Lakeland Boating — July 2017

Georgian Bay, Ontario: PT. 2

Cruising from Penetanguishene to Parry Sound.

In part two of a three-part series, Marty Richardson continues her guided tour around Georgian Bay.

S

cattered at the southeastern corner of the Georgian Bay are the 30,000 Islands, a natural playground

dotted with lighthouses, rocky shores and stunning landscapes, popular with boaters and cottagers

alike. Continuing our journey around Georgian Bay’s perimeter, we’ll visit several ports along this shore,

extending from Penetanguishene to Parry Sound. The area includes Georgian Bay Islands National Park

(see sidebar on p. 26), eight provincial parks and countless private islands, many dotted with cottages both

tiny and grand. There are so many island cottages that an entire industry has developed to supply them, with

everything from propane and groceries to furniture, all transported by small boats. Anchorages abound; just

make sure you have adequate ground tackle and a good set, as the bottom is solid rock and quite smooth

in most locations. Or, hop on a tour boat from a shoreside port for a day trip among the 30,000 Islands.

Penetanguishene

The first four of our featured ports are spaced about 10 miles apart. Up first is Penetanguishene, which locals have

affectionately dubbed Penetang. As one of Ontario’s oldest communities, Penetanguishene’s original settlement

supported a naval base that protected Great Lakes trade routes. Preserved today as Discovery Harbour, this British

Naval and Military outpost’s role in the War of 1812 can be examined in person. Explore above and below deck

on two replica tall ships, and join daily tours guided by costumed docents to reconstructed buildings and the

original Officer’s Quarters. Open late May through August, Discovery Harbour also hosts the King’s Wharf

Theatre, which presents live performances in season. For more history, visit the Penetanguishene Centennial

Museum, housed in a 135-year-old lumber office and general store located on the shores of Penetanguishene Bay.

Today, Penetang’s draw is tourism, and mariners will find full services and more than 1,000 slips in the inner

harbor. Most suitable for transients are: Harbour West, with 20 transient slips up to 42 feet; Bay Moorings,

with 10 transient slips up to 56 feet; and Dutchman’s Cove, accommodating boats up to 45 feet. The Port

of Penetanguishene (aka Town Dock) has 12 transient docks for boats up to 45 feet. The town has enough

maritime chops that it has drawn the American Great Loop Cruising Association for several annual rendezvous.

There’s a lot to do in Penetang. From early June to late August, Parc Rotary Camplain Wendat

Park hosts the Friday Bayside Market, featuring live music at the amphitheater. The park also hosts

the annual All Things Canadian festival July 28 to 29. This event celebrates Canadian heritage and the

local synthesis of French, English, First Nations and Metis cultures with live music, games, food and

by Marty Richardson

WAYPOINT

Georgian Bay

Parry Sound

Penetanguishene

Midland

Port

Severn

Honey

Harbour

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF PENETANGUISHENE

COASTLINE PHOTO COURTESY OF ONTARIO TOURISM; MARINA PHOTO COURTESY OF HARBOUR WEST FACEBOOK; SLIDE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF PENETANGUISHENE

24 JULY 2017 | LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Georgian Bay

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