Driving north on Hwy 400 from Barrie, it is almost impossible to miss the changes in the landscape around you. The roads start to cut through the immense, smooth rocks of the Canadian Shield, farmland gives way to forest, and water begins to sparkle around every new corner. Ontario is positively littered with lakes, from very small to large, and one of the “Greatest” of these is sitting on your left for the entire ride. Lake Huron’s eastern coast is Georgian Bay, or Mnidoo Gamii, and is known as the Great Spirit Lake to the Anishnaabek Peoples, in whose territory it sits. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, it stretches 200 km along the coastline and is comprised of 30,000 islands (although I personally believe it’s even more), making it the world’s largest freshwater archipelago.
Standing anywhere on the shores of Mnidoo Gamii, it is easy to see why peoples across history have been drawn to it, explored it, and chosen to live there. So now that you have joined their number, where does the exploration even begin? It all depends on what you’re looking for, as the Bay offers so many different adventures, and each with their own unique flavour. Read on, future Black Feather paddler.
GEORGIAN BAY SEA KAYAKING CLINIC
Length: 2 days, 1 night
Skill Level: Beginner – no previous skill required
This 2-day, 1-night trip is the perfect introduction for those who are interested in learning the finer points of sea kayak technique or travel. Paddle strokes, navigation, travelling safely, basic rescue techniques, and overnight camping with kayaks are just a few of the topics covered. But the beauty of this trip is the sky’s the limit in what can be learned or taught! Experienced instructors are ready to work with you where you are at in terms of your kayaking journey, and every challenge is by choice. The distance travelled each day is not long – 10km or less – which allows plenty of time for practicing newly-learned skills, exploring, or enjoying time in a backcountry campsite. If you’d like to dip your toes into the wonderful world of sea kayaking, this is a fantastic place to start. Click here for more information.
GEORGIAN BAY GETAWAY
Length: 3 days, 2 nights
Skill Level: Beginner – no previous skill required
Similar to Black Feather’s Sea Kayaking Clinic, this introductory trip is a wonderful way to get comfortable with sea kayaking and overnight camping without having to commit to a longer experience. The route travels from Killbear Provincial Park to Snug Harbour (around 25 km total), which allows for not only relaxed paddling days, but time both learning new skills on the water and enjoying camp life. You’ll weave your way through some of the Bay’s 30,000 islands and try your hand at some smaller channel crossings, all led by your experienced guides. If you’re looking for a fun, friendly way to get into sea kayaking or camping, while taking in all of the spectacular landscape that the area has to offer, this might be just the trip for you! Click here for more information on the standard trip, and here for more information our Women’s-specific trip!
BAYFIELD TO BRITT
Length: 4 days, 3 nights
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – some experience is recommended. If you’re completely new to sea kayaking and not sure, try our Sea Kayaking Clinic first!
For those who are still relatively new to sea kayaking, are a little nervous or simply prefer a shorter trip, this is a great choice. The route itself covers just over 30 km in 4 days, which allows for plenty of time to relax and enjoy the incredible landscape through which you are travelling, or spend some quality time in camp in the afternoons. The coastline here is chock full of islands and channels, which are highly protected from all sorts of weather and allow for constant exploration and engaging navigation. For those who want an added challenge, there are also options for larger crossings to distant islands, weather and group permitting, and open bays that offer plenty of nooks and crannies to peek into. If you’re looking for a trip that allows for a more relaxed pace while still offering all of the gems that make Georgian Bay a world class sea kayak destination, Bayfield to Britt can be that trip. Click here for more information on the standard trip, and here for more information on our Women’s-specific trip!
BRITT TO HARTLEY BAY
Length: 5 days, 4 nights
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – some experience is recommended. If you’re completely new to sea kayaking and not sure, try our Sea Kayaking Clinic first!
