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Georgian Bay Islands National Park protects a scatter of islands in southeastern Georgian Bay, part of the vast archipelago often called the Thirty Thousand Islands. Here the smooth, glacier-scoured granite of the Canadian Shield meets the hardwood forests of the south, creating a transition zone rich in reptiles, birds, and plants. Beausoleil Island, the largest island in the park, holds most of its trails and campsites.
There is no road access, so visits begin with a boat ride, most often from Honey Harbour, where a seasonal park shuttle and water taxis cross to Beausoleil. Cedar Spring Campground is the main hub, with cabins, campsites, and a beach. The Fairy Lake Trail loops around an inland lake, the Cambrian Trail crosses rugged rock barrens on the north end, and the Southern Beausoleil Forest Trails pass through shaded hardwoods. Beausoleil Island has a long Anishinaabe history and is recognized as a national historic site. The threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake lives here, so staying on trails is wise. Port Severn, where the Trent-Severn Waterway meets the bay, is nearby, as are Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, and the Martyrs' Shrine near Midland.
The park suits campers, paddlers, and cyclists who enjoy island quiet. Boat services operate seasonally, mainly in summer.
WiserMap travel guideGeorgian Bay Islands National Park Ontario Beausoleil IslandPlan a trip to Georgian Bay Islands National Park with Beausoleil Island trails, Honey Harbour boat access, nearby Midland history and the best season to go.Read the guide
The largest island in Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Beausoleil Island has forests in the south and bare, windswept Canadian Shield rock in the north. It is reached only by boat. Trails, beaches, cabins and campsites make it the heart of the park, and it is ancestral Anishinaabe land.
The main campground and visitor area on Beausoleil Island has tent sites, oTENTik and cabin accommodation, a beach, and the park's visitor centre with exhibits on wildlife. Most trails start nearby. Book overnight stays well ahead, and remember everything must come over by boat.
In summer, Parks Canada runs the DayTripper boat from Honey Harbour to Beausoleil Island, letting visitors without their own boat explore the park for the day. It carries hikers and bicycles. Seats are limited and booking ahead is essential, especially on weekends.
A popular loop on Beausoleil Island that circles the small, quiet Fairy Lake through mixed forest, with chances to see turtles, birds and wildflowers. It is a moderate walk of a few kilometres. Bring water and bug spray, and watch the trail for snakes basking in the sun.
On the rugged northern part of Beausoleil Island, the Cambrian Trail crosses ancient pink granite of the Canadian Shield, with windswept pines and wide views over Georgian Bay. It is quieter than the southern trails. Wear sturdy shoes, as much of the walk is on bare rock.
The park is one of the strongholds of the threatened eastern massasauga, Ontario's only venomous snake, along with many species of turtles. Encounters are rare and the snakes are shy. Keep to trails, watch where you step and keep a respectful distance if you see one.
Honey Harbour is a small cottage community on the mainland and the main gateway to Georgian Bay Islands National Park, with marinas, water taxis and the DayTripper dock. There is a general store and places to eat. Fill up on supplies here before heading over to the islands.
At Port Severn, Lock 45 is the last lock of the Trent-Severn Waterway before Georgian Bay. Visitors can watch boats pass through and picnic on the grounds. The village has marinas, restaurants and boat rentals, and is a short drive from the Honey Harbour gateway to the park.
The park lies within the Thirty Thousand Islands of eastern Georgian Bay, the largest freshwater archipelago in the world and part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Kayaking and canoeing among the islands is the best way to see it. Watch the weather, as wind on the bay can rise quickly.
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