MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2018

82 ML BLUE SUMMER 2018 45 WEEKEND TRIPS Probably one of the lesser-known national parks in our region, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is—as you might guess—only accessible by boat. After hearing about the park’s biggest island, Beausoleil—in the middle of the 30,000 Islands, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago—from friends, we booked a ‘primitive’ campsite, loaded up our truck with a paddleboard, three bicycles and all our camping gear, and rang up a water taxi company. The nice thing about taking a water taxi is that you can lug a lot of gear along. (The Parks Canada boat doesn’t allow bicycles on board.) We set up at the Tonch North campground and used our bicycles to explore. A network of bicycle/hiking trails circles the island—ranging from easy rides for my then eight-year-old, to tougher rocky rides for advanced cyclists (my husband in this case). This is a popular spot on weekends, with boaters able to book dock space, and many more boaters anchoring just off shore. We chose a fall visit, which meant less boat traffic, but I think even a midweek visit would be ideal. For those who want to take the Parks Canada boat—the Daytripper —visit the Parks Canada website to book your trip and accommodations/campsites in advance. You’ll also A network of bicycle/hiking trails circles the island— ranging from easy rides for my then eight-year-old, to tougher rocky rides for advanced cyclists. Camp and Bike Beausoleil Island find roofed accommodation options on shore including waterfront cabins. Bicycle rentals are available at the park store. —Allison Kennedy Davies DIY: Find out more by hitting “Georgian Bay Islands” on the Parks Canada website: pc.gc.ca. Water taxis available from the Honey Harbour Marina: hhbc.ca TOP AND BOTTOM ALLISON KENNEDY DAVIES