Provincial & National Parks of Georgian Bay (7 - 10 Days)

Day 1

Arrive in Penetanguishene today, and make your way to Awenda Provincial Park, a gem among the Georgian Bay Provincial Parks. A hardwood forest populated with maple and oak trees, the campground sits atop the Nipissing Bluff overlooking Georgian Bay. At the base of the bluff, you’ll find beautiful Georgian Bay beaches, with views to Giants Tomb Island, and a separate pet friendly beach for Rover. Be sure to take the time to do some hiking, or mountain bike the 13km Brule trail.

Camping Options:

Awenda Provincial Park
670 Concession 18 East, PO Box 5004, Penetanguishene
Directions: North on Hwy 35, then East
P. 705-549-2231
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/awenda
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Day 2

Pack your camper and set off on a daytrip to Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. Not a campground, but a day-use park, Wasaga boasts the world’s longest freshwater beach. It’s the perfect place to spend the day splashing in the water, soaking up the rays and wandering the beach shops. Once you’ve had your fill of fun in the sun, travel through Collingwood to Craigleith Provincial Park, and set up camp on the shores of Georgian Bay. The fractured shale coastline in this park is the place to fish or watch a spectacular sunset.

Distance:

Penetanguishene to Wasaga Beach (47 km (30 miles), 1 hour)
Wasaga Beach to Craigleith (24 km (15 miles) 20 mins)

Camping Options:

Craigleith Provincial Park
209403 Hwy 26, RR#3, Town of The Blue Mountains
Directions: Hwy 26 west of Craigleith
P. 705-445-4467
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/craigleith
 

Things to Do:

Wasaga Beach
Town of Wasaga Beach
P. 705-429-3844
http://www.wasagabeachtourism.com
 

Day 3

Its day three and you’re making your way up the beautiful Bruce Peninsula to Bruce Peninsula National Park. Nestled on the shores of Georgian Bay among 100 year old cedars, this national park offers excellent hiking to the coast. At the end of the hike you’ll be rewarded with views of Georgian Bay from atop limestone cliffs, a cool and crystal clear Georgian Bay swimming hole and the magnificent Grotto, a sea cave carved by years of post glacial wave action. (Please note that Bruce Peninsula National Park does not offer RV services. There are no electricity, water hookups or shower facilities at this park. If this does not suit your needs, you may wish to choose another Bruce Peninsula campground to accommodate you.)

Distance:

Craigleith to Tobermory (140 km (87 miles), 2 hours)

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
 

Day 4

You’re crossing to Manitoulin Island on the Chi-Cheemaun car and passenger ferry today. (Please reserve your crossing and arrive early to avoid disappointment). You’ll end the day at one of two Provincial Parks, both located north west of Sudbury. Windy Lake Provincial Park is a popular recreation area offering swimming, long sandy beaches and water activities including boating and fishing. Fairbank Provincial Park attracts snorklers and divers to its crystal clear spring fed lake, which was created by a meteorite’s fall to earth millions of years ago. Camp along the rim of the lake, and hike the lookout trails.

Distance:

Tobermory to South Baymouth (via Chi-Cheemaun ferry, 2 hours sailing time)
South Baymouth to Levack or Onaping (210 km (130 miles), 3 hours)

Camping Options:

Fairbank Provincial Park
Park Road, MR 4, PO Box 560, Levack
Directions: 22 km north of Hwy 17, 15 km west of Hwy 144 Interchange - Follow MR 4
P. 705-866-0530
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/fairbank
Windy Lake Provincial Park
Hwy 544 off Hwy 144 North, Onaping
Directions: Head 45 kms north of Sudbury on Hwy 144, then 1 1/2 kms East on Hwy 544
P. 705-966-2315
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/windylake

Things to Do:

Chi-Cheemaun
8 Eliza Street - Tobermory, Tobermory or South Baymouth
P. 1-800-265-3163
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/windylake
 

Day 5

Yesterday was a travel day, so today’s your day to relax and explore your surroundings. While in the area, be sure to check out the A.Y. Jackson Lookout at High Falls. The scenic beauty of this location inspired the group of seven painter by the same name.

Things to Do:

A.Y Jackson Lookout - High Falls
Onaping Falls
Location: 45 km northwest of Sudbury on Hwy 144 - just 3 kms north of Dowling
P. 705-674-4455 ext. 4603
http://www.rainbowroutes.com/index.php/routes/ay-jackson/
 

Day 6

Killarney Provincial Park is your destination today. A popular wilderness campground with backcountry outdoor enthusiasts, the George Lake Campground within the park provides limited access for car camping. Explore the outdoors; hike the trails, paddle or trek to Silver Peak. Daytrips are available with Killarney Outfitters. (Reservations for this campground should be made well in advance to avoid disappointment as space is very limited. Please note RV services are not available at this park. Campsites do not have electricity or water hookups. If this does not suit your needs, you may wish to continue to the next day’s itinerary).

Distance:

Levack or Onaping to Killarney (162 km (100 miles), 3 hours)

Camping Options:

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

Suppliers:

Killarney Outfitters
Killarney
P. 705-287-2828 / 1-888-222-3410
http://www.killarneyoutfitters.com/
 

Day 7

Arrive at Killbear Provincial Park or Oastler Provincial Park today, and spend the day exploring this rugged Georgian Bay wilderness. At Killbear, you’ll lounge on some of the 3 kilometres of sandy beaches. Hike the trails for a view of windswept pines over Georgian Bay or mountain bike this 30,000 island area park. If you’re lucky, you may even score a campsite right on a Georgian Bay beach! At Oastler, relax on the long sandy beach, or enjoy boating or swimming in the lake.

Distance:

Killarney to Parry Sound (190 km (120 miles), 3 hours)

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