Parks Canada is committed to providing visitors with high quality and meaningful visitor experiences and supporting tourism in communities across the country, all while organizing national park operations for highest efficiency and responding to visitor demand. Parks Canada will enter into a Licence of Occupation with Landmark Cruises for the operation of a boat shuttle service for five (5) operating seasons starting May 2026.

For many visitors, Georgian Bay Islands National Park represents their first experience in a national park and in a relatively wild, natural environment. As the park is accessible only by water, the journey by boat to Beausoleil Island (Bimadinaagogi) is not only essential, but a part of the quintessential Georgian Bay experience. A reliable and efficient boat shuttle service is therefore vital to ensuring visitors can access and enjoy the island on a day trip.

With extensive experience providing boating services on Georgian Bay, Landmark Cruises Inc. brings local expertise and a strong track record of certified and dependable operations. This partnership will enhance transportation services for day visitors while maintaining high‑quality access to Beausoleil Island (Bimadinaagogi) and will support Parks Canada’s commitment to safe, sustainable, and memorable visitor experiences.

Parks Canada is working closely with Landmark Cruises to ensure a smooth transition. The service provided by Landmark will include an increase in both the number of roundtrips to the island and the capacity on the shuttle boats. The proposed schedule for the day visitor boat shuttle will be weekends (Friday to Sunday and Holiday Mondays) in the fall and spring seasons and Friday to Tuesday in the peak summer season. The schedule may be adapted throughout the season based on operational needs and visitor demand.

For more information to plan your visit, including a full schedule, reservations, and fees, please visit the Landmark Cruises website.

We would love to share this news with your audience. Should you wish to arrange an interview with a representative from Parks Canada, please contact Kelsey Bowles at ec-ont.communications@pc.gc.ca. To speak with a representative from Landmark Cruises Inc. please contact Brenna Urbanek at brenna@landmarkcruises.com.

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The daily admission fee will be due upon arrival. For day visitors, campers, and those staying in roofed accommodations in the Cedar Spring Campground, daily admission fees can be paid at the Parks Canada kiosk at Honey Harbor or at the Visitor Centre on Beausoleil Island. Please note that the daily admission fee will not be collected online when reserving the DayTripper, campsites, or roofed accommodations.

Boaters mooring at Tobey Dock, by the Cedar Spring Campground, can pay their mooring and daily admission fees at the Visitor Centre on Beausoleil Island. For boaters docking at outlying sites and backcountry campers, self-registration and payment forms will include daily admission fee options. These forms are available at the self-registration deposit boxes at each location.

The daily admission fee for Georgian Bay Islands National Park is $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, or $13.50 for groups/families. Admission to all Parks Canada administered places remains free for youth 17 and under. Repeat visitors or visitors who are staying for longer periods of time, may find it more economical to purchase an annual admission pass for Georgian Bay Islands National Park, or the Parks Canada Discovery Pass. For a full list of pricing visit parks.canada.ca/gbi.

Parks Canada is funded through a combination of annual budget appropriations and service fees. Visitor fees do not exceed the costs of delivering the service to visitors; they only recover a portion of the costs. Fees are re-invested in the same places where they are collected to support operations. Specifically, the revenue is reinvested in operations and programs such as:

• Visitor safety
• Maintenance of visitor facilities and infrastructure like trails, parking lots, visitor centres, washrooms, and waste collection
• On-site signage, maps, interpretive panels and exhibits
• Salary expenses for providing orientation, guided tours and heritage presentation programs

The collection of an admission fee at Georgian Bay Islands National Park is consistent with the approved admission fee structure for Parks Canada. The decision to apply an admission fee to all visitors will increase the sustainability of the visitor experience offer at Georgian Bay Islands National Park and better position Parks Canada to continue to maintain this level of service.

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Parks Canada released the 2.5-kilometre route for Fairy Trail on northern Beausoleil Island in mid-July. The speakers are knowledge-holders from Anishinaabe First Nations, including Trish Monague, a cultural teacher and member of Beausoleil First Nation, and Erika Wabigwan, a member of the Georgian Bay Islands Cultural Advisory Circle and a former Parks Canada employee. The third speaker, Shawn Corbiere, works as an Indigenous liaison and naturalist in the park. Corbiere said many visitors have an interest in history and culture, so the app allows them to experience the park in a deeper, more personal way. 

