Georgian Bay Islands National Park, by Bike
Our first trip to Beausoleil Island sold out, so we added a second one with bikes on it.
A coach north, a boat out to the island, and a guide who rides the flat forest trails with you. Bike, boat and bus, all in one day.
So, here's the thing about Georgian Bay Islands National Park. You can only reach it by boat.
That one fact is why it stays quiet, and it is why the walking trip we run out there filled up. Beausoleil Island sits in the world's largest freshwater archipelago, the famous 30,000 Islands. Getting to it on your own means a car, a drive up Highway 400, somewhere to park, and a boat timetable that has to line up with all of it.
This trip lands you at Cedar Spring, at the south end of the island, about fifteen minutes out of Honey Harbour. Cedar Spring is where the park's visitor centre and docks are, and it is where the bikes live. You get one, you get a helmet, and you get a guide who knows which way to point them.
Parks Canada allows bikes on three of the island's trails. Your guide takes the two easy ones. The Christian trail is 1.5 kilometres and the Huron trail is 6.9, both of them through mature forest on the flatter southern half of the island. The third one, the Georgian trail, is marked for advanced cyclists only because of its technical, rocky sections, and we leave it alone.
We handle the logistics. You handle the adventure.
Ticket Price
The trip is $300 plus tax. There is only one ticket price for this trip because it include bike, bus, ferry and admissions.
Pickup Locations
1
GBI Ferry Pick Up - Delawana Resort
To get over to Georgian Bay Island National Park we drop you off at Delawana Resort where Landmark Cruises Day Shuttle picks you up and takes you over to Chimney Bay. Its a 40-45min boat ride.
Estimated arrival
11:30 AM
Departure
10:45 AM
2
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Your ferry drops you off at Chimney Bay, and picks you up promptly at 5pm
Estimated arrival
11:30 AM
Departure
5:00 PM
How do I get to the island? Do I need to arrange my own boat?
Nope, that's the beauty of Parkbus. We handle your transportation from Toronto all the way to Beausoleil Island, including the boat transfer from Delawana Resort. No car needed and no water taxi to coordinate. Just book your Parkbus ticket and you're sorted.
How far is it from Toronto?
Delawana is about 2 hours north of Toronto. From there, it's a 40 minute, scenic boat ride to Georgian Bay Islands National Park - Chimney Bay drop off point. You'll be on the island before you know it.
What about food and water?
You need to bring all your own food and drinking water for your day trip. If you arrive in the morning unprepared you will not be permitted on the bus. There are no stores or restaurants on the island, so plan your meals in advance. We only make a brief stop on the way home for a bathroom break.
Wait, bears?
There are bears on the island, its a good idea to bring bear spray with you if you have it.
What about the rattlesnakes I've heard about?
The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake is a shy, non-aggressive species found primarily in the northern part of the island. They're a threatened species and an important part of the park's ecosystem. Stick to marked trails, watch where you step (especially on warm rocks), and give any snake you encounter plenty of space. Encounters are uncommon and bites are extremely rare.
Is this trip good for beginners?
Absolutely. The trails on Beausoleil Island range from flat, easy loops, so there's something for every fitness level.
Is there cell service on the island?
Cell service is limited and unreliable on Beausoleil Island. Consider this a feature, not a bug. Download the Parks Canada app before you leave Toronto for offline trail maps and self-guided tour content.
What if it rains?
Our trips run rain or shine.
How many people will be on this trip?
A limited 24 spots for this pilot run!
