Georgian Bay   

Perhaps Muskoka's most rugged and wildly beautiful area, Georgian Bay Township is a striking wilderness environment rich in human history. The famous Group of Seven artists often took their inspiration from Georgian Bay's harsh, bare shoreline and windswept islands. Now you too can be influenced by this township's dramatic scenery.

The #69 highway - a section of the Trans-Canada route currently being upgraded - cuts its way through the granite heart of the region, touching three distinct and hospitable communities.

Port Severn at the southern end marks the point where the Trent -Severn waterway and Gloucester Pool flow into Georgian Bay. Here you can view the Port Severn Locks, several dams, waterfalls and the historic Victorian Gothic Bressette House (circa 1888) restored to serve as a visitors centre, located off Hwy #69 in Port Severn.

A little further north is the extraordinary Big Chute Marine Railway. This engineering marvel literally transports boats in a giant carriage up and over a 19 metre height of land between the Gloucester Pool and the Upper Severn Rive r. In operation since 1917, Big Chute was renovated in 1978 to allow the movement of vessels up to 30 metres long. There are new interpretive exhibits and displays of historic equipment.

MacTIER is up near the northern edge of the township. Originally called Muskoka Station when the CP Railway pushed through western Muskoka in 1906, it was a major maintenance terminal. Complete with a roundhouse and turntable there we re extensive shops for the repair of steam engines into the '50's. This exciting era and its memorabilia is on display in MacTIER's newest acquisition the "Yellow Caboose".

Long known as a cottage and resort town, Honey Harbour lies somewhat in the middle of the township, and right on Georgian Bay. From here cottagers launch off to their summer homes in the famous 30,000 islands, and tourists embark for a cruise through this fascinating archipelago.

At the southern end of these islands is Georgian Bay Island National Park. A small cluster of 59 islands it is Canada's only island park. Beausoleil Island, just off the coast from Honey Harbour, is the largest of these and includes an interpretive program on the history of this stunning region.

Discover for yourself the incredible beauty that is Georgian Bay.

POINTS OF INTEREST

GEORGIAN BAY ISLAND NATIONAL PARK: Canada's only Island Park is nestled near the southern shores of the world famous 30,000 Islands of Georgian Bay. It consists of 12 square km & 59 islands.

BIG CHUTE MARINE RAILWAY AND POWER GENERATING STATION: Lock 44 on the Trent Severn Waterway has been in operation since 1917. Transporting crafts up to 100 ft in length over a 58 ft height of land between Gloucester Pool & the Upper Sever n River. The Generating station offers interpretive exhibits showing the history of the facility and of hydro electric power generation. Originally constructed in the early 1900's.

PORT SEVERN LOCKS: Lock 45 on the Trent Severn Waterway in Port Severn is a delta of the Severn River as Gloucester Pool flows into Georgian Bay. This lock is manually operated.

WHITE'S FALLS: An incredible area for picnics or photography. Named after one of the early settlers to the area. Hwy #69 at White's Falls Rd.

SAINTE MARIE AMONG THE HURONS: 17th centery Native & European cultures mingled as evangelising Jesuits brought Christianity to the new world. Animated by costumed interpreters & craftsman with 22 historic structures, ring the chapel bell, listen to the lore of the Huron longhouse, enjoy the farm animals or grind corn the Huron Indian way. Hwy 12W to Midland.

HISTORIC NAVAL & MILITARY ESTABLISHMENTS: Built by the British after the War of 1812. Visit the British naval dockyard & military garrison. Explore furnished workshops & residences. Discover muster lists, quill pens, sailor's knots & musk et drills. Climb aboard the replica of HMS BEE moored at the King's Warf on Georgian Bay.

MARTYR'S SHRINE: One of 4 national shrines in Canada. Lookout provides a breathtaking view of Georgian Bay. Visited by Pope John Paul in 1984. Hwy #12 West to Midland.

WYE MARSH: Wander the boardwalks & trails or by boarding giant freighter canoes for a guided interpretive experience. The wetland is home to over 200 species of birds native to our area & home for the re-introduction program of the Trumpeter Swan.

For more information contact The Township of Georgian Bay.

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