Trip Rating: 4.5/5
Beausoleil Island is the largest island in Georgian Bay Islands National Park. In late fall of 2017, we set out to circumnavigate the island and take in the changing colours along the outer Georgian Bay coastline.
Logistics and Parking
Parking is often the limiting factor for this trip. Based on previous experience, we planned for the offseason, when pressure on infrastructure is significantly lower. In the fall, Daytripper staff allowed us to use their lot due to reduced traffic. Had that not worked, local marinas would have been the backup option.
Route and Conditions
We launched and traveled counterclockwise around the island, choosing to face headwinds early in the day while energy levels were highest. In practice, the wind eased as we rounded the southern point, but the strategy still made sense.
After leaving the dock, we crossed between Roberts and Picnic Islands. On a future trip, Big Dog Channel would be the preferred route. It offers more shelter and provides a rare opportunity to explore that passage while hand-railing the island.
The crossing from Turning Rock on Roberts Island to the southern point of Beausoleil is fully exposed to Sturgeon Bay. Once around the point, the coastline becomes dramatically different: long granite shorelines, fall colours, and clear views toward Giant’s Tomb Island.
On the Water
About twenty minutes north, a historic-looking structure emerges from the trees. These are oTENTik units, available for rent through Parks Canada and accessed directly by boat. While tempting, we pressed on.
The Gin Island Rocks followed shortly after, offering clear sight-lines across to Giant’s Tomb. Navigation becomes increasingly complex here, with overlapping bays and islands that demand regular chart checks.
The Beausoleil Lighthouse marks a visual transition point. Further ahead, the Brebeuf Island Lighthouse comes into view, helping confirm position along an otherwise visually repetitive coastline.
Lunch and Navigation
We stopped mid-day for lunch, a welcome pause. Over the years we have refined trip food, and this outing featured bannock, jam, and fresh fruit rather than dehydrated meals.
After lunch, navigation became the primary task. This section of the bay contains multiple similarly shaped islands and bays. We counted crossings through Lost Bay, Pirates Cove, Long Bay, Goblin Bay, Honeymoon Bay, Frying Pan Bay, then entered the main channel.
Return
The main channel was immediately busy, even in October. Recreational boat traffic made it feel more like paddling a marine highway. A better option would have been Little Dog Channel, looping around Little Beausoleil Island for shelter.
We completed the loop by paddling straight down the channel back to the marina.
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This trip requires a minimum of Level 2 skills or higher, depending on conditions.
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