Georgian Bay Islands National Park
“So glad we found out about the Midland shuttle! We didn’t have to drive all the way to Honey Harbour and Captain Dwayne dropped us right at Cedar Spring with all our camping gear. Even better he delivered us pizza to the island dock!”
Beausoleil Island: A Visitor’s Guide
Beausoleil Island is the biggest island in Georgian Bay Islands National Park. It’s about 160 kilometres north of Toronto, making it a great weekend trip. Whether you want to hike, swim, bike, fish, or just relax in nature, this island has something for everyone.
Canada Strong Pass: From June 19 to September 7, all visitors get free park admission and 25% off overnight stays.
Shuttle to Beausoleil Island
You can only reach Beausoleil Island by boat. North Western Private Tours operates the official Midland Shuttle to Beausoleil Island. We run Thursday to Monday throughout the season. Boats leave Midland at 10 AM and 2:30 PM. We pick up from the island at 10:30 AM and 3 PM. The shuttle goes from the Midland dock to the Cedar Spring main dock.
The shuttle goes from the Midland dock to the Cedar Spring main dock.
Forgot something at home? We also deliver your Door Dash, Skip the Dishes, and Uber orders right to Cedar Spring.
Things to Do
Beausoleil Island is packed with activities. You can spend your days hiking forest trails, swimming at sandy beaches, biking through the woods, fishing in clear waters, or watching wildlife.
There are also evening programs, family-focused programs, Indigenous cultural programs, playgrounds for kids, picnic areas, geocaching spots, and some of the best stargazing in southern Ontario. Bring a camera—the photo opportunities are everywhere. Here’s a closer look at what you can do on the island.
Hiking
The island has over 30 kilometres of trails. Some are easy walks. Others are more challenging. You can join a guided hiking tour, explore on your own with a self-guided route, or download the Parks Canada app for stories and information while you hike.
Fairy Trail (2.5 km) is great for families. It’s a must-hike loop where you can learn the story of Fairy Lake.
Rockview Trail (1.5 km) takes you to lookout points with incredible views over Georgian Bay.
Huron Trail (6.9 km) is the longest trail, passing through beech-maple forest and hemlock stands. Bikes are allowed.
Dossyonshing Trail (2.5 km) is more challenging but worth it for the view of Long Bay. To see all hiking trails, visit the Parks Canada hiking page.
Swimming and Beaches
Several beaches are scattered around the island. The best sandy spots are near Cedar Spring. The water stays cool even in summer. It feels great on a hot day but can be chilly if you’re not expecting it.
The water around the island is very clear. If you bring a mask and snorkel, you can see fish and plants underwater.
Biking
Biking is a great way to cover more ground when exploring Beausoleil Island. The Huron, Christian, and Georgian trails are open for cycling. The Huron and Christian trails offer a pleasant ride through mature forest. The Georgian trail is more difficult with technical, rocky sections.
Consider a bike and hike adventure. Ride from Cedar Spring to the start of the Massasauga or Rockview trail, then continue exploring on foot.
You can rent bikes at the Cedar Spring Visitor Centre on the island. Bike rentals are available in teen and adult sizes only.
Camping and Overnight Stays
The island has several camping areas to choose from. You can find more details and book your stay on the Parks Canada camping page.
Cedar Spring is the main area. It has the most campsites and the best facilities. You can pitch a tent, stay in an oTENTik (a cabin-like tent with beds already set up inside), or book a cabin. This is the best spot for families or first-time campers.
Chimney Bay is on the west side of the island. It’s quieter and has great sunset views. You can hike there from Cedar Spring.
Christian Beach and Tonch North/South are for people who want a true backcountry experience. These sites have few facilities—just pit toilets and no running water. Canoe camping is also an option if you want to paddle to a remote spot.
Book your campsite early through Parks Canada. Popular spots fill up fast in summer.
Fishing
Georgian Bay is known for great fishing. You can cast a line from shore or bring a small boat. The waters around Beausoleil Island hold bass, pike, and other species. Make sure you have a valid Ontario fishing licence before you go.
