Enjoy A Delightful Day Trip to Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Canada is home to over 45 national parks and reserves from coast to coast to coast. Each one protects a special area of land along with the vegetation and wildlife found within it. Georgian Bay Islands National Park is one of the six national parks located within Ontario. With the incredible landscapes of the Canadian Shield, amazing hikes and more, you’ll want to plan a day trip to Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

Now this park is a little different than most to get to so it does require some planning. Inside you’ll find everything you need to know for your visit including what to bring, how to book the Georgian Bay Islands National Park DayTripper and other tips. I’ll show you how to make the most of your time in the park!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links where if you make a purchase, I may receive a kickback at no extra cost to you. It helps keep IBB alive so thank you!

Lindz Exploring Along the Shoreline Near Cedar Spring

About Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Located about 2 hours north of Toronto, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is a must-visit for any nature lover. Its close proximity to Toronto makes Georgian Bay Islands National Park a perfect day trip or a great addition to a weekend adventure in Ontario.

This natural treasure was established in December 1929 and consists of 63 small islands in Georgian Bay that are only accessible by boat. They cover just 14 square kilometres, making it the smallest national park in Canada! It beats Point Pelee National Park for the title by just 1 kilometre squared.

It’s also part of the Georgian Bay Littoral, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that covers 30,000 islands on the eastern side of Georgian Bay. Not only that but it’s also the world’s largest freshwater archipelago! Most of the islands remain undeveloped except for Beausoleil Island which you can visit. Here’s a Georgian Bay Islands National Park map so you can get a better feel for the area.

Beausoleil Island is the largest of the islands and where you will find all of the trails and amenities within the park. French for “beautiful sun”, that should signal to you just how much natural beauty awaits!

Views from the DayTripper

How to Get to Georgian Bay Islands National Park

As the park is comprised of 63 islands, the park is only accessible by boat. Boaters are welcome to dock overnight at a number of locations on Beausoleil Island. As I do not own one, this is not applicable to me – and chances are you’re in the same “boat”… or I guess lack of boat would be more accurate! Not to worry though as you can still visit the park.

DayTripper

Head for Honey Harbour (map) where you’ll find the Georgian Bay Islands National Park DayTripper. This is Parks Canada’s daily shuttle service and it will take you to one of two points on Beausoleil Island.

It operates from the Victoria Day weekend in May until Thanksgiving weekend in October. Reservations are required and they book up fast (especially on weekends) so I’d recommend planning ahead.

For 2025, the DayTripper operates 5 days a week and runs 3 times a day. All trips give visitors a 4 hour window to explore Beausoleil Island. It does not operate on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you plan to visit on these days, you will need to hire a private water taxi – more on that in the next section. 

If you wish to visit the northern part of the Beausoleil Island, you will want to head to from Honey Harbour to Chimney Bay which departs at 9:30 am. Your return trip departs Chimney Bay and returns to Honey Harbour at 1:30 pm.

There are two departure times for the southern part of Beausoleil Island where you will depart Honey Harbour for Cedar Spring. The earlier departs Honey Harbour at 10:30 am and then returns from Cedar Spring at 2:30 pm. The later time departs Honey Harbour at Noon and returns from Cedar Spring at 4:00 pm.

Parking is included with your DayTripper reservation. However, equipment like bicycles, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, etc are not allowed due to its limited capacity. Click here to secure your DayTripper reservation!

Water Taxi

If you wish to spend more than 4 hours exploring Beausoleil Island or are looking to visit on a Wednesday or Thursday, you will need to hire a private water taxi. While this is a more expensive option, it allows you more freedom as you can extend your stay. It also allows you to have different drop off and pick up points so if you would like to hike from Chimney Bay to Cedar Spring so you can enjoy the entire island in one visit, a water taxi is your best option.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: While you can technically do both in one visit with the DayTripper, you will be very tight for time and your reservation requires you to be dropped off and picked up at the same harbour. Therefore, you would need two separate reservations in order to do this with the DayTripper.

