With the Flow

The coast of Georgian Bay is practically exotic with its giant rock walls and clear, turquoise water. The cliffs around Tobermory are not to be missed, even if you’re just passing through en route to Killarney, the North Channel or Manitoulin Island. You’ll also want to sail around the uninhabited islands of Fathom Five National Marine Park, look for shipwrecks, photograph Cove Island Lighthouse, and stop for a hike on Flowerpot Island.

On the Lake Huron side of the Bruce Peninsula the shoreline features an inviting succession of long beaches and quiet coves. No boat? No problem. Chartering is popular on the Bruce Peninsula.

Magical Moorings

Pull up, stay a while. Our marinas are not just well supplied and service oriented, they’re well placed ¬– many in the heart of communities. Here are some insights to favorite docks and coves:

•    On Lake Huron, near downtown Kincardine, the Kincardine Marina is steps from the French Bistro Fare at Harbour Street Brasserie.

•    Huge ice cream cones are served at the Port Elgin Marina. Also, the adjacent 10-km-long beach plays host to a flea market, penny carnival, and Sunday night band shell concert.

•    A short walk from Lion’s Head Marina is the Lion’s Head Inn with its English pub and beach view patio.

•    The Tobermory Marina lies in the heart of town amidst all the action. You can enjoy fine dining at the Grandview, catch live music at the Crow’s Nest, pick up hand-made fudge from the Sweet Shop and enjoy shopping among the many boutiques. Here also, the Big Tub Resort has their own marina, welcoming to all. Sit on the patio, order pizza and look down on the shipwrecks in the harbour.

•    At the Wiarton Marina there’s direct access onto the Bruce Trail, which leads to Spirit Rock, about 20 minutes north. The intriguing conservation area features stone ruins and a spiral staircase on the Niagara Escarpment. 

•    One of the most scenic moorings on the Georgian Bay coast is Sydney Bay, embraced by the Niagara Escarpment on both sides.

•    The serene shelter of Wingfield Basin at Cabot Head is a birding hotspot where you can also see the ruins of a 10-ton tow barge. A short path leads to the Cabot Head Lighthouse.