Shoreline Fun

South Georgian Bay’s relationship to the waterways runs as deep as history, dating back to the lives of the First Nation’s people who navigated our waterways. We have it all — including the World’s Longest Freshwater Beach at Wasaga Beach. Visit the Blue Mountains for the best rock ledge beaches around, complete with million year-old fossils. Whether you’re canoeing the tranquil waters of the Beaver River or conquering the mighty waves in Georgian Bay, the region offers something for every level of paddler and swimmer. So grab your life vest and jump into your canoe or kayak and explore. Or just put on your swim suit, jump into the Bay and relax on our incredible beaches!
WASAGA BEACH  It’s the longest freshwater beach in the world, known and loved by thousands, but the beach is just the beginning. It’s easy to see why this wonderful 14 km strip of sandy beach attracts visitors from around the world, drawn by the pristine beach, sparkling waters, dramatic sand dune system and the acres of parklands and trails available for walking and cycling. More Info

BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACHES  The Blue Mountains has a number of beaches including Northwinds and Christie Beach. Additional beaches can be found at Craigleith Provincial Park, Council Beach and Peasmarsh Beach. Discover the Mary Ward shipwreck — a 2 km paddle off Northwinds Beach (Rentals/Guides — with Free Spirit Tours).

FOSSIL TRACING AT CRAIGLEITH Bring some paper and a pencil and trace the lines of fossils from more than 450 million years ago!. The shores of Georgian Bay along Craigleith Provincial Park offer some great specimens for tracing. Remember to leave our beaches and shorelines as you found them and preserve them for future generations.

HARBOURLANDS PARK One of the most beautiful areas in Collingwood. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the rugged beauty of a once active shipping/grain storage area. The backdrop of the Collingwood Terminals with its huge white columns rises up from the once wasteland “spit area,” now a series of beautifully landscaped walkways and gardens with a history of the area on massive granite plinths.

SUNSET CRUISE
Take a sunset cruise with SummerBound Tours. Cruise along the shores of South Georgian Bay and capture the most amazing sunsets.

CANOE THE BEAVER RIVER Canoe or kayak through the trees in spring when the water is high and the bugs aren’t out. A great canoe route begins at Kimberley, from the Beaver River Access Point located off Grey Road 13. You can park and launch there or arrange to have a canoe delivered.

KAYAK TO THE COLLINGWOOD LIGHTHOUSE  A one-hour kayak (one way) ride to the historic lighthouse. The lighthouse, constructied in 1855-59, is one of the most historic structures on the Great Lakes.

THORNBURY FISH LADDER Walk over the bridge spanning the Beaver River, on Highway #26 and have a look at the interesting fish ladder which aids fish to return to their original spawning grounds up-river to start a new cycle of regeneration. Rivers such as the Bighead, Beaver, Pretty and Nottawasaga attract anglers with the kind of river fishing that fishers dream about. Don’t miss an opportunity to get those fish running deep out on Georgian Bay. Meander along the trail to the beautiful Thornbury Harbour and take a moment to enjoy one of the loveliest harbours on the Bay.

KITE BOARDING ON GEORGIAN BAY See these boarders fly across the Bay, the jumps, flips and speed that they get up to is a sight to see. Lessons available through North Coast Kite Boarding in both the winter and summer!

THE NOTTAWASAGA CANOE ROUTE Launch your canoe or kayak at Edenvale (Off #26) and navigate 23.5 km of river through to Wasaga Beach. Visit Nancy Island to view the preserved schooner from the War of 1812. SummerBound Tours and Free Spirit Tours offer guided tours along the Nottawasaga.