There are six different companies that offer water taxi service to Beausoleil Island. Prices will vary so it’s best to inquire about your specific trip parameters. Click here to see the list of operators that have been approved by Parks Canada.

This is also the option you’ll need to plan for if you have a tent camping reservation on Beausoleil Island. Cabins and oTENTiks include transportation with the DayTripper.

Lindz Sitting on the Giant’s Chair

Things to Do at Georgian Bay Islands National Park

It may be small in size but that doesn’t mean Georgian Bay Islands National Park isn’t full of adventure! There are plenty of activities to enjoy within the park and they all help you connect with nature.

Hiking

This is easily the most popular and most accessible activity at Georgian Bay Islands National Park! There are 12 hiking trails throughout the park split evenly between the north and south of the island. Most are approximately 2 kilometres in length though the Huron and Georgian trails are the longest at 6.9   and 7.1 kilometres respectively.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: The best hiking trails are to the north so it’s recommended to book your DayTripper to Chimney Bay.

One thing that makes the hiking unique here is that the park spans two ecological zones – the Canadian Shield (also known as Pre-Cambrian shield) in the north and the Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence Lowlands in the south. You’ll notice a big difference in the trees and vegetation as you’ll see windswept pines iconic to Northern Ontario around Chimney Bay and hardwoods typical of Southern Ontario near Cedar Spring. 

For more information, click here to jump to the section on hiking Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

Canoeing & Kayaking

As the park is surrounded by water, activities like canoeing and kayaking are a great way to enjoy your stay. Paddle by picturesque landscapes and enjoy the tranquillity the area has to offer.

As there are many boaters and the possibility of high winds along with rough waters, it’s recommended for experienced paddlers only. There are also numerous islands and channels in Georgian Bay Islands National Park which can be confusing to navigate so if you choose to paddle, make sure you have a map handy.

Swimming

As you can imagine, there are plenty of swimming opportunities in the park. You are on an island after all! Swimming is accessible throughout Georgian Bay Islands National Park except for Fairy Lake. A cool dip in Honeymoon Bay is a welcomed activity on a hot summer day after hiking some of the trails! Beausoleil Point is another great swimming option.

Be careful when swimming anywhere that isn’t a beach as the rocks can be covered with a small layer of moss and seaweed. This makes them very slippery… and difficult to get back on land.

Fishing

Georgian Bay is an incredible fishing destination in Ontario. It’s home to a number of species from tiny perch to massive muskies. If you’re up for bringing your rod and tackle onto the island, there are a number of places on Beausoleil Island to settle in for a few hours of fishing. However, fishing at any inland lakes is not permitted – only on the outer shores which connect to Georgian Bay

SOMETHING TO NOTE: A valid Ontario fishing license is required. Make sure you have your Outdoors Card or proof of your license with you.

oTENTik at Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Camping

If you’d like to extend your visit, there are a number of ways to spend a night in the park! There are three options for camping in Georgian Bay Islands National Park – renting a cabin, booking an oTENTik and tent camping.

For those who are not the most experienced with camping or do not have access to the gear required, cabins and oTENTiks are a great option. Cabins can vary in size and have some of the creature comforts of home such as a fridge and microwave. While they are more rustic and have fewer amenities, oTENTiks are spacious and have beds with mattresses just like the cabins do, just no electricity. Packing bedding is necessary for both of these options.

Cycling

What you might not know is that a number of the trails in Georgian Bay Islands National Park are bike-friendly. These trails are located along the southern part of Beausoleil Island.

Lindsay… you can’t bring a bike on the DayTripper. While this is true, you can rent a bike at the Cedar Spring Visitors Centre! Both the Huron and Georgian Trails are great cycling trails which will allow you to see and explore more of Beausoleil Island.

