26 May 2013

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Experience Nature on Georgian Bay

Experience Nature :: Itineraries :: Southern Georgian Bay Nature Tour

Southern Georgian Bay Nature Tour (2 - 3 Days)

Follow the Georgian Bay Coastal Route through southern Georgian Bay stopping at the best nature areas along the way.  This 3 day itinerary features suggestions for places to stay and eat along the way.


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Day 1

Arrive in Collingwood today and make your way to Blue Mountain.  Take the gondola ride to the top of the Niagara Escarpment, and then make your way to Scenic Caves Nature Adventures following the trails at the top.  While at Scenic Caves, explore the labyrinth of caves and then spend some time suspended above the world, as you cross Ontario’s longest suspension footbridge suspended 25 metres above the treetops!  Be sure to stop and savor the view of Georgian Bay more than 300 metres in elevation below!  When you’re finished, travel on to Wasaga Beach, (Hwy 26 east to Mosley Street) the World’s Longest Freshwater Beach.  When you’re finished dipping your toes in the Bay, check out the Blueberry Trails at the Wasaga Nordic Centre.  Complete with 30 km of trails, this naturalist paradise is home to the largest parabolic sand dunes in Ontario.

Distance:
Collingwood to Wasaga Beach (20 km (13 m), 30 min)

Accommodation Options:

Lunch Options:

Dinner Options:

  • Mr. Sizzles
    627 River Rd West,, Wasaga Beach
    P. 705-429-8193
  • Goodies
    1470 Mosley Street,, Wasaga Beach
    Directions: Mosley at 34th.
    P. 705-429-0200
    http://www.goodiescafe.ca/
  • Beech's at the Bay
    140 Main Street,, Wasaga Beach
    P. 705-429-0179

Things to Do:

  • Ride the Gondola to the Top of Blue Mountain
    Town of The Blue Mountains
    Location: Blue Mountain Village - 220 Mountain Drive
    P. 705-445-0231 / P. 877-445-0231
    http://www.bluemountain.ca
  • Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
    260 Scenic Caves Road, Town of The Blue Mountains
    Location: From Collingwood, drive west on First St. to the First St. extension. Continue west on Mountain Rd which becomes Grey Rd 19. Follow the traffic circle onto Scenic Caves Rd. Follow this road to the top of the hill.
    P. 705-446-0256
    http://www.sceniccaves.com
  • Blueberry Trails at the Wasaga Nordic Centre
    Wasaga Beach
    Location: Follow River Rd W to Blueberry Trail South, then follow the signs to the parking lot.
    P. 705-429-0943
  • Wasaga Beach
    Town of Wasaga Beach
    P. 705-429-2247 / P. 1-800-292-7242
    http://www.wasagabeach.com

Day 2

Travel to Midland (Cty Rd 92 East to Elmvale, Left on Cty Rd 27, then Left on Cty Rd 93) today and explore the outdoors at the Wye Marsh.  Designated an “Important Bird Area”, the marsh is a great place for a hike or canoe ride (self guided or with an experienced Outdoor Educator).  If you’re traveling with your bike, then check out the Tay Shore Trail (paved flat surface trail) or the Tiny Trails (rail trail) for a nice ride.  If biking is not your passion, head to Awenda Provincial Park to hike the trails.  Here you’ll find the Nipissing Bluff dropping 60 meters into Georgian Bay.

Distance:
Wasaga Beach to Midland (37 km (24 m), 40 min)

Accommodation Options:

Dining Options:

Things to Do:

  • Awenda Provincial Park
    PO Box 5004, Penetanguishene
    Location: From Penetanguishene follow signs to the park
    P. 705-549-2231 / P. 1-888-668-7275
    http://www.ontarioparks.com/ENGLISH/awen.html
  • Tay Shore Trail
    Midland to Waubaushene
    Location: Waubaushene to Midland (Sainte-Marie among the Hurons)
    P. 705-534-7248
  • Tiny Trails
    Penetanguishene to Elmvale
    Location: Parking is available in Wyevale, Perkinsfield (Bernie LeClair Park), Penetang Park, Concession 4 & Cty Rd 6 and Phelpston
    P. 705-526-4204
    http://www.trailsofgeorgianbay.com/tiny-trail.html
  • Wye Marsh
    16160 Hwy 12 East, Midland
    Location: 16160 Hwy 12
    P. 705-526-7809
    http://www.wyemarsh.com

Day 3

If you have the day to spend today, pack a picnic lunch and take the time to visit Beausoleil Island in Georgian Bay Island National Park.  This park is a water based park, so leave you car, pack a picnic lunch, and take the Daytripper water taxi from the marina in Honey Harbour (Hwy 12 east of Midland, to Hwy 400 North, to exit 156 and Cty Road 5 to Honey Harbour).  Once there, walk the Huron Trail south, before catching the Georgian Trail north to Christian Beach, an excellent spot to enjoy your lunch.  Head back along the Christian Trail to Cedar Point, where you will catch the boat back to the mainland.

Things to Do:


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