For the Crystal Water of Georgian Bay
Originally posted on
I’ve been kind of addicted to water since I moved to Canada. One of the advantages of living in Ontario is that you are never too far from it. Three years ago, I saw the crystal clear waters of Georgian Bay for the first time. Since then, I’ve been traveling back every year, just for the jewel of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
The tip of the Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory, is a place I visit over and over again. The largest glass bottom boat in Canada is located in Tobermory and I’ve had the opportunity to take this cruise. With the crystal clear waters of the Bay, you are able to see the century old shipwrecks on the bottom. The white fish at the little diner at Big Tub Habour is excellent. Watching the beautiful sailboats elegantly cruising in and out of the harbor, while eating dinner, is a great combination and adds to the experience.
I’ve also hiked the Georgian Bay Trail in the Bruce Peninsula National Park. This trail takes you to the turquoise colored waters of the Grotto. Definitely a must see. Located beside the Grotto is Indian Head Cove, a rock beach, which is popular to many. I’ve swam and snorkeled in the cool but clean water.
Not too far from Tobermory is the town of Lion’s Head. Here I’ve walked over the giant cobblestones and have made out the shape of Lion’s Head in the rock face of the escarpment. Sauble Beach, the second largest freshwater beach in the world is a little further from Tobermory but is worth the drive. I’ve sunbathed on this popular beach and splashed around in the waves. Tobermory and the surrounding areas are so much fun that you will forget the four-plus-hour drive up from Toronto.
There is one thing I haven’t done yet in Tobermory. I still need to go onboard of Chi-Cheemaun and visit Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island. I’ve seen the Chi-Cheemaun so many times from my rental cottage by the water, but have never driven my car into her big “mouth” at the bow. This is something I plan on doing this summer of 2012. Here I come, Chi-Cheemaun!
The difference between the bustling, charming town of Tobermory on the southern coast of Georgian Bay, and the tiny rugged village of Killarney, is its flavor.
If the turquoise water and stunning cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment interest you, then the different kinds of rock formations in West Desjardin, about 15 kilometers west of Killarney Mountain Lodge, will certainly take your breath away.
Early last fall, I stayed at the Killarney Mountain Lodge. It was cooler, but the weather was just beautiful. Taken by a fast boat we hired, we travelled along the rugged, pine tree lined coast of Georgian Bay to the little islands of West Desjardin. The rocks that form the big and small bumps in the sparkling water are as smooth as a baby’s bottom. The pine trees, which can be found in the paintings of Group of Seven, stand on top of some of the big islands in front of a seemingly endless backdrop of blue sky and white clouds.
The world famous Herbert Fishery Fish n’ Chips is right by the Killarney harbor. If you are looking for the freshest fish and chips, Herbert Fisheries is a great place to visit. Fish are caught daily and hundreds of fish and chip orders are fried up every day.
Killarney is home to the Killarney Provincial Park and campgrounds are abundant. Highway 637 takes you through the Provincial Park and not only welcomes you with an abundance of trees of different shapes and colors, but also with lots of wild animals. Driving along this highway, I’ve seen two deer, one fox, one bear and uncountable herons along the way.
There are other great locations to visit close to Killarney. Sudbury is not far and you can find Science North and Dynamic Earth where you can play and explore. French River is also close, where you will find a beautiful gorge that can be admired atop of a long suspension bridge.
The northern coast of Georgian Bay is a four-season destination and is never lacking interesting things to do. Its beauty is waiting for you to discover in this summer.
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