Lately I've been pinching myself - hardly believing that we are in this place. It might not be the perfect place for everyone, but we are in awe. The weather has been great, the water so clear and refreshing, the landscape so beautiful and also reminiscent of home in NH. If you have been on Squam Lake, you can get a sense of this place, but here the area is so vast. We understand why boaters come back summer after summer. There are endless islands and bays to explore. Locals are interested in our boat, our trip and happy to share their knowledge of favorite restaurants, stops or where to pick the best wild blueberries. We'll be sad to leave.
We've explored the north coast of Georgian Bay (called the 30,000 Islands) and the start of the North Channel (Manitoulin Island - largest freshwater island in the world). We have loved following the "small craft" route in the area (small is less than 70ft) which winds between islands and rocks and over some skinny water (5ft depth). The payoff has been isolated anchorages and incredible scenery. Did I say it was beautiful here!
30,000 Islands Track (north coast of Georgian Bay):
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| Echo Bay - all alone, a perfect day! |
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| Echo Bay |
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| Echo Bay |
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| Lots of light houses and navigational aids in this area |
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| No mowing required |
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| Pointe au Baril Lighthouse |
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| Pointe au Baril - original marker was a whiskey barrel |
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| Winding our way through a channel |
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| Another perfect anchorage |
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| Georgian Bay - we did need to spend some time out in the big water of Georgian Bay |
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| Landscape changes as we head north - pink granite cliffs |
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After 5 nights at anchor, we headed into Killarney to start our exploration of Manitoulin Island
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We decided to marina hop up the island, spending a couple of days in Little Current, a night in Kagawong, where we explored the famous Bridal Veil Falls and then 3 nights in Gore Bay. We had heard about their Harbour Days festival and we timed our arrival to participate. It was a great celebration of summer in a small lake town (900 residents).
