Hike the Georgian Bay Hotspots (7 Days)

For serious hiking enthusiasts.

Day 1

Arrive in Collingwood today, and after you’ve checked in, pack your Bruce Trail guide and head out for your first hiking adventure. Today you’re hiking part of the Bruce Trail, from Metcalf Rock to Pinnacle Rock (see the Kolapore map in Bruce Trail Guide). Follow the directions below to the trailhead, park and take the Bruce Trail (white blazes) to the Chuck Grant side trail (blue blazes), then back to your car. Enjoy the view from the top of Pinnacle Rock, marvel at the caves and crevices carved out of the escarpment and stop to watch the rock climbers make their way up Metcalf Rock. (Hiking distance approximately 9 km).

(Directions: From the visitor centre in Collingwood, take Mountain Road west to Grey Road #19, where you’ll turn left. Follow to Grey Road #2. Go straight through this intersection, and the road turns into the 9th sideroad. The road turns sharply to the left, then turn left at the “V”. Approximately 0.5 km you will see Metcalf Rock on your left. Parking is along the road).

Accommodation Options:

Cranberry /Golf Resort
19 Keith Avenue, Collingwood
Directions: Hwy 26 west of Collingwood
P. 1-800-465-9077
http://www.thecranberryresort.com
Blue Mountain Village
108 Jozo Weider Blvd, Town of The Blue Mountains
P. 1-877-445-0231
http://www.bluemountain.ca/lodging_quickfacts.htm

Dining Options:

Beaver & Bulldog Sports Pub & Wingery
195 First Street, Collingwood
P. 705-446-9711
http://www.beaverandbulldogcollingwood.com
Kaytoo Restaurant & Bar
176 Jozo Weider Blvd., The Blue Mountains
Directions: In the Blue Mountain Village
P. 705-445-4100
http://www.kaytoo.ca
Copper Blues Bar & Grill
156 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains
Directions: In the Blue Mountain Village
P. 705-446-2643
http://www.copperblues.com
Firehall Pizza Co
162 Jozo Weider Blvd, Town of the Blue Mountains
Directions: In the Blue Mountain Village
P. 705-444-0611
http://www.firehallpizza.com
C&A Steak Company
166 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains
Directions: In the Blue Mountain Village
P. 705-444-8877
http://casteak.com/
M.J Byrne's Irish Pub
170 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains
Directions: In the Blue Mountain Village
P. 705-446-9989
http://www.mjbyrnes.com/

Things to Do:

Bruce Trail
Grey County section - from Blue Mountain, through Owen Sound and on to Wiarton
Location: White Blazes are main trail, Blue Blazes are side trails
P. 905-529-6821 / P. 1-800-665-4453
http://www.brucetrail.org
 

Day 2

Its day two, and you’re off to Wiarton today, where you’ll enjoy another Bruce Trail hike. This time, take Grey Road 1, east of Wiarton, through Oxenden to the sharp curve in the road. Just before the curve, on the right, you’ll find the parking area for Bruce’s Caves. Follow the white Blazes to the massive caves, carved by post glacial wave action. Follow the blue blazes to loop around along the Bruce Caves Side Trail before returning to your car. (Hiking distance approximately 7.2 km).

Distance:

Collingwood to Wiarton (94 km (60m), 1 hour 20 min)

Accommodation Options:

Waterview on the Bay
501205 Island View Drive, Wiarton
P. 877-534-0921
http://www.waterview.ca
 

Camping Options:

Cape Croker Indian Park
R.112 Park Road, Cape Croker
Directions: Hwy 6 to Cty Rd 9 (1.5 km north of Wiarton). Turn right on McIver Rd
P. 519-534-0571
http://www.capecrokerpark.com
 

Dining Options:

Wiarton Inn
666 Berford Street, Wiarton
P. 519-534-3400
 

Things to Do:

Bruce Trail
Grey County section - from Blue Mountain, through Owen Sound and on to Wiarton
Location: White Blazes are main trail, Blue Blazes are side trails
P. 905-529-6821 / P. 1-800-665-4453
http://www.brucetrail.org
Bruce's Caves
Wiarton
Location: Grey County Road 26, 4.8km northeast of Wiarton
P. 519-376-3076
http://ontarioconservationareas.ca/component/mtree/conservation-authorities-of-ontario/grey-sauble/bruce-s-caves-conservation-area

