On the Georgian Bay Circle Tour, find Ontario’s pure nature
Most circle tours around the Great Lakes require you to bring your passport. But did you know there’s one you can complete without ever leaving Ontario? Georgian Bay is not considered one of the Great Lakes on its own: technically, it’s part of Lake Huron. But on its own, Georgian Bay is nearly as large as Lake Ontario! A drive around it on the Georgian Bay Circle Tour makes a great Ontario road trip.
If you live in Ontario or Quebec, this is a fun and approachable road trip. You’ll travel on highways, country roads, and a ferry, exploring cities, towns, and lesser-known spots along the way.
We’ve completed the entire Georgian Bay Circle Tour once and visited points along it many times. Most visits have been on our own, but some have been hosted by local tourism promoters. Have questions about driving the Georgian Bay Circle Tour? Join our Facebook community!
Georgian Bay Circle Tour: What to know before you go
Completing a full loop around the Georgian Bay Circle Tour takes roughly 10 hours. This includes the time you’ll spend on the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry. To fully enjoy the many beautiful stops along the route, we recommend dedicating at least five days to exploring the Georgian Bay Circle Tour.
Regardless of your starting point, you can take the Georgian Bay Circle Tour either clockwise or counterclockwise. If you go clockwise starting from the south, you’ll head toward the Bruce Peninsula, take the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry to Manitoulin Island, then return through Sudbury and southbound toward Toronto. This is the direction we’ve detailed below.
If you decide to travel counter-clockwise from the south, you’ll go through Sudbury first and then head west toward Manitoulin Island before returning to Tobermory on the ferry. In this case, you’ll encounter the destinations from the bottom up as listed below.
The MS Chi-Cheemaun’s season runs from early May to mid-October. For many travellers, the MS Chi-Cheemaun’s sailings and available reservations determine the best approach. We’ve provided some tips on how to plan your trip around this below.
Bruce Peninsula: Gateway to a Georgian Bay Circle Tour
The Bruce Peninsula is a thin strip of land that separates southern Georgian Bay from Lake Huron. It also forms part of the Niagara Escarpment, a unique geological formation and UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It’s famous for waters that are so crystal-clear and blue they could be mistaken for the Caribbean!
To fully appreciate the geological wonders of the Bruce Peninsula, visit its two coasts. On the west side, you’ll find Lake Huron’s signature shallow, sandy beaches. On the east side, the rough and rocky outcroppings along Georgian Bay are what make this beautiful part of Ontario so special.
Here, there are not one but two protected areas overseen by Parks Canada. Bruce Peninsula National Park is a 140-square-kilometre park that’s home to the largest uninterrupted stand of forest remaining in Southwest Ontario. It offers many fantastic hiking opportunities, from beginner-friendly gravel paths to a section of the 900-kilometre Bruce Trail.
Bruce Peninsula National Park is a very popular destination, especially in the summer. Many points within the park require advance reservations during the peak season. It’s important to plan ahead before your visit.
Check out these 9 interesting things to know about Bruce Peninsula National Park >
Fathom Five National Marine Park protects Georgian Bay waters
The second federally protected area of the Bruce Peninsula is Fathom Five National Marine Park. This became the first water-based national park when it was formed in 1987. Today, it protects the waters and islands around the town of Tobermory, including the area’s many shipwrecks. It also protects Flowerpot Island, an island in Georgian Bay with two sea stacks, fascinating rock formations created over centuries through erosion.
The best way to explore this park is by taking a boat tour organized through a local operator. We recommend Bruce Anchor Cruises.
Here are some tips for how to get to Flowerpot Island >
Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park are jointly administered from the Parks Canada visitor centre in Tobermory. While you’re there, take a short walk to the observation tower to take in the spectacular views. Many visitors also love strolling through downtown Tobermory to explore the wonderful shops and restaurants.
Check out our ultimate guide to things to do in Tobermory >
MS Chi-Cheemaun, key to the Georgian Bay Circle Tour
The MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry connects passengers between Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula and the community of South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. To complete a true Georgian Bay Circle Tour, a voyage on the MS Chi-Cheemaun is essential.
The MS Chi-Cheemaun’s sailing season runs annually between early May and mid-October. All crossings require a reservation, which must be made at least four hours before the scheduled departure. At busy times such as summer weekends, you’ll likely need to secure your place much further in advance. It’s mandatory to check in at the dock at least one hour before your scheduled departure.
It takes the MS Chi-Cheemaun 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the crossing between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island. While you’re on board, you’ll find a cafeteria, washrooms, indoor and outdoor decks with seating, and a gift shop. Ferries connect communities all across Canada. This journey is a quintessential Canadian travel experience!
Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance to ensure space is available for your desired travel dates and times. If you can’t find any spots, try mapping your route in the opposite direction and checking for tickets on the new crossing date. If you find availability, you can make your booking and plan your Georgian Bay Circle Tour in the opposite direction.
Rarely, the MS Chi-Cheemaun’s crossings may be cancelled due to inclement weather or mechanical issues. It’s a good idea to have a back-up plan in case this occurs during your trip.
