Explore the Georgian Bay Biosphere Islands

Many visitors to the Parry Sound area take the opportunity to explore the Big Sound and the surrounding islands aboard the Island Queen. These two or three-hour boat cruises offer a wonderful introduction to the beauty of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve from the water. But to really experience the biosphere, consider exploring the islands themselves.

Much of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve is still crown land – undeveloped and accessible by the public. There are a number of options available to the adventurous visitor who wants to get off the water and explore the incredible island landscape.

For the visitor with a day or more to spend, White Squall Paddling Centre and Black Feather offer guided adventures that get you into a kayak, out on the water, and onto the islands. Standard adventures vary in length from one day to two weeks.

Have less time, want to see more, and paddle less? Then Red Rock ecoAdventures may be your ‘ticket’ to the islands. Offering guided adventures for two to four persons, Red Rock Eco quickly gets you onto the small islands aboard The Beagle, a 21-foot unsinkable bowrider style boat. On The Beagle, getting there is half the fun, boating through channels and past cottages. All adventures include a guide to provide background information on the human, natural and physical history of the area, so you can understand how it all fits together.  Adventures vary from half to full-day excursions, leave from Parry Sound, and are customized to meet your interests.

The islands offer some real surprises and delights for the uninitiated. There are of course the rocks, trees and big water captured in countless photos and the paintings of the Canada’s iconic Group of Seven. There are also the pools of water that invite you to ‘come on in’, the trails that beg to be followed and the plants that demand your attention. Life adapted to the sometimes harsh conditions of the islands provides for many surprises.

For those more interested in the human history of the area, there are lighthouses, the remains of commercial fishing camps, and abandoned homes to see and visit. There are also restaurants, accessible only by water, offering fresh fish dinners.

Getting onto the islands offers visitors unique adventures that rival those you would need to travel thousands of miles to enjoy. Visit Parry Sound this summer, head out to the islands, and experience the beautiful Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve up-close and personal.

Guest Blogger: Jo Bossart

Residents of Parry Sound, Jo Bossart and his wife Anne own and operate Red Rock ecoAdventures and are keen to share their knowledge of and passion for the islands of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve with visitors to the region. All photos are courtesy of Jo Bossart – ask him about these spots and more.