Georgian Bay is a Great Lakes waterway with international ports and the world's largest freshwater archipelago.

Travelling inland, boaters of all types will find over 1,000 inland lakes, river channels, and accommodation services with waterfront launches at camp sites and resorts. Paddlers will enjoy routes travelled by fur-trading voyageurs, and modern day adventurers.

Historically, the bay was a major trade route for the local inhabitants – Algonquian and Huron tribes – for centuries before Samuel de Champlain became the first European to explore and map the area in 1615. He called it "La Mer douce" or the calm sea. It was named "Georgian Bay" after King George IV  in 1822.

The rugged beauty of the area has inspired landscapes by many artists, including the Group of Seven.

You will also be inspired when you discover spectacular landscapes, time-worn rock faces, diverse habitats and the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield. Many magnificent islands are accessible by boat only.

Cove Island is the largest island has the greatest variety of island wildlife, including deer, bears and rattlesnakes. Flowerpot Island is more remote and has fewer wildlife species. For instance, it has no rattlesnakes or bears but you will see a lot of garter snakes. It is the only island in the park with trails, washrooms, a picnic shelter and camping. You’ll also see red squirrels and they be cute little creatures but please don't feed them as this causes more harm than good and it's also illegal.

The deep, cool waters at the mouth of Georgian Bay are home to Fathom Five - Canada's first National Marine Conservation Area. The park preserves a rich history that includes 22 shipwrecks and several historic lightstations. Fathom Five’s freshwater ecosystem contains some of the most pristine waters of the Great Lakes. The rugged islands of the park are a reminder of the impressive lakebed topography found beneath the waves.

The Fathom Five area offers many interesting things to learn about and explore. For instance, scientists have located the remains of ancient trees still rooted solidly into the lake-bed. These ancient trees have been found at depths from 3 to 43 metres (10 to 142 feet). Carbon 14 dating has accurately determined the age of one of the oldest trees and was dated at 7 490 years B.P. (Before Present.)

Come and enjoy the majestic blue waters of Georgian Bay by sailboat or boat tour or even from the shore. There are many wonders to explore in this exquisite marine habitat.

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