“You’re going to learn a little bit about the Canadian Shield because, here in the park, we straddle two ecozones where the St. Lawrence lowland region meets the Canadian Shield,” Corbiere said. “We also have a little lake up in the Canadian Shield as well on the north end of the park. It’s steeped in legends, so we share that legend on that app as well.”

Along with the legends of Fairy Lake, Corbiere and the other speakers talk about the animals, plants and history on the island. Monague starts the tour by asking participants to walk with reverence as they hike through the park. 

One of the creatures visitors may encounter is the Massasauga Rattlesnake. Though it’s the only venomous snake in Ontario, it’s not much cause for concern given its shy demeanor and threatened status. On the tour, Corbiere talks about the rattlesnakes’ history of helping promote balance, rattling their tails to tell gatherers when to move on from a patch of berries. 

They also touch on the plants and sacred medicines used on the island, including tobacco or Semaa, as it’s known in the Anishinaabe language. They talk about the role of juniper in creating harmony with other plants and how First Nations mothers used sphagnum moss to create absorbent diapers. Monague also talks about the role of women as waterkeepers.

The tour can be done in the park, where prompts will pop up as participants walk the trail. Visitors can also use the tour while they boat, bike or otherwise enjoy the park, but for people who can’t make it there in person, the tour can be done virtually from anywhere in the world. It doesn’t fully serve it justice, Corbiere said, but it paints a picture of the park and its storied past.

“When I heard it, I wasn’t in the park, but it still brought me there, which is really neat,” he said. “It’s hard to do. But everybody has a cell phone nowadays, and it’s really, really accessible.”

Corbiere said sharing the culture and the landscape is what it’s all about for him. The first tour is just the tip of the iceberg for the stories on the island, so he looks forward to putting together more guided tours in the future, especially after getting good feedback on the first one.

As a traditional flint knapper, he hopes to showcase the sounds and stories behind the creation of stone tools. Flint knapping is the art of shaping rocks into tools by chipping away at the excess material, and it has a history on the island that goes back over 5,000 years.

He also oversees several cultural programs as the park’s Indigenous liaison and naturalist. The park team offers a waterbug adventure for children and families, a natural cultural history hike, and an art of fire program that shows three methods of building a fire. Corbiere also does flint knapping demonstrations and talks on bear safety.

The park often gets visits from organizations like the Ontario Native Women’s Association, and another way their team connects with the community is through archeological digs. It’s essential to get youth and elders alike out to these digs, Corbiere said, because it goes back to the ancestors who lived on the island thousands of years before.

“The archeologists are there to mitigate the cultural resource management,” he said. “We have a trail that’s been heavily used and these artifacts are coming right to the surface, so they come in there and they extract it and then we protect it.”

More than anything, Corbiere wants to urge Canadians to visit their national parks. He said too many people forget that these spaces are there for them, so he hopes people enjoy the parks and help protect biodiversity along the way.

Whether it’s camping, hiking or taking the DayTripper for a ride with park staff, there are dozens of ways to explore Georgian Bay Islands National Park, and now the tour is one of them.

“We’re also the smallest national park in Canada, and we’re the only island park in Canada that has all its amenities in the park,” Corbiere said. “You can glamp, you can bike, you can hike, you can primitive camp. All those beautiful things.”

Download the Parks Canada app to take the tour, and visit the Parks Canada website for more information on Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

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Visitor Centre Hours on Beausoleil Island:

1. May to June 13, and September 3 to October 14, from Friday to Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
2. June 14 to September 2, from Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
3. Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

If you’re still looking to make plans this summer, consider spending a night to rest and recharge at Georgian Bay Islands National Park! The Parks Canada’s Reservation Service allows visitors to plan your trip with confidence, ease, and knowledge that you’ll have a guaranteed spot waiting for you. If your favourite campsite is booked on your preferred days, check back regularly for cancellations, or plan your visit for less busy periods like during the week or the shoulder seasons. To book a stay, please visit the Parks Canada reservations website at reservation.pc.gc.ca or call 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783).

Please remember that firewood should be purchased locally or at the park to prevent the spread of invasive species into the area. The Parks Canada team at Georgian Bay Islands National Park is excited to welcome new and returning guests back to experience everything the park has to offer.

