Are you looking for an insider’s guide to exploring the serene views along the shores of Georgian Bay via boat? Do you want to catch a glimpse of some “must-sees” off the beaten path? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Let us introduce you to Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park, a gem of a park tucked within the heart of the Thirty Thousand Islands.
Located approximately three hours north of Toronto, let Sturgeon Bay be your starting point for enjoying Georgian Bay’s pristine waters and diving into the rich heritage surrounding Pointe au Baril.
We’ve highlighted eight must-see routes that leads boaters to lighthouses, a 150-year-old island hotel, breathtakingly narrow passageways, and more.
Have we sparked your interest?
If you’ve never been, Sturgeon Bay is a small, but quaint provincial park that has 75 campsites, all a short walk to the beach.
Not into camping? Sturgeon Bay also has cottages! Each is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms.
Sturgeon Bay is truly the perfect home base for exploring the Thirty Thousand Islands, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago.
The waters surrounding Sturgeon Bay boast amazing angling opportunities and breathtaking views of exposed granite rocks and windswept pines.
However, there is more to Sturgeon Bay than fishing and picturesque views. The area surrounding Sturgeon Bay has a rich cultural heritage just waiting to be explored!
~
Exploring by boat
To take in the following sights, you must begin your adventure by launching your boat at the park’s boat launch or launch/rent a boat from a local marina.
We’ll highlight eight points of interest that can be explored individually or combined into a choose your own adventure tour of breathtaking taking views and amazing heritage.
These include (in no particular order):
- The Pointe Au Baril Lighthouse and Whiskey Barrel
- Ojibway Island
- Hemlock Channel
- Shawanaga Inlet
- Hole in the Wall
- Metamora Wreck
- Shawanaga River
~
Pointe Au Baril Lighthouse and Whiskey Barrel
The 135-year-old red and white lighthouse sits proudly on the headland where the Pointe au Baril Channel meets Georgian Bay.
Now acting as a historic building, the lighthouse holds a rich and inspiring history. In the summer months the lighthouse is home to Emmaline Madigan, retired lighthouse keeper, local historian, and museum curator.
Emmaline and her partner, Bill Pugsley, open the lighthouse doors for visitors to view historical photos, artifacts and enjoy a guided tour.
Locals swear by Emmaline’s baked goods… you can’t go to the lighthouse without getting one of her famous butter tarts!
Just beyond the lighthouse, you can catch a a whiskey barrel once a makeshift lighthouse used by fur-traders and anglers.
Pointe au Baril means “Barrel Point” in French, named for the whiskey barrel placed on the point to help guide those on the water to safe harbour.
~
Ojibway Island
Ojibway Island is the 42-acre home of the Ojibway Club, a large building donning weathered cedar-shingles containing nearly 120 years of history.
Built as a hotel in 1906, this was a popular tourist destination for folks from both the USA and southern Ontario.
The hotel also began to play an essential role in the summer Shawanaga Inlet cottage community. It grew into a hub for the water-based community of cottagers, providing a location to pick up and send mail, buy groceries, do laundry, purchase gifts, and enjoy a Saturday-night dance.
Although the hotel closed its doors to overnight guests in the 1960s, it still provides a place for the summer cottage community to come together. Today, the Ojibway Club welcomes members, their guests, and visitors to its facilities.
~
Hemlock Channel, Shawanaga Inlet, Hole in the Wall
Windswept pines dotted along exposed granite with water so clear it makes you think you’re in the Caribbean – this is what is waiting for you at Hemlock Channel, Shawanaga Inlet, and Hole in the Wall.
When visiting Shawanaga Inlet, be mindful of the wind that swept the pines — the waves can get rather large!
Both Hole in the Wall and Hemlock Channel are narrow passages with towering cliffs lining either side of the crystal-clear channel. When water-levels are right, small natural sand beaches sit along the edges of Hole in the Wall, awaiting those who are lucky enough to secure a spot in this (somewhat) hidden gem!
If you’re on the water for the day, these two spots are also the perfect place for a picnic.
~
Metamora wreck or “The Wreck”
Built in 1864, the wooden tugboat Metamora was used to transport passengers and goods in and around Georgian Bay.
The ship caught fire and ultimately sank after running aground in shallow waters on July 30, 1907.
Thankfully, the entire crew and all passengers survived by swimming a relatively short distance to shore.
Visitors can catch a glimpse of what is left of the Metamora — the boiler still sitting above the water’s surface! The Metamora wreck is known locally as “The Wreck” and is used as a hazard warning for boats to be mindful of shallow water and shoals.
This is also a popular location for scuba divers who enjoy exploring shipwrecks.
~
Shawanaga River
The Shawanaga River is a popular angling destination, particularly for Walleye and for good reason.
The Shawanaga River is and has always been stewarded by Shawanaga First Nation. The population of Walleye spawning at this location was described as “arguably the contemporary flagship Walleye stock of Georgian Bay” (James, 2016; State of the Bay, 2023).
Shawanaga First Nation operates a fish hatchery creating opportunities for stewardship, education, and food security within their community and beyond.
To learn more, check out this video: We are the Fishing People. When passing this location, particularly in the spring and fall, you will be greeted by anglers chasing Walleye.
~
The end to a perfect day
After returning from a day on the water experiencing unique and intriguing sights, you’ll be greeted by Sturgeon Bay’s sandy beach and the sweet smell of pine trees.
A relaxing evening at one of Sturgeon Bay’s cottages or waterfront campsite is waiting for you.
If all that adventuring wore you out, be sure to try one of the local chip stands for dinner.
Alternatively, Sturgeon Bay is also a perfect destination for a day trip from Grundy Lake Provincial Park, Killbear Provincial Park, Parry Sound, or even Sudbury.
Regardless of where you stay, you can head home and relish the day’s newly created memories.
~
