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Georgian Bay

You are here: Home / Community Profiles / Communities / Georgian Bay

There’s tons to see and do in Georgian Bay Township. Here you’ll find roads that wind pleasantly with the flow of the land, showcasing the stunning Canadian Shield, take a ferry from Honey Harbour out to Georgian Bay Islands National park with its stunning Christian Beach and famous Fairy Lake, and visit the Trent-Severn lock in Big Chute where you’ll find the only marine railway of its kind in North America. In Port Severn you’ll find scenic lakeside parks and resorts and the terminus of the Trent-Severn Waterway, where the trail spans a series of bridges and dams amidst a chorus of rushing waters. Northward, you’ll find the haven of MacTier, with its beach on Stewart Lake, and its loop connecting it to nearby Lake Joseph.

Visit unique restaurants and resorts, kayak intimate lakes or the more challenging waters of Georgian Bay, explore and catch a glimpse of the heritage and heart of these communities within this stunning land of lakes. They’re unforgettable.

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Download Printable Map

Trail Attributes

Distance:  37km

The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in Georgian Bay is split into two distinct sections.

  • The southerly section of the Trail is part of the Big Chute Loop, a stunning 66km rural ride connecting Port Severn, Honey Harbour, Six Mile Lake, Big Chute, Coldwater and Waubaushene. This follows mostly quiet rural roads with some hilly sections.
  • The northerly section of the Trail centres on MacTier, with its connection into the heart of Muskoka and further north to Seguin and Parry Sound. This follows the main residential road through MacTier, and the paved shoulders of Lake Joseph Road nearby.
  • The short section of Lake Joseph Road between MR 169 and High Street leading to MacTier narrow shoulders. Please use caution.

Trail Tips:

  • Don’t miss stopping in MacTier on your way north or south. The additional trip distance is minimal and amenities become periodic at times.
  • Sections of the route in northern Simcoe County, through the Muskoka and Parry Sound areas, while peaceful and serenely scenic do have some remote stretches. Make sure you are adequately prepared with food and drink and simply take advantage of the amenities as they come.
  • Extend your trip along the Big Chute Loop with a stay in Honey Harbour, on Georgian Bay Islands National Park, or at Six Mile Lake!
Local Maps and ConnectionsStaging AreasAmenities and TransitHelpful Links

Links to Local Maps

Muskoka Tourism Interactive Map – Amenities dining and events.
District of Muskoka (Municipal Interactive Map)
Georgian Bay Township Maps (PDF links)
Cycle Simcoe (PDF and interactive maps – can request print maps).

Community Links

Georgian Bay Township
District Municipality of Muskoka
Township of Muskoka Lakes

Staging Areas

All staging areas have parking, washrooms (may be seasonal)

  • MacTier: MacTier Memorial Community Centre, 9 Haig St, MacTier

Where to Stay:

Under the sheets? Port Severn, Honey Harbour. There are many other cottage resorts scattered throughout Muskoka

Under the stars? Georgian Bay Islands National Park and  Six Mile Lake Provincial Park are located along the Big Chute Loop with some additional camping permitted at the lockstations on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Amenities

  • Accommodations, Campground
  • Accommodations, Roofed
  • Beaches
  • Groceries
  • Hospital

    South Muskoka Memorial Hospital is located in Bracebridge.

  • LCBO (Includes Breweries and Wineries)
  • Marinas
  • Museums
  • Outfitters
  • Restaurants
  • Shopping Areas
  • Tourist Information
  • Washrooms
  • WIFI
  • Winter Maintenance

    Not all sections of the route in Muskoka are maintained for cycling in winter.

Transit

Transit

Ontario Northland runs a bus service from Toronto with many stops through the North including a stop in MacTier

The Corridor 11 Bus runs weekdays (excluding holidays) from Huntsville to Barrie and back including stops in the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail communities of Orillia, Washago (near the route), Gravenhurst and Bracebridge.

GO Transit: Travellers can connect to Barrie from the the Greater Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara regions via GO transit.

Porter Airlines offers limited flights between Toronto and Muskoka Airport located between Gravenhurst and Bracebridge.

Orillia serves as a gateway into Severn Township and Georgian Bay Township. Simcoe County LINX operates a transit service from Barrie to Orillia that can assist on a trip to Honey Harbour.

Shuttle
In addition to their touring opportunities, Humdinger Tours offers a customizable shuttle service which can include luggage and gear. Contact them for a quote.

Helpful Links

Tourism (General)
Muskoka Tourism – Places to eat, places to stay, packages events etc for the District of Muskoka and an interactive map.
Explorer’s Edge – Regional tourism for Muskoka, Parry Sound and the surrounding area. Places to visit, activities, packages and events.
Tourism Muskoka’s Cycle-and-Stay recommendations.
CycleSimcoe – A great place for all things cycling in the Simcoe County area including the southern extents of Georgian Bay Township (Big Chute Loop). Local itineraries, maps, packages.

Museums and Heritage Sites
Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site – a 386 historic waterway connecting Lake Huron at Port Severn to Lake Ontario in Trenton. Locks 44 and 45 are located along the Big Chute Loop section of the route in Muskoka. The Big Chute Marine Railway is not to be missed!

Natural Attractions
Six Mile Lake Provincial Park – Canoeing, camping, hikes. Located along the Big Chute Loop section of the Trail.

Ontario By Bike – Great resource with routes, tours and a vast list of bike-friendly businesses.

 

Protecting. Connecting. Celebrating. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

The Waterfront Regeneration Trust is a registered charity. Charitable Registration Number: 86767 9821 RR0001
Ontario Trail of Distinction

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Waterfront Regeneration Trust

4195 Dundas St. West - Suite 327
Toronto, Ontario M8X 1Y4
(416) 943-8080
[email protected]

Partners Resource Centre

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  • State of the Trail
  • 2017 Trail-Wide Partners Meeting
  • 2014 Trail-Wide Partners Meeting
  • Georgian Bay Cycling Route Expansion
  • Pauline Browes Fellowship
  • Partner Update
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