In terms of landscape, Britt to Hartley Bay is definitely more varied than the previous options on our list so far. Starting on the Magnetawan River, it heads out to the Bay and follows the coastline north past Key river. Here the group will navigate through countless islands, large and small, and remaining relatively sheltered (and probably awestruck – it is so beautiful!). There may be an option (weather, conditions and group permitting) on this route for a larger open-water crossing to the infamous Bustards, a stunning grouping of islands a few km off of the coast that provide numerous options for exploration on their own. The route then enters the Lower French River and begins to wind its way up the various channels towards Hartley Bay, leaving behind the scattered granite islands for a historical “superhighway” steeped in legend. Note, there are one or two short portages on this route, although they are well defined. For those seeking a broader overall picture of Georgian Bay, a longer trip with some potentially longer days, or wider options for exploration, this might just be the trip to consider! Click here for more information.
LOWER FRENCH
Length: 5 days, 4 nights
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – some experience is recommended. If you’re completely new to sea kayaking and not sure, try our Sea Kayaking Clinic first!
The Lower French is a fantastic trip that begins and ends in Hartley Bay. From its onset it follows the historic fur trade route down the Lower French River, through the winding twists and turns of the Old Voyageur Channel, and down into Georgian Bay. Weather, conditions and group permitting, there may be the option to make the open-water crossing to the Bustard Islands, or follow the coastline for a few kilometres and get lost (intentionally) in the beautiful myriad of granite islands that characterize Mnidoo GamiiI. This is a beautiful trip for those who want to immerse themselves in the history of the area, explore an even more varied landscape, and get a feel for sea kayaking on an historic river channel as well as the open waters of the Bay. Note, there are one or two short portages on this route, although they are well defined. Click here for more information. For an even more immersive experience, consider paddling the Upper French with Black Feather as well (in canoes)!
GEORGIAN BAY ISLANDS
Length: 7 days, 6 nights
Skill Level: High Beginner to Intermediate or Advanced – experience is recommended. This route has more mandatory open water crossings/areas and potentially longer days. If you’re completely new to sea kayaking and not sure, try our Sea Kayaking Clinic or Georgian Bay Getaway first!
This incredible adventure explores almost half of the entire coastline of the Biosphere Reserve, from Key River to Killarney. If you are looking for the almost full Georgian Bay experience, this is it. Over the course of 7 days, the route travels almost 100 km, weaving through an incredible array of islands, navigating narrow channels, and paddling in both sheltered areas and more exposed open water. You may explore the infamous Bustard Islands, camp at the mouth of the historic French River, and challenge yourself in the navigation of the 30,000 islands. The days can be full, and time spent on the water longer, so if you are looking for a more relaxed pace you might want to consider Bayfield to Britt, or Britt to Hartley Bay instead. Note, due to the nature of the coastline in some parts of the route, there are numerous sections in which exposure and open water cannot be avoided. Comfort paddling in potentially larger conditions (wind and waves) is essential for this trip, as weather can change on the Bay very quickly and sometimes unexpectedly. If you are a more experienced paddler looking for an amazing time in a truly awe-inspiring setting, the Georgian Bay Islands will not disappoint. Click here for more information.
NORTH CHANNEL
Length: 5 days, 4 nights
Skill Level: Intermediate – some experience is highly recommended. This route has the most open water crossings of any of our local sea kayaking trips, and potentially longer days. If you’re completely new to sea kayaking and not sure, consider starting with one of the trips we offer further to the South on Georgian Bay.
While not exactly located in Georgian Bay proper, the North Channel is no less awe-inspiring. Located between the mainland and Manitoulin Island (the largest freshwater island on the planet), this area is more remote than the other areas of Georgian Bay that we paddle. Stretching from Spanish River to Whitefish Falls, the route follows various larger islands through the large passageway of the Channel, meeting few others aside from the yachts that sometimes shelter in the bays and nooks of each land mass. The landscape is stunning, and offers a much different perspective of Lake Huron than the area of the 30,000 islands. Expect longer days and larger conditions (wind, waves and swell), along with daily open water crossings, as you explore the incredible coastline and islands that few without larger boats ever get to see – and there is so much to see here! This includes the Bay of Islands, an area reminiscent of Georgian Bay that is so remote it was not fully settled until the early 1900’s. This trip is recommended for stronger paddlers who have experience in open water conditions and are looking for an appropriate challenge. A true gem! Click here for more information.
Still not sure? No problem! Contact us anytime and one of our team can help you out.
Written by Black Feather guide and packing centre manager Dana Sykora.