Day 3

Reserve your spot on tomorrow morning’s Chi-Cheemaun sailing today, then drive north to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Tobermory has two short and interesting hikes to take, one around Flowerpot Island, the other to the Grotto in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Take a tour boat from the harbour to Flowerpot Island, where you can hike the trail past the sea stacks carved from years of Georgian Bay wave action to the former lightkeeper’s home. (Hiking distance approximately 4.3 km). You’ll find Bruce Peninsula National Park just south of Tobermory on highway 6. Once in the park, you’ll park at the head of trails, and take the Georgian Bay trail to Indian Head Cove and the Grotto, a sea cave carved out of the Niaraga Escarpment. Upon your return, follow the Marr Lake Trail over the cobble beach, and back to your car. (Hiking distance approximately 3 km). After you’ve checked in at your accommodation for the night, be sure to enjoy the ambiance of this picturesque village on Georgian Bay.

Distance:

Wiarton to Tobermory (76 km (47 m), 1 hour 10 min)

Accommodation Options:

Tobermory Princess Hotel
34 Bay Street South, Tobermory
P. 1-877-901-8282
http://tobermoryprincesshotel.com/
Adventure Inn the Bruce
#7362 Hwy 6, Tobermory
P. 519-596-2273
http://www.adventurethebruceinn.com

Camping Options:

Bruce Peninsula National Park
407 Cyprus Lake Road & Hwy 6, PO Box 189, Tobermory
Directions: Hwy 6 south of Tobermory
P. 519-596-2233
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/bruce/index_e.asp
 

Dining Options:

The Sweet Shop
18 Bay Street, PO Box 248, Tobermory
P. 519-596-2705
http://www.sweetshop.ca/
Craigie's Harbourview Restaurant
Bay Street,, Tobermory
P. 519-596-2867
Crowsnest Pub & Restaurant
5 Bay Street, PO BOX 98, Tobermory
P. 519-596-2575
http://crowsnestpub.ca/

Things to Do:

Bruce Peninsula National Park
PO Box 189, Tobermory
Location: 8 km south of Tobermory
P. 519-596-2233 / P. 1-877-737-3783
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/bruce/index_e.asp
Chi-Cheemaun
8 Eliza Street - Tobermory, Tobermory or South Baymouth
P. 1-800-265-3163
http://www.ontarioferries.com
Flowerpot Island
Tobermory

Suppliers:

The Blue Heron Company
24 Carlton Street, Tobermory
P. 519-596-2999 / P. 1-855-596-2999
http://www.blueheronco.com
 

Day 4

Set sail this morning on the Chi-Cheemaun ferry headed for Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island. The Chi-Cheemaun (the “big canoe” in Ojibwa) carries passengers and cars between Tobermory and South Baymouth several times a day. Once on Manitoulin, you’ll hike the Cup & Saucer trail for incredible views over Georgian Bay and the North Channel. (From South Baymouth travel to M’Chigeeng, then follow highway 540 north east to Bidwell Road).

Distance:

Tobermory to South Baymouth (via Chi-Cheemaun ferry, 2 hours sailing time)
South Baymouth to Little Current (63 km (40 m), 1 hour)

Accommodation Options:

Sunset Motels & Cottages
7 Red Mill Road, Little Current
P. 705-368-3388
http://www.sunsetmotelcottages.com
The Anchor Inn
1 Water Street, Little Current
P. 705-368-2023
http://www.anchorgrill.com/

Camping Options:

Batman's Cottages, Tent & Trailer Park
Sheguiandah
Directions: Take Hwy 6 south from Little Current to the village of Sheguiandah. Turn left 1 km south of the village at the entrance to the park
P. 877-368-7180
http://www.batmanscamping.com/
 

Dining Options:

Loco Beanz Coffee House
7 Water Street, Little Current
P. 705-368-2261
The Anchor Inn Bar & Grill
1 Water Street, Little Current
P. 705-368-2023
http://www.anchorgrill.com/

Things to Do:

Chi-Cheemaun
8 Eliza Street - Tobermory, Tobermory or South Baymouth
P. 1-800-265-3163
http://www.ontarioferries.com
Cup & Saucer Bluff
Rockville
Location: Take hwy 540 to Bidwell Rd

Day 5

This morning you’re off to Killarney, a quant fishing village on the shore of Georgian Bay, known as a wonderful sailing destination and for its beautiful backcountry in Killarney Provincial Park. Stop in Sudbury on your way for some shopping, and lunch. In Killarney, check in at your accommodation, or set up camp and enjoy your time relaxing for the rest of the day.

