Things to do in Georgian Bay & Lakelands
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Island Queen
Two-hour trips push off at 10am daily and three-hour trips at 1pm.
reviewed
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White Squall
Explore the area’s waterways on an exciting expedition with White Squall, based about 15km northwest of Parry Sound near Nobel (en route to Killbear Provincial Park). An incredible staff of friendly and knowledgeable guides offer a range of paddling programs on Georgian Bay, from a half-day intro kayaking trip ($60) to multiday nature-fests ($695 to $995). Stop by the company’s retail store (19 James St; [hrs] 9:30am-5:30pm Mon-Sat, to 8pm Fri and 11am-4pm Sun Jul-Aug) in downtown Parry Sound for more information.
reviewed
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Explorer’s Cafe
This fantastic restaurant features comfort food from all over the globe (including a meatloaf called ‘the mattress’). The walls are covered with an incredible range of souvenirs including African tribal masks and photos from Arctic expeditions. Meals range from savory Southeast Asian noodles to spicy Caribbean cuisine, and the menu boasts the largest wine list north of Via Allegro (ie Toronto). Dubbed ‘the shack in the back,’ the place is set back from King St; if you’re a good explorer, you’ll find it.
reviewed
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Garden’s Gate
Manitoulin’s favorite restaurant is near the junction of Hwys 6 and 542. Don’t let the pastels and floral prints fool you: this place has seriously good food. With a steadfast commitment to promoting provincial products, the tantalizing menu offers a local wine selection and an assortment of wild berries. Rose, the owner, makes everything from scratch; she’s always inventing desserts, which are regularly featured in the local newspaper.
reviewed
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Tom Thomson Art Gallery
This gallery displays the work of Tom Thomson, a passionate outdoorsman and the granddaddy of modern Canadian landscape painting. His intimate and smoldering portrayal of nature is said to have inspired the formation of the Group of Seven painters. Thomson grew up in Leath, and many of his works were composed in nearby thickets of fall leaves. Rotating exhibits also include selections from the collection of contemporary Canadian art.
reviewed
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Thorncrest Outfitters
Thorncrest Outfitters runs an extensive program of short self-guided and organized trips aimed at inexperienced paddlers. It also has a variety of do-it-yourself adventures including a picturesque day trip (per canoe $50) or a three-day paddle interspersed with quiet evenings spent at historic inns (all inclusive $335). Thorncrest also operates from a base on the Bruce Peninsula at Tobermory.
reviewed
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Charles W Stockey Centre
The Charles W Stockey Centre incorporates the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. For the uninitiated, local legend Bobby Orr is one of hockey’s greatest heroes as he forever changed the role of defensemen with his awesome offensive prowess. At his huge modern shrine, fans can play air hockey, pretend to be a sports announcer or strap on goalie gear and confront an automated puck-firing machine.
reviewed
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Martyrs’ Shrine
Midland’s biggest attraction is the Martyrs’ Shrine, a monument to six Jesuit missionaries who met their gruesome demise at the hands of the Huron. The compound includes a large green area strewn with crosses, and an imposing cathedral-like structure. Tens of thousands of pilgrims journey to the shrine every year to visit the bones of the martyred St Jean de Brébeuf. The pope showed up in 1984.
reviewed
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Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, right beside the Ste-Marie site, provides boardwalks, trails and an observation deck over the marsh. The park features an array of unusual birdlife including the much-trumpeted trumpeter swans, back from the brink of extinction. Guided walks are included in the price, kids can feed the wildlife, and canoe tours through the marsh are an extra $5.
reviewed
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Church of the Immaculate Conception
This center for worship was built in 1972, and encapsulates both aboriginal traditions and Catholic beliefs. Built in the round, the building represents a tepee, a fire pit and the circle of life. Colorful paintings by local artist Leland Bell beautifully depict the Stations of the Cross, while magnificent carvings represent both Christ and the Great Spirit Kitche Manitou.
reviewed
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Leacock Museum
Orillia was the home of humorist Stephen Leacock, whose sequence of stories entitled Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town was a spoof about country life. In 1928 he built a lavish waterfront house that has since become the Leacock Museum. In July the museum hosts the Leacock Summer Festival, a well-regarded literary festival; tickets to readings cost $8 to $13.
