Georgian Bay is famous for its rugged shoreline, sand beaches, windswept pines, and clear blue water. This is the largest freshwater archipelago in the world and is locally known as the “30,000 Islands.” An adventurer’s paradise, people travel to Georgian Bay to swim, fish, sail, paddle, cycle, ski and more.
The rocky landscape is billions of years in the making. Geologists have determined these islands are the eroded remnants of the ancient Grenville mountain range that was similar in scale to the Himalayas. Today, all that remains are the once deeply buried portions of these mountains that have risen to the surface over time.
Indigenous peoples are the original caretakers of this land. The biosphere reserve is situated in Anishinaabek territory and is within the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. First Nation communities are revitalizing their culture and language and helping Canadians understand relationships between people and nature.
Did you know?
During the last glacial period over 11,000 years ago, Georgian Bay was covered in at least one kilometre of slow-moving ice. As the ice melted, rocks and boulders were dragged and dropped into new areas, leaving behind marks and scrapes, called chatter marks that you can see in the smooth surface of the rock. Cobblestones and sand were left in pocket beaches along today’s shores.
Learn about a couple of species at risk in this area.
Information
Best Seasons to Visit
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Things to Do Here
Cross Country Ski
Canoe
Fat Bike
Hike
Kayak
Mountain Bike
Snowshoe
Swim
Trail Run
Getting Here
Georgian Bay
Local Resources
Explore this amazing place with help from local resources:
Town of Parry Sound
When planning your next vacation destination, look no further than Parry Sound.
Hugging the shores of Georgian Bay, Parry Sound has something for everyone: outdoor adventure and attractions, hiking trails, Blue Flag designated beach, sports courts, performing arts centre and museum, natural vistas and breathtaking sunsets.
Join in the Georgian Bay experience! Visit Parry Sound!
Massasauga Provincial Park
The Massasauga Provincial Park is a provincial park in Parry Sound District, Ontario, Canada, stretching from the town of Parry Sound south to the Moon River. The park has an area of 131.05 km.
Six Mile Lake Provincial Park
Open: May Long Weekend – Thanksgiving; Closed for winter
Day Use Hours: 8am-10pm
A valid permit required for entry into Ontario Parks – day-use permits can purchased from the main office.
Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Grundy Lake Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, is a natural environment park established in 1959 and is part of the Ontario Parks system. The park is located near Britt, at the junction of Highway 69 and Highway 522.
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
The landscape of Georgian Bay Islands National Park inspired the Group of Seven. Let it inspire you.
Friends of Killbear Provincial Park
We enhance your Killbear experience and help protect what makes Killbear special. Join the Friends of Killbear.
French River Provincial Park
French River is a river of national historic significance the French River is the first designated Canadian Heritage River.
Gallery
Species at Risk in the Spotlight
Bald Eagle
Migizi or the bald eagle can be spotted throughout the French River. In early spring, bald eagles seek out areas like Five-fingered Rapids, since the open water provides opportunities to find fish.
In the early 1970’s, bald eagles were an endangered species in Ontario. Their status has improved significantly and since 2009, are identified as a species of special concern.
Report your sightings of this threatened critter.
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Northern Ribbonsnake
The eastern ribbonsnake can be found in the marsh where it hunts for frogs and small fish. They are similar to the eastern garter snake, however are slimmer with more defined stripes. Look for the characteristic white crescent spot in front of each eye.
Report your sightings of this threatened critter.
Learn More