GEORGIAN BAY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
by Dorothy Van Esbroeck
I ventured here in late August for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by what the park had to offer. There was some evidence of recent vandalism to the cooking shelter at Beausoleil Point. Maybe if more kayakers came here it might curb this trend. This is one park that is very difficult to police because the campsites are located around the island. For an on-line guided tour go to the Parks Canada web-site.
- Your non-kayak friends could join you by taking the boat tripper or a water taxi.
- Shorter driving time if you live somewhere in the south.
- Geography – St.Lawrence Lowland Forest meets Canadian Shield on the island.
- Main and northerly campsites have bear proof garbage containers and containers for recyclables.
- The challenge of departing from Honey Harbour where boat traffic can be significant – especially if leaving Sunday about 4 p.m..
- Trails on the island make going for a walk or run a treat. Information signs posted along trails explain history of the island.
- Off-season or later in August mid-week can be very quiet.
- You can get tax receipt for parking costs when parking in Honey Harbour at church parking lot.
- Campsites have facilities with toilet paper. Main campground has showers and 87 sites. (2 were occupied when I was there.)
- Cooking shelters with 2 picnic tables at all camping areas – so there is no need for a tarp.