MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2018

SUMMER 2018 ML BLUE 63 32 FULL DAY TRIPS 30,000 Island Hoppers: Georgian Bay Airways As we pick up speed and bump and bash noisily over the wake from a local pleasure craft, I start to wonder if this thing will ever take off. And then it does. With the engine whirring loudly, the bumpy ride is instantly silky smooth as the floats lift off the water and into the air. I stare down in amazement while a boat passes beneath us and the horizon opens up to the oceanic Georgian Bay. Below us, the 30,000 Islands are splattered across the water. Green forest and grey rock break up the freshwater blue. Without a doubt, the 30,000 Islands archipelago offers some of the best sightseeing flights around. And it’s a big reason our pilot, one of four at Georgian Bay Airways obviously loves his job. Sam Dano lives in Flesherton during the winter but spends all summer up in Parry Sound flying for Georgian Bay Airways. And who wouldn’t love a job like that? We stare out the window at the cottages and fishing boats below while we continue our flight around Parry Island. Recently taken over by a new owner, Georgian Bay Airways has built their reputation on great service and creative offerings. With trips including Fly and Dine packages, Fall Colours Tour, Fly-In Fishing Tour and their Fly & Golf package, there’s something for everyone. And if you need to get to or from Toronto in a hurry, their shuttle service goes from Parry Sound to Toronto Island and back for $1100 each way (up to three passengers). Heck, if you have a cottage on one of the islands and need a pizza delivered, they’ll do that too ($500). As we begin our return to Parry Sound, back to the new building that Georgian Bay Airways has built, my son pipes up over the headset: “this is awesome!” And he’s completely right. Float planes are awesome. And flying in one around Parry Sound is an experience he, and I, will never forget. —Colin Field DIY: parrysoundtourism.com and georgianbayairways.com I stare down in amazement while a boat passes beneath us and the horizon opens up to the oceanic Georgian Bay. Below us, the 30,000 Islands are splattered across the water. COLIN FIELD