Watching Wildlife
You’ll likely see deer on the island. They’re used to people and often wander near the campgrounds. Chipmunks and squirrels are everywhere. You might also spot snakes, including garter snakes (they’re harmless).
The island is home to the Massasauga rattlesnake. This is Ontario’s only venomous snake, but it’s shy and rare. Stay on the trails and watch where you step.
Birdwatchers can look for great blue herons near the water and woodpeckers in the forest. Bring binoculars for a closer look.
Learn and Explore Programs
Parks Canada offers educational programs and guided activities on the island. These run during the day and in the evening. They’re great for families, groups, and anyone who wants to learn more about the park’s nature and history. Programs cover topics like wildlife, Indigenous history, and outdoor skills.
Check the Parks Canada education page for current offerings and schedules.
Picnics
There are wonderful picnic spots all over the island. You’ll find shelters and picnic tables at the Day Use section of the Cedar Spring Campground and at Beausoleil Point. Pack a lunch and enjoy your meal surrounded by nature.
The Infamous Red Chairs
Parks Canada has placed their iconic red Adirondack chairs in peaceful and scenic spots across the country—including Beausoleil Island. Finding the red chairs is part of the adventure. Some are easy to spot. Others require more exploring.
Once you find them, take a seat. Read your book, take in the scenic views, or have a snack. Don’t forget to snap a selfie and share it with #ShareTheChair.
Two Landscapes in One
What makes Beausoleil special is that it has two different types of landscape on one island.
The north end has pink granite rocks, windswept pine trees, and amazing views of the bay. This is classic Canadian Shield country. The ground is rocky and the trees are tough.
The south end feels different. You’ll find thick forests with maple and oak trees and richer soil. This mix of landscapes means you’ll see more types of plants and animals than on most islands.
What to Bring
Pack like you’re going into the wilderness, even for a day trip. Bring:
- Drinking water or a water filter
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Rain gear
- Snacks and lunch
The weather on Georgian Bay can change fast. Be ready for sun, wind, or rain.
Facilities and Services
Cedar Spring has flush toilets, drinking water, a visitor centre, a gift shop, picnic areas, picnic shelters, and a playground. There’s also first aid available and staff who can answer your questions. Dogs on leash are welcome in most areas.
Other parts of the island have basic composting toilets only.
Accessible services and accessible toilets are available at Cedar Spring.
Park fees: Entry fees usually apply, and camping costs extra. From June 19 to September 7, the Canada Strong Pass gives all visitors free park admission and 25% off overnight stays.
Cell phones: Don’t count on having service. Coverage is spotty or nonexistent on most of the island. Tell someone your plans before you go.
Best Time to Visit
Summer weekends are the busiest, especially around Cedar Spring. For a quieter trip, come on a weekday or visit in late May or September.
Fall is beautiful. The leaves change colour in early to mid-October. Spring brings wildflowers, but also lots of bugs in May and early June.
History of the Island
Indigenous peoples have lived on Beausoleil Island for thousands of years. The Beausoleil First Nation is named after this place. The island and the waters around it hold deep cultural meaning. When you explore here, you’re walking through a landscape shaped by nature and by people over many generations.
For official park information, visit the Parks Canada website.
Beausoleil Island gives you a real wilderness experience without travelling too far from the city. A short drive from Toronto, a quick boat ride from Midland, and you’re standing on ancient rock watching the sunset over Georgian Bay.
Explore More with North Western Private Tours
Ready to visit Beausoleil Island? Book your Midland shuttle with us today.
We also offer boat tours and charters, private sightseeing tours, special event tours, water taxi services to other Georgian Bay islands, and snorkelling tours. You can explore all our boat cruises in Midland here.
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Captain Dwayne brings over 15 years leading private boat tours on Georgian Bay. With excellent navigation, professionalism, water safety, and a love for boating, Captain Dwayne is your go-to-expert.
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