Learning adventures
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Join us to explore the park!
The islands of eastern Georgian Bay are part of a northern frontier formed from the bedrock of now half-submerged, but once towering mountains. These ancient shorelines speak to deep connections between people, water and land. Join an experienced and entertaining Parks Canada Interpreter for a guided introduction to the islands. These short adventures and presentation offer opportunities to view wildlife, learn about the island’s rich heritage and culturally significant Indigenous landscape.
Guided adventures are available most days from the May Long Weekend through to Thanksgiving. For further information, visit the Visitor Centre at the Cedar Spring Campground on Beausoleil Island.
Indigenous cultural programs
Park Interpreters and guests offer a variety of specialised programs every afternoon to showcase the deep cultural connections Indigenous people have to this beautiful island.
Program details
Atlatl Demonstration
This is a hands-on opportunity to launch an arrow with an ancient locally used tool.
Details: Easy walk, short distance, sunscreen recommended.
Island Archeology
Experience thousands of years of history with this rare opportunity to handle and
examine replicas of artifacts found on Beausoleil Island National Historic Site.
The Art of Fire
Fire has been one of humanity’s most important tools for many millennia. Try your
hand at lighting a fire using a variety of historical and modern techniques.
Island History Tour
Walk back in time to discover why this island was designated a national historic site.
Details: Bring bug spray & proper footwear. A moderately challenging 2 km walk.
Stories of Georgian Bay
Enjoy traditional storytelling from the shores of this ancient “great” lake.
Details: Bring along a camping chair.
Family-focused programs
Join us for a Waterbug Adventure, Island Xplorer program or Discovery Table where park interpreter provide family-orientated opportunities to enjoy and learn about the park.
Program details
Island Xplorers
Hey Kids! Bring your family on a fun-focused adventure hike and let us help you get
started on your Xplorers activity booklet.
Waterbug Adventures
A wetland wildlife adventure with nets, buckets and a knowledgeable guide.
Reptiles in the Wild
Georgian Bay Islands National Park is home to many reptiles and amphibians, more
than any other park in Canada. Search for rare and precious reptiles!
Discovery Table
Challenging games, opportunities to handle replica artifacts, have a park Interpreter
identify the wildlife in your pictures or ask us any questions you have about the park.
Guided hikes
Our park Interpreters offer engaging guided tours and dynamic hands-on presentations on a wide variety of topics. Join us for a hike around picturesque Fairy Lake, challenge your family with our Reptile ID game, or learn about the 5000 years of human history on Beausoleil Island.
Hiking shoes, water, bug spray and sunscreen are recommended.
Program details
Shoreline Heritage Hike
Follow the Georgian Bay shoreline to the turtle nesting grounds and cemetery.
Details: Easy hike - 1.5 km.
Thumb Point Hike
From Southern to Northern Ontario visiting rich forests and barren rocky shores.
Details: Easy hike - 1.5 km.
Christian Beach Hike
A journey over ancient shorelines to the far side of Beausoleil island.
Details: Moderate hike - 1.5 km one way.
Fairy Lake Guided Hike
Discover how the beauty of Fairy Lake is the result of a series of disastrous events.
Details: Moderate hike - 2.5 km, rugged terrain - starts at Chimney Bay Dock.
Evening programs
From Stargazing to Bat Detection and Traditional Storytelling, our Interpreters host weekly evening programs in Cedar Spring. Join us for an experience that is going to be out of this world!
Program details
Night Sky Guided Tour
Take a laser-guided tour of the universe from the comfort of your camping chair.
Details: Bring along a camping chair and a flashlight.
The Dark Knight: Bats
Meet local bats, try a bat detector and join the crusade to help our nocturnal allies.
Details: A short walk (500 metres) from the Visitor Centre to a nursing colony of bats.
Stories of Georgian Bay
Enjoy traditional storytelling from the shores of this ancient “great” lake.
Details: Bring along a camping chair.
Self guided opportunities
Download the Parks Canada App and experience the cultural landscape of Beausoleil Island National Historic Site through the stories of Anishinaabe First Nation knowledge holders.
Hey Kids: Pick up your free Xplorers or Parka booklet from the Visitor Centre or a Parks Canada Interpreter and start discovering the secrets of Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
Make the most of your learning adventure:
- Have proper footwear, appropriate clothing, a snack and a drink for guided hikes.
- All programs start at the Cedar Spring Visitor Centre except for the Fairy Lake Hike (Chimney Bay Dock)
- All programs are subject to change due to weather or unexpected circumstances.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult for all programs.
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