Enjoy the serenity of Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island is a natural wonder. It’s the largest island in a lake you’ll find anywhere in the world. In fact, it’s so large that the island itself contains 100 lakes!
If you’re a fan of geological oddities, you can find several of them here. Lake Manitou is the world’s largest lake in an island in a lake. This is easy to see from the several resorts and small villages that dot its shores.
You can also see the world’s largest island in a lake in an island in a lake. This one is a little trickier to spot. Head to Highway 551 a little west of Lake Manitou, on the shores of Lake Mindemoya. If you catch a glimpse of an island between the trees, you’re looking at Treasure Island, which means you’ve found it!
The beautiful Bridal Veil Falls near Kagawong is one of the island’s most popular spots. Follow a short trail to see the falls up close. Afterward, head into Kagawong to visit Manitoulin Chocolate Works. As you explore the island, keep an eye out for local products made with hawberry, a Manitoulin delicacy.
The Cup and Saucer Trail is set on dramatic 70-metre cliffs along the Manitoulin Island portion of the Niagara Escarpment. It’s one of the most popular trails in Ontario for the spectacular views it offers.
The eastern portion of Manitoulin Island is Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, an Anishinaabe First Nation. Its citizens invite visitors to experience their lands by staying at the Indigenous-owned Bayside Resort or joining a fishing tour with Wasse-Giizhik Tours.
Continue on the Georgian Bay Circle Tour to Sudbury
You’ll depart Manitoulin Island to the north on Highway 6 through the village of Little Current. Once you’re back on the mainland, continue to the town of Espanola. There, you’ll reach the Trans-Canada Highway, where you can turn toward the east. Within an hour, you’ll reach the city of Sudbury.
Sudbury is the unofficial capital of Northern Ontario. It’s best known as a hub for the mining industry. If it’s been some time since you last visited Sudbury, you might not recognize it. Decades ago, it was scarred by mining pollution: the rocks were blackened, and there were few trees.
Since Sudbury’s regreening project began in 1978, more than 10 million trees have been planted. Today, the landscape is rejuvenated, lush, and green, and there are plenty of parks and outdoor spaces. With more lakes than any other municipality in Canada, Sudbury is a great destination for active travellers. It’s also home to Science North and Dynamic Earth, two great educational attractions for all ages.
Check out the top things to do in Sudbury >
A scenic drive along Georgian Bay’s eastern shore
The eastern shore of Georgian Bay is a haven of parks. As you follow the Trans-Canada Highway south of the city along Highway 69, you’ll pass seven operating Ontario Parks. Most of these are very close to the highway, including Grundy Lake Provincial Park, Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park, Killbear Provincial Park, Oastler Lake Provincial Park, and Six Mile Lake Provincial Park. Killarney Provincial Park is a little more of a detour, but its legendary landscapes and The Crack hiking trail make it very popular.
French River Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s premier paddling destinations. The visitor centre is just off the highway roughly an hour south of Sudbury. It serves as an access point for the French River Gorge and an extensive network of protected islands and waterways. The award-winning visitor centre explains the area’s history and geographic importance. A snowmobile bridge a short walk from the visitor centre lets you take in views of the gorge from above.
Just outside the park, the French River Trading Post is an iconic stopover. It’s best known for its house-made fudge, and it also has a restaurant and an extensive gift shop.
From here, the Georgian Bay Circle Tour connects with the Lake Nipissing Circle Tour. You can join that road trip by following Highway 64 from just north of the French River eastbound toward Sturgeon Falls and North Bay.
Take a closer look at the Lake Nipissing Circle Tour >
Explore fascinating Parks Canada places along Georgian Bay
As you loop around toward the south end of Georgian Bay, there are two more Parks Canada places worth visiting. Both are an easy drive from Highway 400.
To the east, you’ll find the Big Chute Marine Railway, lock 44 on the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site. This 386-kilometre waterway network connects Georgian Bay to Lake Ontario. Big Chute Marine Railway is the only marine railway of its kind in North America. Enormous cradles lift boats out of the water and transfer them on a railway. It’s a fascinating mechanical portage that’s a wonderful place to check out while stopping for a picnic.
You don’t need a boat to explore this fascinating Trent-Severn Waterway road trip >
Georgian Bay Islands National Park is an off-the-radar gem
At just 13.5 square kilometres, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is the smallest in the Parks Canada system. It protects 63 islands in Georgian Bay, including the entire 8-kilometre-long Beausoleil Island, where most visitor amenities are located.
Georgian Bay Islands National Park is accessible only by boat. Day-use visitors and those staying overnight in Parks Canada cabins or oTENTiks can access Beausoleil Island via the DayTripper shuttle boat. The DayTripper is operated by Parks Canada and is available by reservation. Same-day service is not available, so be sure to book this in advance.
Overnight tent campers need to arrange their own transportation to Beausoleil Island. Private operators provide this service out of Honey Harbour.
Georgian Bay Islands National Park is a beautiful and underappreciated park. It makes a great stop along the Georgian Bay Circle Tour.
Explore more Ontario road trips >