reviewed
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Paul Weber
Just 12km north of Orillia on Hwy 11, this legendary grill-hut lures passers-by with cheap eats and a shmancy sky bridge to nab commuters on the far side of the highway. Endless lines of lip-lickers form for food, as though the burgers and fries have curative powers, which, of course, is the opposite of the truth. Now if only angioplasties were as cheap as the food…
reviewed
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Grey Roots
Grey Roots, near Inglis Falls, highlights the rich pioneer history of the region through displays about early settlers and local heroes, and interactive presentations about the region’s natural resources, climate and topography. Colorful rotating attractions truly embrace the non sequitur: past exhibits have explored Albertan dinosaurs and the history of the toilet.
reviewed
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Armen’s
Forget the local greasy spoons and say hi to chatty Armen as he prepares a tasty sandwich from the ever-changing menu. A rotating dinner menu in June, July and August highlights global cuisine; one night it’s Canadian, another it’s Moroccan. It keeps your taste buds on their toes. Sneak upstairs and enjoy your fresh eats on the sunny rooftop deck.
reviewed
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Marty’s World Famous Café
Well, it might not be world famous, but Marty’s is locally loved for butter tarts (try the butter tart ice cream – divine!), as well as giant apple pies, home-made pizzas, quiche and bread. Owner Marty is a character himself, and has authored a cookbook that dishes all his recipe secrets. Show up early – the butter tarts sell out quickly.
reviewed
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Riverwalk
Great food and great views – Riverwalk has it all. If you can tear your eyes away from the view, you can watch your food being prepared from the open dining room. Tasting menus ($75) feature exotic blends like seared sea scallop with sweet potato, pea sprouts and wasabi, and are surprisingly delicious. Reservations are highly recommended.
reviewed
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Billy Bishop Heritage Museum
Hometown hero William Avery (‘Billy’) Bishop, Canada’s notorious flying ace in WWI, is honored at his childhood home, now the Billy Bishop Heritage Museum. A walk through the old Victorian manse reveals changing exhibits, such as ones highlighting local veterans or Canada’s aviation history.
reviewed
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Huronia Museum & Huron-Ouendat Village
The Huronia Museum & Huron-Ouendat Village is a replica of a 500-year-old Huron-Ouendat settlement (from before the French Jesuits arrived on their soul-saving mission). With an active art program, the museum house a collection of nearly one million pieces, and an expansion is planned.
reviewed
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Mariposa Market
It’s a bit like dining inside a Christmas stocking, but this half-bakery, half-knickknack shack is a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth. Try the assortment of savory pastries for a light lunch, grab a dessert, and shop around for candles and figurines.
reviewed
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Old Station
On summer evenings this is the most happening place in town. The patio overlooks the main drag – perfect for post-kayak recovery sessions. Dig into a prime rib sandwich and wash it back with a pint of Muskoka ale from the brewery just over the road.
reviewed
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Ste-Marie among the Hurons
Across the street from the Martyr’s Shrine lies Ste-Marie among the Hurons, a historic reconstruction of the 17th-century Jesuit mission. Costumed staff members dote on visitors, offering stories about hardship and torture with a cheerful smile.
reviewed
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Grandma Lambe’s
You won’t regret the 35km trek to Grandma Lambe’s (west on Hwy 26 between Thornbury and Meaford). The store is a delicious jumble of maple syrup vintages, butter tarts, bushels of vegetables and tables piled high with pies, buns and jellies.
reviewed
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Owen Sound Artists’ Co-op
The co-op features an assortment of crafts from regional artists. Spend countless hours browsing the high-quality pottery, photography, basketwork, woodwork, weaving and jewelry while listening to the experimental melodies of new-age music.
reviewed
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De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group
Canada’s foremost Aboriginal troupe, whose name appropriately means ‘storytellers,’ performs moving pieces of original work transcending various types of media. Check the website for additional details about upcoming performances.
reviewed
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Jazzmyn’s Tapas & Taps
In a deep purple room that feels a bit like a palm-reader’s foyer, draught beer (including Creemore!) and live music, be it Celtic tunes or angst-y folk beats, are served in candlelit ambience. We see a good time in your future.
reviewed