Geocaching

If you’ve never heard of geocaching, think of it as a worldwide treasure hunt. Using an app on your phone, you use GPS navigation and clues to find items called caches. It’s free to do and fun for all ages… even adults like myself. It’s said that each of the caches in Georgian Bay Islands National Park is hidden in a place that’s important to the park.

Wildlife Watching

As the area is fairly remote, it’s a great spot for some wildlife watching. It’s not uncommon to see a number of bird species, chipmunks, the odd water snake – even bears! Yes, bears can get across to the islands so it’s important to be bear aware, especially if you’re planning on staying overnight. Whatever wildlife you see, make sure to give them their space and stay a safe distance away by pretending it’s 2020 and keep 2 metres from any animals.

If there has been a recent bear sighting, the rangers will inform you. However, it’s always good practice to keep your bags with you at all times. If you’re staying overnight, keep any food or personal items that could smell enticing such as toothpaste and deodorant secured in the bear proof storage supplied by Parks Canada.

Lindz Hiking Along Fairy Lake

Hiking in Georgian Bay Islands National Park

As I mentioned earlier, there are 12 hiking trails in Georgian Bay Islands National Park which are split in half between the northern and southern parts of the island. While they all have their perks, the experiences are different between Chimney Bay and Cedar Spring so it’s important to choose the destination that’s best for you. 

SOMETHING TO NOTE: The trails are marked by poles with a plastic cylinder that matches the trail colour on the map. They can be fairly spread out so be sure to keep an eye out for them as you hike!

Chimney Bay Hiking Trails

If you’re an avid hiker and looking for more of a challenge, it’s recommended that you head north to Chimney Bay. This is where you’ll find the Dossyonshing, Rockview, Portage, Massassauga, Fairy Lake and Cambrian trails. While these hikes are shorter in length, you’ll encounter vast swathes of exposed rock iconic to Northern Ontario as you traverse the Canadian Shield. This can be tricky to navigate so it’s important to wear proper footwear such as hiking boots or trail runners!

This is where you’ll find the post popular hike in the park, the Fairy Lake Trail. Enjoy picturesque views of Georgian Bay as you traverse the perimeter of this inland lake. It features some of the most magical lookouts on the island and a number of spots perfect for a swim when you need a reprieve from the heat.

As you hike the Fairy Lake Trail, make sure you have the Parks Canada mobile app downloaded as it offers self-guided tours that will help you further connect with their parks and historic sites during your visit. Learn more about the area with the Fairy Lake Trail audio tour as well as the tale of the Anishinaabe woman Miinegiizggokwe (lady of the Blueberry Moon) and how she was saved by Nanabozho from the beast Migcheshibzhii who lived in the spirit world. 

FUN FACT: Beausoleil Island is shaped like the beast from this tale with Fairy Lake as the eye!

If the name Nanabozho sounds familiar, that could be from hiking the Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island. Here you can read about this trickster on the trail signage or from tales shared with you if you tackled the hike with an Indigenous guide.

Another fantastic hike is the Cambrian Trail where you will follow the trail through pine forests as you follow along the Little Dog Channel. Here, the soil wasn’t swept away millions of years ago when sheets of ice helped to sculpt what we see of the Canadian Shield. At first, the terrain will be mainly exposed granite with wispy white pines dotting the landscape. Enjoy the spectacular views of Chimney Bay as you traverse the rolling hills of the Canadian Shield!

As you get past Little Dog Bay, the trees will thicken and you’ll soon be in a forest of maple, oak, aspen and birch. Beware as you head into the forest though… that’s where the mosquitoes lay in wait! If you haven’t put bug spray on before your hiking adventure, you’ll want to put some on as you reach Little Dog Bay. The trail curves and begins to run parallel to the main channel.

INSIDER TIP: Before continuing along, you may want to use the outhouse available here as they’re fairly scattered throughout the island.

