | 1:00 pm (5:30 pm return)
The length of stay for visitors accessing Beausoleil Island via the DayTripper is set at 4 and a half hours.
Reservations are required for the scenic 15-minute DayTripper boat ride from Honey Harbour to Beausoleil Island.
Visitors will be able to reserve their spot ahead of time through the Parks Canada Reservation System or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
Water Taxi
If you are not able to get a reservation, book a water taxi:
- Georgian Bay Islands Water Taxi
- Georgian Coastal Water Taxi
- Honey Harbour Boat Club
- Harbour Water Taxi
- Island Express
Cost varies depending on the taxi. The average is around $165+taxes for a round trip per boat – 5 people with gear.
WHERE TO STAY
There are campgrounds in the park. For those who want a more luxurious stay – Cabins are available for rent in both the Cedar Springs area and at Christian Beach.