Things to do in Georgian Bay & Lakelands
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Island Princess
Like most towns in the Georgian Bay region, Orillia offers a variety of sightseeing cruises. The Island Princess departs daily at 2:15pm, with up to four cruises throughout the day in July and August. Lunch and dinner cruises ($40 and $50, respectively) require advance booking. If you have the time, hop up to Penetanguishene or Parry Sound for slightly more spectacular cruising options.
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Lady Muskoka
Billing itself as 'Muskoka's Largest Capacity Cruise Ship' isn't that thrilling, but a cruise of Lake Muskoka along 'millionaires row' is a sumptuous tour. Cruises depart at noon daily in July and August (less often in other months), and take just under three hours. Brunch and lunch cruises are available on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays (adult/child $40/20).
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Lake Muskoka
Kayaks and canoes are available for hire from Algonquin Outfitters, as well as outdoor gear and clothing.
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Marine & Rail Museum
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Mural
Just north of Bracebridge, along Rte 118 in Port Carling, is a fantastic mural of an old ship. A closer glance reveals that the mural is actually a mosaic of vintage photographs – truly remarkable. Muskoka's majestic beauty serves as an inspiring backdrop for many other artists in the region. For more information, contact the Arts Council of Muskoka. In September, the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour allows tourists to visit local studios.
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Murals
Midland is known for its murals, which have transformed the downtown core into an outdoor art gallery. The various frescoes animate the region's history through breathtaking designs. They were commissioned throughout the 1990s, and were mostly painted by the gifted Fred Lenz. A handy detailed map is available at the tourist office.
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Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour
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Rail Trail
Cyclists will enjoy this 25km stretch of abandoned railway, which starts at the corner of Albert and Adelaide Sts and ends in the small town of Paisley.
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Saugeen River
The Saugeen River, which flows into Lake Huron at Southampton, is one of the best-established routes for canoeing and kayaking in southern Ontario. 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 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.
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White Squall Retail Store
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30,000 Island Tours
Miss Midland isn't a regional beauty pageant; it's actually the name of a bay cruiser operated by 30,000 Island Tours. Two-and-a-half-hour cruises depart daily at 2pm, with additional morning and dinner cruises in July and August.
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Activity Central
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Arts Council of Muskoka
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Blue Mountain
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Bobby Orr Hall of Fame
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Chantry Island
Chantry Island, just 2km off the shoreline, is home to a lonely lighthouse and a sanctuary for migratory birds. The only way to reach the island is with Chantry Island Tours. Informative outings are led by the Marine Heritage Society and provide fascinating insights into the region's nautical history as well as a chance to climb the blinking lighthouse. Book in advance as only nine people can be accommodated per tour.
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Chantry Island Tours
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Circle Trail
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Cup & Saucer Trail
Near the junction of Hwy 540 and Bidwell Rd (18km southwest of Little Current) lies the entrance to the Cup and Saucer Trail – a must for any hiker. The 12km path leads to the highest point on the island (351m), which has marvelous views of the crinkled shoreline along the North Channel. Stop in Kagawong at Bridal Veil Falls and let the melodic splashes fall on your head. Check out Manitoulin's largest beach, west of the ferry landing at Providence Bay, or go frolicking in the trenchlike dunes at quiet Carter Bay, also on the southeastern shore.
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Algonquin Outfitters
Kayaks and canoes are available for hire from Algonquin Outfitters, as well as outdoor gear and clothing.
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Orillia Opera House
The turreted Orillia Opera House hosts a variety of productions including the likes of Cats and Oklahoma!
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Mad Hatter Café
Bustling and cheerful, this place has excellent coffee and baked goods, all of which will have you grinning like the Cheshire cat.
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Bruce County Museum
This museum has an extensive collection of artifacts relating to shipwrecks in the region. There are also rotating summer exhibits for kids.
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Wellington's
Wellington's is the 'light beer' of pubs – it looks like a bar, but it's healthier for you. The menu has some calorie-conscious options like pecan chicken.
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