Tired of Traffic Jams?

Leave the hustle and bustle and noise of the city far behind you.

Have you ever dreamed of going to live on a desert island? Want to leave the hustle, bustle and noise of the big city behind?   

Well, why not escape to a world where there are no motor vehicles and no traffic jams – a place where you can explore the spectacular landscape of the UNESCO Georgian Bay World Biosphere Reserve, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, by bicycle, foot or boat only. No, it's not a desert island but it is natural paradise.    

Located only a 90 minute-drive from Toronto, Georgian Bay Islands National Park offers a truly remarkable Canadian experience for either seasoned outdoor enthusiasts or those new-to-the-outdoors.  Chose to go for just a day or do a multiday getaway.   

Your adventure starts with a scenic 15 minute Parks Canada boat ride from Honey Harbour to the park’s largest island, Beausoleil.

GREAT WAYS TO STAY ON THE BAY!     

Glamping Cabins

Enjoy all the comforts of home – bbq, beds, table, chairs, lights, cooking gear – even a coffee maker!  This “green” experience uses solar lighting, refrigerators and composting toilets.

GBINP CedarSpringCabin-1
Cabin at Cedar Spring Campground

The Cedar Springs cabins sleep up to 5 people and feature screened-in porches, private campfire, close access to the washroom and shower facilities. Enjoy spectacular sunsets at the quieter, west-facing Christian Beach cabins which  accommodate 2 people.

GBINP Cedar-Spring-cabin-OTMPC
It's clean, cozy and comfortable inside the cabins at Cedar Spring Campground.

All you need to bring is your food, bedding, personal items, a good book and your sense of adventure,” says park Superintendent Gary McMillan.

Equipped Campsites

No camping gear? No problem!  Just bring a sleeping bag and settle into one of the fully equipped campsites at Cedar Spring. Your ready-to-go campsite includes a tent, dining shelter, sleeping pads, camping chairs and kitchen kit.     

Traditional Camping

Wake up to spectacular views of Georgian Bay, only steps away from the water’s edge. The park has over a hundred campsites at 9 different campgrounds, with some including flush toilets and hot showers. 

EXPLORE

 GO HIKING! Choose from 12 distinct trails varying in length from 0.3 km to 7.1 km and difficulty.  Take in views of Georgian Bay, the historic Brebeuf Lighthouse, Long Bay and more.  Learn the Story of Fairy Lake on the must-hike loop trail.

Hiking-at-Fairy--Lake-on-GBIs-Natonal-Park
Hiking on the Fairy Lake trail.

GO MOUNTAIN BIKING! Rent a bike from the kiosk and explore the island. Feel the west wind in your hair on the 7.1km Georgian Trail, watch for signs of deer and bears on the 1.5 km inner island Christian Trail or pedal through beautiful beech-maple forest on the 6.9 km Huron Trail.  

GO SWIMMING! Discover the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield, time-worn rock faces, sandy beaches and spectacular scenery of Georgian Bay.

GO BIRD WATCHING!  The fall is a great time to watch for warblers, thrushes and hawks as bird migration is in full swing.

Beausoleil Island map 2013 webres PARKSCANADA
It's fun to explore and camp on Beausoleil Island

TRIP PLANNING INFORMATION

WebsiteGeorgian Bay Islands National Park

Phone: 705-526-9804

Weekends and Holidays (June to Labour Day): 705-427-2532

Email: info.gbi@pc.gc.ca

Camping/Cabin Reservations: 1-877-RESERVE (737-3783)

www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca/gbi

HOW TO GET THERE


View Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay Islands National Park in a larger map

About Trish Manning

Trish Manning is an adventure travel writer and the content coordinator for Ontario Outdoor Adventures. She is an avid outdoor person who loves to hike, paddle, SUP, snowshoe, cross-country ski and explore Ontario's great outdoors with her golden retriever, Daisy.

Recommended Articles

Want to see the northern lights?

Come to Gordon's Park Dark Sky Reserve

Looking to escape?

Detox from technology in Ontario Parks.

Fall Outdoor Adventures in Ontario

6 ways to enjoy the best of the season.

Ontario Trail Races

Find out where to test your limits and get out in the woods.

Best Stargazing in Ontario

Can’t-miss night sky events for 2025

Affordable Weekend Getaways

13 exciting escapes for couples in Ontario.

Still Ice: Ontario’s Best Frozen Waterfalls

Be wowed by these spectacular, ephemeral formations.

Guide to Restoule Provincial Park

Find out how to plan a front or backcountry trip to this little-known gem.

Your Family’s Best Summer Ever

Explore dozens of family-friendly outdoor itineraries.

Outdoor Playgrounds

Discover the best Ontario Provincial Parks.

19 Winter Activities to Add to Your Bucket List

Must-do activities that are snow much fun.

Paddle to the Trailhead

8 stunning hiking trails to canoe or kayak to.

Ontario’s National Parks

Protected for posterity. And deservedly so.

Why I SUP

15 ways to fall in love with stand-up paddleboarding.

Cross Country Skiing In Ontario This Winter

Your COVID-19 safety plan.

Paddling the painted landscape

A Group of Seven wilderness adventure

Best Weekend Escapes

Enjoy the great outdoors within a drive from Buffalo & Rochester

Quiz: Campsites of Ontario

How many of provincial parks have you visited?

Want this view?

Hike to the top of the "Giant"

10 Mind-Blowing Images of Ontario

Pick your favourite & go there.