Trip Rating
Description
This is my favourite day trip in Ontario. It comes with some logistical challenges—busy towns, crowded launch sites, and parking fees—but that’s why you're here. I'll walk you through the whole route.
Cove Island is the largest in the Fathom Five archipelago. The south side is full of channels and inlets that feel completely isolated, almost eerie near Boat Passage. The islands here are larger, farther apart, and more exposed than those on the east side of Georgian Bay. The payoff is huge: unique scenery, rolling open-water waves, and dozens of visible shipwrecks. Many paddlers wrongly dismiss this area as unsuitable, consider this a challenge to rethink that.
When I first studied the area on charts, “The Gut” stood out immediately. After gaining confidence on the Franklin–Mink–McCoy route, I decided it was time to explore it.
My first attempt was a disaster, Boat Passage is nearly impassable. Think knee-deep mud, jagged rocks, and unhappy paddlers. But exploration is part of the fun. Don’t worry, the route below works every time.
Little Tub Harbour → Coconut Joe’s → Chi-Cheemaun Dock
We handrail the south shore to Coconut Joe’s, then continue to the Chi-Cheemaun dock. Be mindful not to impede the ferry. Once past the dock, you get your first sweeping view of the archipelago.
Fathom Five Archipelago on a foggy day
④ Doctor Island → ⑤ Russell Cove
Doctor Island is a perfect wind break. Russell Cove can be hard to spot from the water but is a great timing point if you want to watch the ferry. Remember: landing on islands inside the Marine Conservation Area is not allowed.
Shipwreck Zone
The south shore of Cove Island is littered with shipwrecks—some are exposed above the surface. Russell Reef can get extremely rough. This is why so many wrecks are here.
Approaching Turning Island
⑦ Russell → Turning Island (1 mile crossing)
This is the longest open crossing and can be a rodeo with a southwest wind. Once across, you’re fully outside the tourist zone. Few paddlers go this far.
Channels → Laronde Harbour
The southwest side of Cove Island is easy to get lost in. Use the northwest channel around Peters Island. The limestone formations here are carved by decades of wave action.
⑧ The Gut
The Gut is a natural seiche—a surge that reverses direction every ~15 minutes. Even on calm days, the current is strong. During high water, it becomes a standout Great Lakes phenomenon. No one ever forgets seeing it.
⑨ Otter Islands
The Otters have incredible rock formations, a known otter colony, and a massive cavern we call “The Parking Garage.” This is one of the most scenic areas on the route.
⑪ Hole in the Wall
The cliffs, coves, and formations here are unforgettable. You also get a sweeping view of Flowerpot, Echo, and Bears Rump Island before heading back.
Launch Spot Options
Parking is limited. Your best strategy is to drop your gear, then walk from a legal parking area.
Note to commercial companies running courses here: Use your trailer to unload your groups kayaks at the main dock in Tobermory. There is a special parking sport for you to use, its clearly marked. You need to pay Karla or a dock hand $7.50 per kayak per day to launch. After unloading, vehicles must be moved to the auxiliary parking lots on Legion Street or Hay Bay Road before returning on foot to the dock area.
Option 1: The Boat Ramp
$7.50 per kayak, plus parking. A dockhand collects payment via debit.
Apres Options
1. Tacomory
Great tacos. The vegan bowl is my go-to.
2. Las Chulas
Authentic Mexican food and beer. The veggie burrito is incredible.
3. Shipwreck Lee’s
Great patio, great fish and chips, and the ring game is addictive.
This trip requires Level 2 skills or higher, depending on conditions.
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