6 Incredible Places to Paddle on Georgian Bay

Often called the sixth Great Lake, Georgian Bay is a massive body of water that's technically part of Lake Huron. And it’s a beauty. From the cliffs of Lion’s Head to the beaches of Manitoulin Island, every kilometre of shoreline is worth exploring. Whether you’re looking for a casual evening paddle out of cities like Collingwood, or epic wilderness trips near Killarney, there’s something for everyone. The first step in planning a trip of a lifetime is to determine where to canoe and kayak on Georgian Bay—and we’re here to help.

The sea kayak is considered by many to be the best vessel for self-propelled exploration of Georgian Bay. Throw on a skirt and a few waves won’t bother you too much. Sea kayaks cut through the water efficiently, offer exciting independence and plenty of room to pack tents, sleeping bags and other camping gear. If you’re just going for a short evening paddle on calm water, a sit-on-top kayak or even a river kayak will do.

That said, people ask, “can you canoe on Georgian Bay?” and the answer is “heck yes you can.” A canoe is a great way to move a lot of gear (as well as your dog) to beautiful campsites throughout the region. You just need to be mindful of the weather and respect any dangerous forecasts—much like any of the Great Lakes, ocean-like conditions can develop very quickly. Storms and wind are not to be taken lightly; Georgian Bay waves will easily swamp a canoe.

With the right preparation, knowledge and skills, Georgian Bay is not to be feared. A healthy measure of respect is key. That respect will be rewarded with incredible paddling experiences. We've put together a list of locations for self-guided adventures as well as guided excursions, so there's something for everyone no matter your skill or comfort level paddling on Georgian Bay.

Outstanding scenery is what sets Georgian Bay apart from the other Great Lakes. The limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment create incredible landscapes on the east side of the Bay. To the north, the ancient mountains of Killarney lend a backdrop that’s absolutely world class. Without further ado, let's get into some of the best places to canoe and kayak on Georgian Bay.

Best Canoe & Kayak Trips on Georgian Bay

Collingwood

The biggest town on Georgian Bay, Collingwood has long been an outdoor capital for the province. Locals are obsessed with bikes, standup paddleboards and all things outdoors. Putting in at the Collingwood Yacht Club or Northwinds Beach are both great spots to start your exploration.

Plan your trip

• Rent a SUP or kayak from Southwinds Marine or Little Ed’s.
• Nearby Blue Mountain Resort has plenty of accommodation options and makes a great base from which to get out paddling. They even have a beach with kayak rentals on Georgian Bay that is accessible to guests only.
• Collingwood restaurants abound. Places like Northwinds, Bent Taco, The Lowdown, Black Bellows and so many more will feed your hunger.

Lion’s Head

For an evening paddle, it’s hard to beat Lion’s Head. Chalky Niagara Escarpment cliffs plunge into Georgian Bay in a dramatic landscape that’s absolutely stunning—especially viewed from the water. Azure waters look like the Caribbean. Paddle in August and enjoy warm water that’s clear as glass.

Plan your trip

• Rent a kayak, canoe or SUP at the nearby Suntrail Outfitters in Hepworth. This is a great outdoor shop, and they’ll have tons of ideas of where and when to paddle. They also offer many guided tours and provide lessons.
• It makes the most sense to put in at Lion’s Head Beach. Paddle along the cliff on your right and marvel at the rock climbers and the incredible views. Sunsets here are beautiful, but be sure to know when the sun goes down and how long it takes to get back to the beach. You don’t want to be out here when it gets dark, or if the weather turns. Turn around and head back to the beach when you’re done exploring.
• Camp at Lion’s Head Beach Park Campground and do a sunrise paddle.

Philip Edward Island

Wondering where to kayak on Georgian Bay? This is it! If there’s a place the sea kayak was absolutely invented for, it’s Philip Edward Island. This beautiful landscape of polished granite islands is a world-class paddling destination, the epitome of Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands. The scenery cannot be beat and the campsites provide unreal experiences.

This is all Crown land, so there’s no booking ahead to get a spot; simply show up and start camping (non-Canadian residents must purchase a Crown land camping permit or use the services of an outfitter). If you’re here in August, you may wonder if there’s anywhere else in the world that’s better: warm, clear water, incredible sunsets, no bugs and true wilderness.

Circumnavigating the island is a classic three- to five-day trip. If you'd like to do the trip in a canoe, you’ll need to be lucky for the weather to cooperate; waves from the Bay side of the island can definitely get too big for a canoe.You can also pick a campsite close to the put-in and do day trips from there depending on the weather. Whatever you do, you’ll have an incredible adventure. 

Plan your trip

• The put-in for most trips to Philip Edward Island is at the end of Chikanashing Road. This is technically part of Killarney Provincial Park, so you’ll need a permit to leave a vehicle here. Get those at the George Lake office (it’s on the way to Chikanashing Road). 
• Nearby outfitters like Killarney Kanoes and Killarney Outfitters both rent kayaks, canoes and all the gear you’ll need for multiday excursions.
• Chrismar’s Adventure Map makes a Philip Edward Island & Area map that’s specifically for sea kayaking. You can order it online or pick one up at any of the local outfitters.
• Philip Edward Island is also accessible via Point Grondine Park, an Indigenous protected area on the mainland shore of Georgian Bay. 
• Read our Guide to Paddling Philip Edward Island for more information.

French River Delta

The French River Delta (where the French River meets Georgian Bay) is an amazing place to canoe and kayak. Part of French River Provincial Park, the river mouth is full of incredible rock formations, beautiful scenery, thousands of islands and a sense of wilderness. It’s a bit difficult to get out here, so you’ll want some experience navigating weather and wilderness before heading out to the Delta. Expect to spend a few days out here, too. 

