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Georgian Bay creates many beautiful yet popular and busy beaches. And one of the Georgian Bay area’s most abundant beaches is also one of the quietest.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
The Tay Township covers a long stretch of the Georgian Bay between Port McNicoll and Waubaushene. To the south of those shores are quieter and more rural parts of Ontario. A summer trip out to Tay will guarantee beautiful beaches, thrilling water adventures, and all of the appeal of any of Ontario’s beach towns – minus the crowds!
Water Fun & Beaches in Tay
The Georgian Bay waterfront is the place to be over the summers. From beaches and waterfront picnic spots, to hiking and biking trails to history, the Tay shorelines offer a little bit of everything. The several beaches along the Tay shores provide varying amenities.
- Magnus Beach and Patterson Park Beach are two of the sandy spots to stop at west of Port McNicoll. They are both quiet and rural beaches with limited amenities, but some of the best sunset views in Ontario!
- Albert Street Beach and Mackenzie Park Beach are both on the Victoria Harbour to the east of Port McNicoll. These beaches are a bit closer to things like shops, takeout spots, or restaurants and bars. They also offer amenities like washrooms, picnic areas, park space, and trails.
- Waubaushene Beach is the last stop for swimming or water fun on the south Georgian Bay shores. From here, the highways take a direct turn north to follow the Lake Huron shores. Of the three beaches in this area, Waubaushene offers the most amenities like parking, washrooms, and park space.
- While in Waubaushene, consider exploring the waters by paddleboat. The Swift Outdoor Centre offer canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals. Those wanting to get out on the waters with a fishing rod can depend on Pier 69 Marina in Waubaushene. They offer fishing boat and pontoon boat rentals.
Discover Local History
The Tay Township is home to three major museums and historical sites to tour during your visit. Two of these sites are outdoor shrines or monuments to what was once in that location. The other is a large museum with live actors, annual events, and large exhibits.
- Discover local history at the Sainte-Marie among the Hurons open-air museum between Midland and Port McNicoll. This is the site of Ontario’s first European community, with recreated buildings, costumed actors, and artifacts, all helping to bring the history to life.
- Mission of St. Ignace II National Historic Site of Canada and Saint-Louis Mission National Historic Site of Canada are both outdoor monuments and are free to visit.
- A driving tour around the rural parts of Tay can bring you to over 15 different historical buildings and homes. Please note, these buildings are private property and are to be viewed from a distance!
Tay Shore Trail and Other Nature Hikes
The Tay Shore Trail is over 18km of paved walking and cycling path. The trail takes walkers or cyclists along the Victoria Harbour, a place in Tay rich with history. Stop by the restored lighthouse and continue along toward Sturgeon Bay. This trail passes clos to 10 different parks and picnic spots.
- The trail begins in the west in Midland and follows the shores as far east as Waubaushene Beach and the town of Coldwater.
- With the trail, one could use a bike to see all of the Tay Township beaches in a day.
- Enjoy the quieter, more secluded parts of the trail around the Sturgeon Bay. There is a beach or park on either side of the bay, and great places for launching canoes or kayaks.
Nearby, the Wye Marsh offers woodland and wetland trails showcasing the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest and a significant cattail marsh. Most trails are hard-packed and accessible for assistive devices, strollers, and wagons. Biking trails like Upper Red Trail and Molehill Loop cater to experienced mountain bikers.
Waubaushene Beaches Provincial Park (non-operating Ontario Parks) showcases a series of historic shorelines from ancient Lake Algonquin’s retreat, marking a 35-meter terrain drop to Georgian Bay. The landscape, shaped by four post-glacial lakes, includes the 12,000-year-old Cedar Point Lake Stage, Lake Payette, and Lake Nipissing shorelines. The youngest, Lake Waubaushene, lies at the park’s edge, surrounded by diverse forests and meadows.
A Taste of Tay
Much of the dining around the Tay Township dining follows the shoreline streets and roads. You’ll get options for casual takeout, local sweets and treats, patio dining, and more.
- Find those waterfront locations or perfect patios from The Queen’s Quay British Pub And Restaurant (waterfront patio), Maple Canadian Pub (patio), or Shannon’s Kitchen Café Bistro (patio).
- Explore the many wonderful local casual takeout spots around the rural and shoreline parts of the Tay Township. On Highway-93, find the Hungry Hustler for a perfect roadside picnic, or the Goofy Newfie in Waverly. Closer to the shores, dine with Marina’s Sports Bar and Pizza, Bubba’s Pizza, or Shana’s Baked Goods.
Summer Festivities in the Tay Township
The shoreline celebrations in Tay happen all summer with a variety of ways to make the most of your trip. This includes guided tours, live music, other live entertainment, and plenty of local eats or treats.
- Canada Day celebrations take place over the entire long weekend in Tay, with the big party at the Victoria Harbour! Enjoy a barbecue, Indigenous cultural experiences, live music, more entertainment, and kids’ activities.
- Take part in the Saint Marie of the Hurons’ feature summer event: Shadows & Stone, Evening Experience. The event, which runs from July to August, offers a unique glimpse into the museum and its artifacts, stories, and more.
Accommodations of All Kinds in Tay
One of the best aspects of the accommodation options in the Tay area is the variety of ways to stay. Plus, most of Tay’s hotels, B&Bs and rental properties are highly rated by past guests.
- Get cozy and enjoy a peaceful stay in Tay with Tucked Inn the Harbour B&B. Or find even more private B&Bs with the online rental companies like Airbnb or VRBO.
- Set up your tent or RV near all the handy amenities offered by the Bell Falls Family Campground.
- Take your pick among tiny home, waterfront cottages, full-family homes, and more, with the several Airbnb options along the Tay shores.
