THE ISLANDS
...that can be yours alone
Lake Huron, shared by Canada and the US, is home to Manitoulin Island,
the world’s largest island within a lake. Yet the goal for many getaways here is rather
smaller. Lying entirely in the Canadian province of Ontario, Georgian Bay is a stretch
of Lake Huron that is mighty in itself, and whose east shore in particular is peppered
with smooth granite that blushes almost pink. Pine groves and cabins complete
the peaceful scene in the Thirty Thousand Islands. Cruises run through the region
(www.islandqueencruise.com/georgian-bay), but those who don’t mind living off-grid
can find several solitary cabins on rocky isles. With a private jetty to boat over
to,anda stoveforeveningwarmth,fora fewdaysyou’llhavea miniaturekingdom
of yourown.
Search for ‘Georgian Bay’ in listings sites such as http://www.homeaway.com and use the map
to scan for island-based properties. Be sure to check what kind of boat access is offered or
suggested for any listing.PHOTOGRAPHS: DAVID KIRKLAND/AXIOM PHOTOGRAPHIC/AGE FOTOSTOCK, ALL CANADA PHOTOS/ALAMY
THE ISLANDS
...where
gigantic sea
turtles nest
Closer home and yet far flung,
the Andamans are a cluster
of islands that are home to
indigenous jungles, fascinating
dive spots, and sugar-white,
sun-toasted beaches that offer
the perfect sunsets. And then there
are the turtles. The world’s largest
sea turtles, the leatherbacks are
known to nest on Little Andaman.
With 302 identified nests, this
is the highest number recorded
(in 2019) since turtle egg-
monitoring began in the islands
in 2010. Relatives of modern
leatherback turtles have existed
since the first true sea turtles
evolved over 110 million years
ago during the Cretaceous
period. They mate at sea, and the
males never leave the water once
they enter it as hatchlings, unlike
the females that come back to nest
on land. Leatherback turtles are
among the deepest-diving marine
animals and have been recorded
diving to depths of over 1,000
metres. If you’re visiting December
to March, head over to Little
Andaman to spot them hatching...
Government ferries connect Phoenix
Bay jetty (aka Haddo Wharf) in Port
Blair to Hut Bay, Little Andaman,
every day (www.and.nic.in; seven
to nine hours). Or take the helicopter
service from Port Blair airport to
Little Andaman (www.and.nic.in;
35 minutes).8
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