Trip Rating: 4.5/5
For a local visit to a National Park, we chose Georgian Bay Islands National Park and based our stay on Beausoleil Island. Beausoleil is the largest island in the park and part of the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. In Ontario we are lucky enough to have two major archipelagos, the other being Thousand Islands National Park. This trip quickly became a favourite: it felt remote and rugged but was still manageable with a young child and kayaks.
It was worth every dollar and every bit of vacation time, but it is not a simple car camping trip. The island is close to Toronto, exposed to boat traffic in peak summer, and has real wilderness considerations once you step off the dock. A bit of planning goes a long way.
Planning and Timing
- The park is spread across many islands and sits close to a city of more than five million people. In peak summer, both the highways and the water can feel busy.
- To avoid heavy boat and cottage traffic, consider travelling in the shoulder seasons or just after college and university terms begin.
- Beausoleil Island is only about fifteen minutes by boat from Honey Harbour. The nearest protected bay for larger powerboats is very close to the campground.
- Most boaters are respectful, but one loud party boat can change the feel of the area. Shoulder season timing helps reduce this risk.
- Outside the core campground, Beausoleil is genuine Canadian Shield wilderness.
- Massasauga rattlesnakes, black bears, and poison ivy are present on the island. We saw all three during our stay without incident, but they are a reminder to move with awareness.
The park staff were excellent. They went out of their way to make the stay comfortable and safe. One ranger quietly moved a small black bear away from the campground before most visitors noticed it. Another spent time teaching my daughter about the snakes that live on the island. The human side of the park is a big part of why this trip worked so well.
Getting to the Island
Access to Beausoleil Island is by boat only. If you book an oTENTik, the round-trip shuttle on the Daytripper and mainland parking are included in the reservation.
The crossing from Honey Harbour takes about fifteen minutes. Gear follows on a barge shortly after you arrive, which keeps the passenger boat clear and makes unloading on the island straightforward.
oTENTik Camping
With a three-year-old in tow, we decided to stay in an oTENTik rather than a traditional tent. It was the right call. The oTENTiks are tucked just above the shoreline, with short paths to the water, shared campfire areas, and easy access to trails.
A major perk is the private food locker at each site. Having a dedicated bear-safe locker on your own plot means fewer trips back and forth to shared storage and a simpler evening routine. It keeps food secure and helps reduce wildlife issues around camp.
Kayaking and Hiking
There is a main dock on the island for larger boats, but for sea kayaks the most convenient option was a quiet wet launch from the marsh in front of our oTENTik. From there, multiple day trips are possible without repeating the same route twice. It would take many visits to explore all the options.
The Lookout and Heritage Loop Hikes
Several signed trails leave from the campground area and climb to lookouts, heritage sites, and interior lakes. The Lookout Hike and the Grave Site and Heritage Loop give a good first sample of the island’s topography: open rock ridges, forested sections, and glimpses of the outer islands. These are excellent half-day options with a mix of shaded walking and wide views over Georgian Bay.
Big Dog and Little Dog Cuts Paddle
Big Dog and Little Dog Cuts are narrow channels that slice between islands and points on the wind-protected side of Beausoleil. In calm conditions they make for playful, exploratory paddling with short crossings, rock gardens, and sheltered coves. In a small group with solid boat control, it is easy to spend a full day linking cuts, bays, and lunch spots.
The Lighthouse Paddle
The lighthouse route adds a bit more commitment and exposure while still staying within reach for paddlers with good foundational skills. The trip threads through outer points and small islands, offering classic Georgian Bay views, light swell on windy days, and a clear sense of being out on the open water. On calm fall days it feels welcoming; in stronger winds it can become advanced quickly.
Ferry Lake Paddling and Hiking
Ferry Lake sits inland from the main shoreline and can be reached on foot. Combining a short hike with some time exploring the lake by boat creates a quieter contrast to the busier outer bays. The shoreline here is more enclosed and reflective, with low rock shelves and trees meeting the water.
Cost
Approximate cost: $500 for a week for a small family, including oTENTik rental, Daytripper shuttle, parking, and camping fees. Actual costs will vary based on season, number of nights, and travel to Honey Harbour.
Difficulty
On the protected side of Beausoleil Island, conditions in the fall are generally calm and well suited to intermediate sea kayakers. Short crossings, sheltered channels, and good access to shore make route choices flexible.
- The windward side of the island is fully exposed to Georgian Bay and can be extremely dangerous in wind or swell. This coastline should only be attempted by experienced paddlers with appropriate training and rescue skills.
- Boat traffic can be heavy in peak summer, especially near Honey Harbour and popular anchorages. Paddlers should carry lights, wear high-visibility clothing, and maintain clear crossing angles.
- Wildlife, slippery rock, and poison ivy are all present on land. Standard backcountry awareness applies once you step off the dock.
As a rough guideline, this trip is best suited to paddlers with at least Paddle Canada Level 1 skills on calm days, and Level 2 or equivalent for more exposed routes and windy conditions.
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