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.

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