Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Georgian Bay Islands National Park is a national park near Midland in Ontario.

Understand

The park covers 13.5 km² (5.2 sq mi), and was established in 1929.

Part of the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, home to nature preserve where the windswept white pines and granite shores of the Canadian Shield turn to dense deciduous woodland. Cycle wooded trails, overnight at secluded campsites or waterfront cabins and hike to viewpoints atop emerald shoreline.

The landscape of Georgian Bay Islands National Park inspired the Group of Seven, a group of Canadian artists who sought, in the early 20th century, to create a type of art that would reflect the Canadian wilderness. Their art is featured in the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, and the McMichael Collection in Kleinberg.

It is part of the Georgian Bay Littoral Biosphere Reserve.

History

Landscape

Georgian Bay Islands National Park (established 1929) consists of 63 small islands or parts of islands in Georgian Bay, near Port Severn, Ontario. The islands blend the exposed rocks and pines of the Canadian Shield with the hardwood forests found further south.

Flora and fauna

It is home to mammalian species such as woodland caribou, white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, coyote, wolf packs, lynx, bobcat, porcupine, raccoon, beaver, red and gray fox species, chipmunk, and red squirrel. This park also provides habitat for 33 species of reptiles and amphibians, including the threatened eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Some of the more isolated islands provide nesting areas for colonies of gulls and terns.

Climate

Get in

The park can only be reached by boat; there are limited camping facilities on the largest island, Beausoleil Island.

Fees and permits

Admission, daily (2018):

  • Adult $5.80
  • Senior $4.90
  • Youth and children free
  • Family/group $11.75

Seasonal:

  • Adult: $29.40
  • Senior: $24.50
  • Family/group $58.90

Daytripper (park passenger vessel, includes return trip and park entry):

  • Adult $15.70
  • Senior $13.45
  • Youth $8.55

Parks Canada Passes

The Discovery Pass provides unlimited admission for a full year at over 80 Parks Canada places that typically charge a daily entrance fee It provides faster entry and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Prices for 2018 (taxes included):

  • Family/group (up to 7 people in a vehicle): $136.40
  • Children and youth (0-17): free
  • Adult (18-64): $67.70
  • Senior (65+): $57.90

The Cultural Access Pass: people who have received their Canadian citizenship in the past year can qualify for free entry to some sites.

Get around

See

Do

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Camping

Fees (2018):

Group Camping

  • One Night, Cedar Spring, per person, with showers: $5.80

Island Camping

  • One Night, Cedar Spring - Unserviced with washroom building having toilets and showers: $25.50
  • Primative camping at Thumb Point, The Oakes, Sandpiper Bay, Tonch South, Tonch East, Chimney Bay, or Honeymoon Bay: $15.70

Reservation fee per reservation: $9.80

Backcountry

Stay safe

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