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Georgian Bay

A vast realm of blues and greens, Georgian Bay is a land of infinite dreaming. Summer breezes blow gently along sandy shores. Maples ignite in the fall and thick pines quiver at winter's frosty kiss. These ethereal landscapes inspired Canada's best-known painters and today the bay remains home to scores of thriving artistic communities.

In the bay's southern arc sits Wasaga Beach, the longest freshwater beach in the world. Neighboring Collingwood and Blue Mountain are home to the province's most popular winter skiing.

Heading north on its western shore from Owen Sound, the magnificent Bruce Peninsula is famed for its jagged limestone outcrops, shimmering cliffs and craggy beaches. It boasts tiny but impressive Tobermory and, beyond, Manitoulin Island. Linger here for a few days if you can.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Georgian Bay.

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Bruce Peninsula National Park
Much of the area just south of Tobermory is protected by this national park, flaunting some of Ontario's finest assets: the Niagara Escarpment, 1000-year-old cedars, rare orchids and crystal-clear, limestone-refracted waters. Spectacular sections of the famous Bruce Trail run the park's length and include the must-see Grotto, Indian Head Cove and Halfway Log Dump. Don't miss Singing Sands, across Hwy 6. Though the park remains quiet most of the year, be prepared to share the magic with tourist busloads in July and August. The main visitor's center is located in Tobermory; be sure to check-in before exploring the park. Note that due to the large number of visitors, parking reservations are required to visit the Grotto. Permits are good for four hours, with pre-scheduled start/end times; ticketing and towing is enforced. Reservations can be made online or by phone. During the summer, reserve well in advance to guarantee a spot.
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Grey Roots Museum & Archives
About 8km south of town, this interesting museum highlights the region's rich pioneering history through displays about early settlers and local heroes. Interactive presentations focus on natural resources, climate and topography. Past exhibits have explored themes as diverse as Albertan dinosaurs and the history of the toilet. Admission includes access to Moreston Heritage Village (May to October only), a collection of 19th century buildings – a log cabin, barn, schoolhouse, sawmill – where volunteers dressed in 19th-century garb recreate village life in pioneer days.
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Fathom Five National Marine Park
Established to protect the numerous shipwrecks, lighthouses and islands around Tobermory, this was the first park of its kind in Canada. Though the 22 wrecks in crystal-clear waters make for a diver's paradise, the park is best known for the much-loved Flowerpot Island with its top-heavy 'flowerpot' formations, eroded by waves over the centuries.
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Perivale Gallery
This well-respected art gallery features works by a remarkable range of Canadian fine artists, sculptors and artisans. The gallery itself, a red farmhouse, sits on a forest lot facing Lake Kagawong – a peaceful and beautiful spot. Artistic workshops are also held throughout the season; check the website for current offerings.
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Providence Bay Beach
Set on a long curving bay facing Lake Huron, this is arguably the best beach on the island. The sand is soft and tawny, the water calm, and it's backed by sand dunes, tall grasses and a well-maintained boardwalk trail. If you're yearning for beach time, this is the place to be.
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Ojibwe Cultural Foundation
You're free to explore on your own, but guided tours of this insightful museum are highly recommended. Rotating exhibits reflect a rich history of legends and skilled craftwork. A small gift shop sells local art, literature and more.
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Cabot Head Lighthouse
About 7km from Dyer’s Bay, this charming red and white lighthouse contains a small maritime museum and offers stunning views from the keeper’s perch. The picturesque drive here is worth the trip alone.
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Owen Sound Farmers Market
This co-op of vendors is one of the oldest in Ontario. Expect the freshest produce, as well as maple syrup, soaps and baked goods.
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Centennial Museum Sheguiandah
A cavernous museum along Highway 6 with a small but fascinating exhibit on the Sheguiandah archaeological site, including Paleo-Indian artifacts – pottery, stone tools, projectile points – dating to at least 9500 BCE (some archaeologists date the site to 11,000 BCE or earlier). The museum also has loads of antiques from the pioneer days as well as reconstructed log cabins, a sugar shack and barn that give visitors a sense of what life was like for early settlers.