Take a Cruise on Lake Simcoe, Lake Couchiching or Georgian Bay
Whether you prefer to cruise the picturesque waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Couchiching, experience the rich history of the Trent-Severn Waterway, or experience the rush of going full-throttle across Lake Simcoe, with so many lakes and shorelines to explore, Simcoe County delivers an unforgettable adventure for every water lover.
New to boating? Or exploring with a rental boat for the day? Perfect! Well, we have some great suggestions on where you should go to anchor, swim, and soak up all the feels that Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe have to offer.
Lake Simcoe to Georgian Bay, we have an adventure for you!
Trent-Severn Waterway
Boaters who make their way from lakes Simcoe or Couchiching to Georgian Bay will experience a world-class lock system as they travel through the historic Trent-Severn Waterway. Locks 42 – Couchiching, 43 – Swift Rapids, 44 – Big Chute Marine Railway (the only marine railway of its kind in North America) and 45 – Port Severn channel boats through the canal system between these lakes and Georgian Bay. The significant canal, operated by Parks Canada, offers a number of amenities such as bathrooms and even camping at the sites, and are part of a much larger system that can literally take boaters anywhere in the world they want to go.
Beausoleil Island
Beausoleil Island is one of the most accessible islands off and places to anchor and hang out off of Georgian Bay. It is home to Georgian Bay Islands National Park in the world’s largest freshwater archipelago and steeped in Indigenous history. It is a popular destination for locals, cottagers, and boaters out of Midland and Penetanguishene harbours. Now, this island is BIG, so follow the markers in and around to help navigate through the channels, as you enter the home of Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands. Our favourite places to anchor at Beausoleil Island are: Frying Pan Bay, Lost Bay, and Ojibway Bay. Learn more about mooring and docking at Beuasoleil Island.
Hope & Beckwith Islands
Beckwith Island has a pure white sand beach and is a great place for families with young children, because the waters are very shallow and also have a pure sand bottom. Hope Island is best for explorers, as there is a huge ship wreck on the north-west side of the island that is fairly close to the waters surface (perfect for snorkeling) – but BE CAREFUL! It also is surrounded by huge boulders and is not properly marked, so enter with caution.
Chief Island
Chief Island on Lake Couchiching has long been revered as a sacred site, holding immense historical and cultural value to the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. We want you to enjoy Chief Island and it’s beautiful mooring opportunity to enjoy the water. A Chief Island Mooring Permit is required to stop by, which can be obtained online or at Ojibway Bay Marina. Visitors are asked to respectfully refrain from going onto the Island and stick only to their mooring spot. Day permits and seasonal permits available.