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Join the Parks Canada team: Embark on a rewarding journey surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Georgian Bay! Parks Canada is seeking passionate individuals to join the Georgian Bay Islands National Park team as Vessel Operators, Visitor Service Attendants, among other positions. Seasonal team members play a crucial role in creating unforgettable experiences for park visitors.

If you possess fluency in French and/or have knowledge and experience in boating on Georgian Bay, we strongly encourage you to apply online, through Vidcruiter at http://tinyurl.com/3unn3ke3.

Volunteer: Make a meaningful impact and become a vital part of conservation efforts at Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Parks Canada is calling for dedicated volunteers who are passionate about environmental stewardship, engaging with visitors, while spending time in picturesque scenery.

Plan your visit:

Secure your spot early to embark on an unforgettable adventure amid the pristine landscapes of Georgian Bay. To plan a trip, we encourage visitors to visit the Georgian Bay Islands National Park website at www.parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/georg, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GBINP. It is updated regularly and contains all the information needed to plan a visit. Reservations for this coming season can be made, beginning on February 5, at: www.reservation.pc.gc.ca.

Parks Canada is committed to employment equity and to providing an inclusive and barrier-free environment. For assistance with a reservation, a job application, or to inquire about volunteer positions, please reach out to info.gbi-ibg@pc.gc.ca.

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Starting on May 19, Georgian Bay Islands National Park officially opens for the 2023 summer visitor season. This year, Georgian Bay Islands National Park continues to offer the opportunity to stay overnight in an oTENTik or waterfront cabin or campsite, to hike beautiful trails and join an enhanced guided tour of the park.

National parks and national marine conservation areas are gateways to discovering, learning about, and connecting with nature. There are countless opportunities to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being outdoors at these treasured places. This season at Georgian Bay Islands National Park, visitors are invited reserve a seat on the park’s Daytripper boat service to explore the park. Parks Canada’s Club Parka and Xplorers’ programs are available for families, as are enhanced guided tours on Beausoleil Island. Enjoy the park trails on foot or with the park’s bike rental offer. Visitors are encouraged to visit the park’s website for more information and to make reservations.

Visitor Centre Hours on Beausoleil Island:

• May 19 to June 15, and Sept. 4 to Oct. 9, from Friday to Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  
  
• June 16 to September 3, from Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

If you’re still looking to make plans this summer, consider spending the night to rest and recharge! Parks Canada’s Reservation Service allows visitors to plan their trips to a wide variety of national parks and national historic sites across Canada with confidence, ease, and knowledge that they have a guaranteed spot waiting for them. If your favourite spot is booked on your preferred days, check back regularly for cancellations, or plan your visit for less busy periods like during the week or the shoulder seasons. To book a stay, please visit the Parks Canada website at reservation.pc.gc.ca or call 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783).

To make the most of their Parks Canada experience, visitors are asked to plan their trip in advance, by visiting the Parks Canada website and signing up for the e-newsletter, to be among the first to find out about new and noteworthy events and activities, special offers, trip planning ideas and much more – all delivered directly to their inboxes! Visitors can also download the Parks Canada app, listen to Parks Canada’s new podcast ReCollections, and follow Parks Canada on social media for destination inspiration and to help plan their perfect visit.

The Parks Canada team at Georgian Bay Islands National Park is excited to welcome new and returning guests back to experience everything Georgian Bay Islands National Park has to offer.

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Starting June 22, Georgian Bay Islands National Park will begin to offer limited camping services.

Visitors will have access to the following services and facilities on Beausoleil Island:

• Outlying campsites at Chimney Bay, Oaks, Thumb Point, Tonch East and Tonch South will be open and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Visitors must independently secure their means of transportation to these locations.
• Rustic washroom facilities will open at these locations.

The camping experience at Georgian Bay Islands National Park will be different than previous years, and the park continues to work on opening additional camping locations and services. Reservations for other campgrounds in the park will begin on the Parks Canada Reservation System on June 29. Visit the Georgian Bay Islands website (www.pc.gc.ca/gbi) for details on what campsites will be available.

The Tobey dock, Visitor Centre and full service washroom facilities will be available July 3. Access to all trails, day use areas, and green spaces remain available. Visitors must independently secure their means of transportation to these locations prior to arrival. The DayTripper shuttle remains out of service until at least July 31.