Distance:

Little Current to Killarney (220 km (137 m), 3 hours 30 min)

Accommodation Options:

Killarney Mountain Lodge
Village of Killarney, Killarney
Directions: In the Village of Killarney
P. 1-800-461-1117
http://www.killarney.com
 

Camping Options:

Killarney Provincial Park
Killarney
Directions: Highway 637
P. 705-287-2900
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/killarney
 

Dining Options:

Herbert Fisheries Mister Perch
21 Channel Street, Killarney
P. 705-287-2214
http://herbertfisheries.ca/
Killarney Mountain Lodge
Killarney
P. 1-800-461-1117
http://www.killarney.com

Day 6

Explore Killarney’s hiking trails today, or on your own or with a professional guide from Killarney Outfitters. The La Cloche trail is a 100 km 7 -10 day trek through the Killarney wilderness. Don’t try to tackle the whole thing today! Day hikes are accessible from two access points within the George Lake campground, with hikers retracing their steps to the point of origin. Another option for a daytrip today – trek to Silver Peak. Paddle by canoe to the trail base, then to the summit of Silver Peak, the highest point in the Killarney Provincial Park, for a view from what used to be Ontario’s mountain range. Finish up your day by traveling to Britt or Parry Sound to spend the night.

Distance:

Killarney to Parry Sound (190 km (118 miles), 3 hours) or
Killarney to Britt (125 km (75 miles), 2 hours 30 mins)

Accommodation Options:

Bayside Inn
10 Gibson Street, Parry Sound
Directions: Exit 224 Bowes Street on Highway 400. Follow Bowes Street which changes name to Seguin. Turn left at Gibson Street
P. 866-833-8864
http://www.psbaysideinn.com
 

Camping Options:

Killbear Provincial Park
#35 Killbear Park Road, RR#1, Nobel
Directions: Take Hwy 559 off Hw 69 north of Nobel, then west on Dillon Rd
P. 705-342-5492
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/killbear
Oastler Lake Provincial Park
380 Oastler Park Drive, RR#2, Parry Sound
Directions: 380 Oastler Park Drive (former Hwy 69)
P. 705-378-2401
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/oastlerlake

Dining Options:

Sound Grillhouse
2 James Street, Parry Sound
P. 705-746-3712
Bay Street Café
22 Bay Street, Parry Sound
Directions: on Bay Street across form the Island Queen dock
P. 705-746-2882

Things to Do:

Hike the La Cloche Silouette Trail in Killarney Provincial Park
Killarney
Location: Hwy 637 south of Sudbury & west of Hwy 69
P. 705-287-2828
http://www.killarneyoutfitters.com/trip-planning/la_cloche_silhouette_killarney_trail_guide.php
Trek to Silver Peak in Killarney Provincial Park
Killarney
Location: Hwy 637 south of Sudbury & west of Hwy 69
P. 705-287-2828
http://www.killarneyoutfitters.com/trip-planning/hike-silver-peak.php

Suppliers:

Killarney Outfitters
Killarney
P. 705-287-2828 / P. 1-888-222-3410
http://www.killarney.com/outdoor-guided-trips.php
 

Day 7

Today, your last day hiking Georgian Bay hotspots is spent at Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Pack a picnic lunch today, and set out for Honey Harbour, where you’ll catch the Daytripper water taxi to Beausoleil Island. Once on shore, follow the Huron Trail south until you reach Beausoleil point, then make your way north on the Georgian Trail to Christian Beach. This is the perfect spot to enjoy your picnic lunch overlooking Georgian Bay before following the Christian Trail back to Cedar Spring to catch the boat back to Honey Harbour.

Distance:

Parry Sound to Honey Harbour (80 km (50 m), 1 hour) or
Britt to Honey Harbour (150 km (90 miles), 1 hour 50 mins)

Things to Do:

Spend a day at Georgian Bay Islands National Park: Beausoleil Island
Honey Harbour
Location: Beausoleil Island
P. 705-527-7200
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/georg/index_e.asp