Georgain Bay Ontario - Visit Georgian Bay

GEORGIAN BAY - THE SIXTH GREAT LAKE

Georgian Bay is not a great lake, it was decided in the 1800s that it should be part of Lake Huron, it is often referred to as the sixth Great Lake. It even acts like a Great Lake, creating its own weather, waves, and currents. Georgian Bay is separated from the rest of Lake Huron by the Bruce Peninsula to the west and Manitoulin Island to the north. Rising out from the depth of Georgian Bay is a stretch of the Niagara Escarpment. The Escarpment is a World Unesco Biosphere - it is that globally significant! The Bruce Trail winds it's way along the escarpment giving hikers some fantastic vistas over-looking the majestic bay.

The Different Names of Georgian Bay

“ Spirit Lake ˜ - Ojibwa Indians
“ Lake Attigouatan ˜ - Huron Indians
“ La Mer Douce ˜ - Samuel de Champlain
“ Lake Manitoulin ˜ - Royal Navy Captain
William Fitzwilliam Owen
“ Georgian Bay ˜ - Lieutenant Henry Bayfield

Georgian Bay on the Bruce Peninsula is dramatically different to the other shores of the bay. Huge limestone, dolostone, shale, and sandstone cliffs rise above the bay - with ancient cedars and caves visible through out. The water here is deep and cold. This Peninsula is the rim of the Michigan Basin, a massive landform containing many of the Great Lakes . The Michigan Basin is the remnant of a massive fold in Earth’s crust. The base of the fold remains visible, but erosion has erased the dome or arch.
View our page on the History of the Bruce Peninsula

A Brief History of Georgian Bay

Georgian Bay can be a dangerous bay - with strong currents, and a quick temper. In a short while the bay can grow turbulent - making it dangerous for small crafts to operate. Please check with the Weather Office to see the marine forcast for the region
Southern Georgian Bay

Northern Georgian Bay

VILLAGES TO SEE ALONG THE WAY

WIARTON - Wiarton is a thriving four seasons community. Its most famous resident, Wiarton Willie, fuels Wiarton’s international recognition, as part of the Wiarton Willie Festival, which can run as long as 5 days, Wiarton Willie hosts national and often international media for his Groundhog Day prediction. VISIT OUR WIARTON SECTION FOR MORE INFORMATION

HOPE BAY - Located 20 minutes north of Wiarton - this pretty community has great vistas, excellent Bruce Trail hiking, a small beach, a garden shop, campgrounds & B&B's .

LION'S HEAD - Lion's Head, is a peaceful port village, located on the shores of Isthmus bay. Surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs which, when viewed from Georgian Bay, resemble the head of a lion, giving Lion's Head it's name. Lion's Head is also located at the 45th parallel - exactly halfway between the equator and the north pole. VISIT OUR LION'S HEAD SECTION FOR MORE INFORMATION

CAPE CHIN - Take a drive down Cape Chin Rd North and see the domestic Buffalo's, St Margaret's Church, have lunch at a local Inn, see some local art, and hike to the Devil's Monument. This small "cottage" community has a lot to offer off the beaten track! VISIT THE CAPE CHIN RD TOURIST ASSOCIATION WEBSITE

DYER'S BAY - Another waterfront community which boasts great hiking, gorgeous vistas, a historical lighthouse, many B&B's and cottage accommodations, a restaurant and a large public dock.

TOBEMORY - Tobermory, Ontario is part of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Tobermory is well known for it's 2 national parks - Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. The new Bruce Peninsula National Park Visitors Centre is open year round and provides families with a interactive and informative view of the park. VISIT OUT TOBERMORY SECTION HERE

BOAT LAUNCHES & MARINAS ON GEORGIAN BAY

Wiarton, Lion's Head and Tobermory all provide boat launch facilities.

TOBERMORY MARINA
Marine Service Facility -Deep water docking, Transient slips, Double boat launch, Shore Power, Gas, DieseL, Pump out, Outdoor winter storage, ice, Pop Washrooms & Showers
Radio monitor channel 68  
519-596-2731

LION'S HEAD MARINA
Deep water docking - Transient slips - Double boat launch
Shore Power (up to 60amps) Gas / Diesel - Charts - Ginn Pole
Pump out - Outdoor winter storage - Ice - Pop
Washrooms & Showers - 60’ Maximum boat length
Radio monitor channel 68
Modern fish cleaning station
Sandy beach
Village of Lion’s Head: Groceries, restaurants, hardware, post office,
liquor store, bank, gifts, etc.
519- 793-4060

BEACHES ON GEORGIAN BAY

Most of the shores of Georgian Bay in the Peninsula are rock beaches. Theses rocks vary from flat rocks - great for sun tanning - to round boulders. Visit our beaches page for a list of the beaches on Georgian Bay