All roofed accommodations in the park, including cabins and oTENTiks, will remain closed for the entire 2020 season. Any cancellations by Parks Canada of camping and roofed accommodations reservations will be fully refunded. The DayTripper service will be cancelled until at least July 31, and any reservations for this service for the month of July will also be fully refunded.

Parks Canada will gradually begin to accept new online reservations for some campgrounds over the coming weeks. Visitors should check the Parks Canada website regularly for updates and information on services available and reservation windows.

Events, group and interpretation activities remain suspended until further notice.

Visitors are asked to plan ahead by checking the Georgian Bay Islands National Park website before they travel to find out what is open, what they can expect, and how to prepare for their visit.

Visitors must follow local and provincial or territorial travel restrictions, including requirements for self-isolation. It is not possible to self-isolate at Parks Canada campgrounds. Visitors must complete any provincial or territorial requirements for self-isolation before arriving to camp at Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

The health and safety of visitors and employees is of utmost importance to the Government of Canada. Parks Canada is following the advice of public health experts and continues to make every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Visitors should follow the advice of public health experts, including necessary hygiene practices and physical distancing of two metres from others.

Parks Canada is asking Canadians to be cautious and conservative when they visit Georgian Bay Islands National Park and to respect any closures that are in place. Anyone participating in recreational activities should be extra cautious to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on search and rescue teams and on the health care system.

Detailed information on Parks Canada places and the measures the Agency is taking to limit the spread of COVID-19 can be found on the Parks Canada website. Please check regularly for updates.

Photo credit: “Honeymoon Bay, Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay National Park” by rkklfb is licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from original

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Starting June 1, 2020, Georgian Bay Islands National Park will offer limited visitor access and basic services.

Visitors will be able to access the following services and facilities:

• Docking, and overnight mooring for boaters with onboard facilities, at Wana Keta, McCabe Rock, Chimney Bay, Frying Pan South, and Bone Island;
• Limited garbage service at some locations;
• All park hiking trails; and
• Beaching will also be permitted.

Until June 1, these facilities remain closed and we ask that visitors respect these closures in order to allow Parks Canada to do the necessary work to prepare for opening.

Most Beausoleil Island service, including all campsites, the visitor centre, Toby Dock and the DayTripper shuttle service continue to be closed until further notice.

Visiting Georgian Bay Islands National Park will be different than it has been in the past. Visitors are asked to plan ahead by checking the Parks Canada website before they travel to find out what is open, what they can expect and how to prepare for their visit.

The health and safety of visitors and employees is of utmost importance to the Government of Canada. Parks Canada is following the advice of public health experts and continues to make every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Visitors should follow the advice of public health experts, including necessary hygiene practices and physical distancing of two metres from others.

Parks Canada is asking Canadians to be cautious and conservative in their use of these places, to observe any regional or Ontario travel restrictions and to respect any closures that are in place. Anyone participating in recreational activities should be extra cautious to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on search and rescue teams and on the health care system.

All camping facilities remain closed until at least June 21 while Parks Canada assesses whether and how these services might resume. Group activities and public events are suspended until further notice.

Detailed information on Parks Canada places and the measures the agency is taking to limit the spread of COVID-19 can be found on the Parks Canada website. Please check regularly for updates.

Photo credit: “Honeymoon Bay, Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay National Park” by rkklfb is licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from original

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Vehicle access to sites is suspended and all services and facilities, including docks and beaches, washrooms, playgrounds, parking lots, and picnic shelters, remain closed. Group activities, interpretive activities and events will continue to be suspended until further notice. All facilities at Georgian Bay Island National Park, including the overnight accommodations, campsites, beaches and trails, are closed. In addition, docks and beaching sites remain closed, there is no access to Beausoleil Island and the park’s DayTripper shuttle is not operating.

The suspensions of visitor services and closures of facilities announced in March will remain in place until June 1. Canadians should not try to access locations that are closed for safety reasons, according to Parks Canada, especially over the Victoria Day long weekend.

“Parks Canada understands the importance nature plays in the mental and physical well-being of Canadians, particularly now,” the organization said in a statement on May 14. “Parks Canada will begin a safe, gradual opening of some outdoor locations in select national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas starting June 1.”

For information and updates on the status of all Parks Canada sites, visit the Parks Canada website.

Photo credit: “Honeymoon Bay, Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay National Park” by rkklfb is licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from original

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