Enjoy the adventure as you traverse boardwalks and past landscapes reminiscent of the Niagara Escarpment. Before long you’ll find yourself reconnected with the Fairy Trail, making this a great extension of the loop. It’s quite easy to tackle both in one visit, just keep an eye on the time so you make it back for your 1:30 pm DayTripper departure!

Trail Along the Shore by the Cedar Springs Campground

Cedar Spring Hiking Trails

When you arrive on the DayTripper, you’ll notice that the vegetation is similar to what you’d find to in Bruce Peninsula National Park or Fathom Five National Marine Park. The land is a lot flatter here with dirt trails that have little elevation. This is one of the reasons why you can rent bikes here from the visitors centre as they’re great for cycling as well.

Cedar Spring has a number of fun destinations that you won’t want to miss as you explore. First, head right through the campground past the oTENTiks and take a seat on the Giant’s Chair. While it’s uncertain how this rock formation came to be, some of the park staff believe it was because of the stonehookers – sailors who operated small schooners to harvest shale from the bottom of Lake Ontario during the 19th and 20th centuries. If you want to learn more, head to the visitors centre and ask the staff about it. They’d be happy to tell you more!

Another trail that’s not to be missed is the Heritage Loop. While it’s the shortest of the southern trails, there is plenty to see like the medicine wheel garden. In partnership with local Indigenous communities, Parks Canada is taking steps towards reconciliation with initiatives such as this. Here you will see the four sacred medicines (cedar, sage, sweetgrass and tobacco) and what they symbolize in Indigenous culture.

One of the best ways to enjoy the southern part of the island is through the various interpretive programs run by Parks Canada. Hop on an Indigenous-focused one to learn more about the above medicine wheel, enjoy guided hikes and interactive activities that share more about the history and ecology of Beausoleil Island. For those staying over, there is even night programming where you can learn about the stars as the Milky Way twinkles above you!

Due to the abundance of activities, easy hikes and shallow sandy beaches, Cedar Spring is the perfect destination for families as well as those looking for a more leisurely visit.

Fairy Lake During the Afternoon Sun

Planning Your Trip to Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Since Georgian Bay Islands National Park is one of the more remote locations to visit in Ontario, your trip will require some planning. Here’s everything you’ll need to make the most of your adventure!

What is the Entrance Fee for Georgian Bay Islands National Park?

For 2025, it costs $6.50 per adult and $5.50 for seniors 65 years and older to visit Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Youth 17 years of age and younger enjoy free admission which helps make the park more accessible to families.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: From June 20 to September 2, 2025, both Canadians and international visitors can enjoy free admission to our national parks and national historic sites thanks to the Canada Strong Pass. This means entry to the park is free, however visitors still need to book the DayTripper or a water taxi to visit Beausoleil Island.

How Do I Book the DayTripper?

The DayTripper runs from the Victoria Day weekend in May until Thanksgiving weekend in October. As of 2025, the DayTripper costs $24.96 per person. This includes the boat ride to Beausoleil Island and parking in Honey Harbour. 

To book your spot, head to Parks Canada’s online reservation system in advance. Seats are very limited so I’d recommend booking at least 3-4 days in advance or even earlier, especially in the peak months of July and August.

What Hiking Route Should I Take?

If you’re looking to do a day of hiking, I’d suggest starting with Fairly Lake before hitting the Cambrian Trail. That way you can fully enjoy Fairy Lake without keeping an eye on the time to make sure you don’t miss your boat back to Honey Harbour!

Will I Be Able to Hike the Entire Island in a Day?

It might look small on a map but Beausoleil Island is deceivingly large! Hiking from Chimney Bay all the way to the southern point of the island is about 9 kilometres one way. Due to the arrival and departure times of the DayTripper, you’ll definitely need to stay overnight in order to experience all of the trails on the island.

Can I Stay Overnight on Beausoleil Island?

