Paddling — Sea & Coastal.
Out of Midland Town Dock, the sheltered Midland Bay opens north into Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands archipelago — one of the largest freshwater archipelagos in the world. Beausoleil Island, the largest of Georgian Bay Islands National Park's 63 islands, sits within multi-day sea-kayak range from Midland, with the southern islands of the park scattered through the inshore island chain.
The brief.
The official Parks Canada visitor anchor for Georgian Bay Islands National Park — the seasonal DayTripper boat shuttle to Beausoleil Island — launches from Honey Harbour in the Township of Georgian Bay, north of Midland. Midland's Sea & Coastal paddling claim is the southern launch point and the inshore island paddling out of Midland Bay.
Sheltered Midland Bay and Penetang Bay are good starting waters; beyond the harbour mouth, open Georgian Bay weather, wind exposure, and shipping traffic govern the trip — pay attention to the marine forecast. Beausoleil Island is Massasauga rattlesnake habitat (the rattlesnake is a species at risk and protected under federal law); visitors are advised to give snakes space and stay on trails.
Best season is June through September; July and August are the most popular Georgian Bay paddling months.
2. places.
- 01
Midland Bay and Penetang Bay
Sheltered Georgian Bay starting waters out of Midland Town Dock; sheltered to the harbour mouth, exposed beyond.
Map ↗ - 02
30,000 Islands archipelago (Georgian Bay Islands NP)
Multi-day sea-kayak access from Midland north into the inshore island chain; Beausoleil Island and the southern islands of the park within day or multi-day paddle range.
Map ↗
Today's read.
Outside the typical season window.
By the book.
- 01Georgian Bay Islands National Park requires Parks Canada admission and camping fees; Beausoleil Island access is by the seasonal DayTripper boat shuttle from Honey Harbour or by private boat.Source ↗
- 02Beausoleil Island is Massasauga rattlesnake habitat — a species at risk; visitors are advised to give snakes space and stay on trails.Source ↗