Plan your trip

• Rent a canoe at Hartley Bay Marina and follow their directions on how to get to the Bay. White Squall is another well-respected outfitter in the area, and rents canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Grundy Lake Supply Post also rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.
• There are a couple put-in options if you want to paddle out to the Delta. The Key River is a good option and the Key Marine Resort on Highway 69 has a boat launch you can start from. It’s a 13-kilometre paddle from here to the Bay proper, but you’ll be in the Delta soon after that. Other options for putting-in include the Hartley Bay Marina, the Pickerel River (at Highway 69) or the French River at the French River Supply Post. All of these options will require you to paddle to the Bay. The Delta is a labyrinth of rivers and lakes, with endless route potential. It would be easy to create a multiday loop here and never paddle the same area twice. 
• Read our Guide to Planning a French River Canoe Trip for all the details.

Killarney

If you want to get on Georgian Bay, the lovely little town of Killarney, located at the end of Highway 637, has everything you need to get on the water. Experienced paddlers can venture out on a multiday trip and novices or those looking for more comfort can do day trips from one of Killarney’s great motels and lodges. You’ll find options for just about every budget and group size, as well as a few awesome restaurants and a quaint village vibe.

Plan your trip

• Rent a kayak or canoe at Killarney Outfitters. They’re located just out of town, but they know what they’re doing and can help you figure out some perfect paddling locations. Killarney Kanoes runs a similar business and both companies rent everything to get you on the water. If you want to get out on big water, they’ll also know where to kayak on Georgian Bay and can rent you all the gear you need to make it happen. Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, stoves and lanterns—they’ve got it all.
• Set up a base camp at Killarney Mountain Lodge. This classic waterfront family resort has everything, including amazing food and guided sunset kayak trips. The Sportsman’s Inn is another resort right downtown that offers guests use of canoes and kayaks and an unforgettable experience on the Bay.
• Voyageur Quest has a five-day guided kayak trip that starts and finishes in Killarney. This is a perfect chance to experience Philip Edward Island and the islands surrounding Killarney. Meals, tents and nearly everything else are provided, so you just need to show up and hop in a boat. You’ll learn proper paddling techniques, safety practices and so much more.
• Ontario Sea Kayak Centre offers a self-reliant training trip from Killarney to Britt.
• Voyageur Quest offers a five-day guided sea kayaking trip from Killarney to various inlets and bays on Philip Edward Iland.
• No trip to Killarney is complete without a meal at Herbert Fisheries. Right on the water, this is the ultimate way to fuel up before or after a paddle.

Manitoulin Island

Manitoulin Island is an absolute gem. Whether you get there by the MS-Chi Cheemaun ferry or by driving the long way round on Highways 69, 17 and 6, you’ll quickly realize that time moves at a slower pace on the Island. The beautiful agricultural landscape is surrounded by an unspoiled shoreline, making it a perfect place to paddle on Georgian Bay.

Plan your trip

• There are lots of places to put-in on Manitoulin. Providence Bay is a classic: This beautiful bay has a massive, protected beach that is picture-perfect in the summer. You could stay in the sheltered nearshore waters or head out into Georgian Bay proper to explore the shoreline.
• Grab some local fresh-caught grub at Lake Huron Fish & Chips in Providence Bay. Delicious!
• Rent paddleboards and kayaks in Kagawong from Island Vibes Aqua Adventures. They also offer clinics and guided trips.

Georgian Bay Camping

If you’re ready to paddle to your campsite, there are tons of places to camp. Killarney and Phillip Edward Island are full of Crown land, so you can camp anywhere you find a flat piece of ground. The whole French River Delta is part of French River Provincial Park which has listed campsites on their maps. Be respectful of other people enjoying the wilderness and pack out everything you pack in.

If you’re looking for more of a car camping situation where you use your campsite as a base camp, places like Craigleith Provincial Park, Awenda Provincial Park, Rocher Rouge Campground and Cape Croker Park are solid options. You can also camp at Lion’s Head Beach Park Campground.

More Guided Trips on Georgian Bay

• Ontario Sea Kayak Centre offers a Georgian Bay Kayaking and Yoga Trip among the 30,000 Islands.

• Black Feather offers many guided canoe and kayak trips throughout Georgian Bay.

• Voyageur Quest offers three guided Georgian Bay sea kayaking trips—two among the 30,000 Islands and one near Killarney.

• Check out Horizons Adventures for all-inclusive guided Georgian Bay kayak trips and Georgian Bay sea kayak instruction built on decades of experience.

• Georgian Bay Tours offers various half- and full-day sea kayak tours on Georgian Bay, some with assistance from a boat.

• Adventure Georgian Bay offers custom sea kayak trips for groups on Georgian Bay.

• Wilderness Adventures offers three- and five-day kayak trips among Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands.

• Nanook Expeditions offers a five-day women's-only kayak expedition and a five-day couples-only kayak expedition among Georgian Bay's 30,000 islands.

Canoe & Kayak Rentals Georgian Bay

Eastern Side of the Bay

• Hartley Bay Marina
• White Squall
• Grundy Lake Supply Post
• Killarney Kanoes
• Killarney Outfitters

Western Side of the Bay

• Suntrail Outfitters

Manitoulin Island

• Island Vibes Aqua Adventures

Southern Shore

• Eagle Adventures
• Adventure Georgian Bay

Georgian Bay Maps

• Any of the above outfitters will also have maps of the regions you’re looking to paddle.
• The French River Visitor Centre will have maps of the French River region.
• Chrismar’s Adventure Map makes a Philip Edward Island & Area map that’s specifically for sea kayaking, but obviously will work for canoes too. You can order it online or pick one up at any of the local outfitters.
• Maps by Jeff has maps of Killarney Provincial Park, the French River and Massasauga Provincial Park, all of which include sections of Georgian Bay.

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