Yes, Georgian Bay Islands National Park offers a number of overnight options! You’ll find rustic cabins at two locations in the park: Cedar Springs and Christian Beach. There is a minimum stay requirement of 2-nights in the cabins and they cost $209.92 and $250.59 per night respectively. Parks Canada has a list of everything that’s included with your reservation.

There are also five oTENTiks available in the Cedar Spring campground. These accommodations are a cross between an A-frame cabin and a prospector tent. Unique to Parks Canada, you’ll get to rest your head just steps from the Georgian Bay shoreline. Similar to the cabins, oTENTiks have a 2-night minimum and cost $191.67 per night.

Lastly, there are eight campgrounds scattered across Beausoleil Island which you can reserve for tent camping. These are Cedar Spring, Honeymoon Bay, Chimney Bay and Oaks, Sandpiper, Tonch North, Tonch East, Tonch South and Thumb Point. There is no reservation minimum and primitive campsites cost $17.50 per night while campsites at the Cedar Spring campground cost $28.50 per night.

One thing to note is that while your DayTripper shuttle is included if you book a cabin or oTENTik, this is not the case if you book a tent campsite. You’ll need to arrange an alternative mode of transportation via water taxi.

What Should I Bring to Georgian Bay Islands National Park?

As I mentioned earlier, the park is somewhat remote so there is nowhere to purchase any food, water or other items once you leave the mainland. This is a carry-all situation!

Make sure to have plenty of water, especially if you’re visiting in the peak of summer. I absolutely love my Hydroflask water bottle. It keeps my water cold longer than any other bottle I’ve owned which I definitely appreciate on those hot summer days! Don’t forget to bring some snacks too because a hangry hiker does not make for a fun time. Trail mix is often my go-to since it’s easy to pack!

Hot summer days also mean plenty of sunshine so don’t forget to pack the sunscreen! As I have very fair skin, I often opt for a stronger sunscreen. Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen is my favourite as it’s light, doesn’t have that awful sunscreen smell and doesn’t make you feel super oily which I hate.

Also, there are some wooded areas across the island which mosquitoes call home, so bug repellent is a key item. I always have this travel size bug spray on me in the summer but if you’re camping overnight, I’d say it’s worth having a larger bottle handy – especially since this one protects against ticks as well. I normally try to use eco-friendly options like a lemongrass essential oil but citrus oils can cause phototoxic burns when exposed to UV rays for too long. I also find that mosquitoes in Northern Ontario think this is cute and I’ll still get eaten alive so I opt for the more potent bug sprays.

Lastly, don’t forget the hiking essentials. A sturdy pair of hiking shoes or boots are always a good idea. I personally love great options like this from Decathlon. As for clothing, I like having a t-shirt or tank-top and knee-length tights which help you stay cool in the sun but will keep you warm in the shade. You’ll find there can be quite the temperature difference, especially on a windy day!

If you plan on swimming at all, don’t forget a towel to help you dry off. Otherwise, you’ll be hiking soaking wet after your dip in Georgian Bay! I don’t know about you but I hate feeling like I’ve peed myself because of a wet bathing suit under my clothes.

Beginning of the Golden Hour Before Departing Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Ready for a DayTripper Adventure?

As you can see, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is not to be missed. Whether you’re in Muskoka for a weekend getaway, passing by Honey Harbor while road tripping in Ontario or looking for a unique getaway, you can’t go wrong with a visit to this national park.

Don’t forget: take only pictures and leave only footprints. While the park is one of the cleanest I’ve seen, people do take it for granted unfortunately as I found a bag full of litter. If you see any, be sure to help out our planet and pick it up so it can be disposed of properly!

Whether you’re like a fish and love the water or an explorer and love to wander, there’s something for you at Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

Looking for More Adventures Nearby?
Explore Manitoulin Island, the World’s Largest Freshwater Island
See What Makes South Georgian Bay Ontario a Year-Round Destination
Give Winter Camping a Shot at Killarney Provincial Park

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