Ontario Summer Travel--Kids Want to Have Fun

School is out and the kids need to busy and active. Some of the best fresh water beaches are north of Toronto. Many resort destinations north of Toronto have supervised beach areas during the summer. As well many individual Ontario Family Resorts provide lifeguards and beach supervision during the summer. There are more many beach areas around Georgian Bay as well as a Georgian Bay Beach Photo Galleries at many of the popular beaches around the bay.

Several Ontario beaches were recent recipients of the Blue Flag Beach designation identifying 27 strict standards based on water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety and services.

The photo was shot at Balm Beach Ontario, just west of Midland on Georgian Bay.

Witness the re- construction a Georgian Bay Historic Huron Village

Visitors to Huronia Museum and Ouendat Huron Village this summer will witness the re-creation of the Ouendat Huron Village that existed before the Europeans arrived. Construction is now under way on the Huron fortification walls after the fire this past spring. When the cedar walls are up construction will begin on the building of a traditional Huron long house.

Ontario's Wye Marsh Wildlife Walk

Ontario’s Wye Marsh--Walk the boardwalk

On the last day of spring June 22, a 60 minute walk along the trails and boardwalk provided great wildlife viewing. Several herons, a diving tern, two pairs of Trumpeter Swans, one with a recent cygnet , several turtles, lots of frogs, multiples of bird song from Warblers, Red Winged Black birds. Spectacular marsh vistas provided a refreshing break from our Southern Georgian Bay road trip. The Wye River winds its way across Simcoe County through the Wye Valley, into the Wye Marsh and into Georgian Bay. This little section of Tay Township next door to Midland Ontario is one of Canada’s Seventy Seven Wonders. Accommodation in the Midland area can be found at Midland Ontario.

Georgian Bay Wonders-30,000 Wonders

Although neither Georgian Bay nor Manitoulin Island made the seven wonders of Canada as identified by CBC, the reality is there are more than 30,000 wonders in the newest biosphere reserve along the southeast, and east side of Georgian Bay. The 30,000 islands is not only a natural wonder, its history is deeply rooted in First Nations folklore and history. The statue in the town of Penetangishene is the sight of one of the most interesting stories as to how the 30,000 was formed. Georgian Bay has its own "sleeping giant" in Giant's Tomb Island, one of the larger of the islands in Southern Georgian Bay.

The bottom of the statue tells part of the story, however, you need to cruise around the 30,000 islands to experience the power of Kichikewwana.

A variety of accommodation is available. Book your Ontario summer accommodation in the Midland/Penetang area.

Georgian Bay Beaches Are Waiting

This past week I ventured over to Awenda Provincial Park for a late afternoon hike and to my surprise the beaches were empty. It was 90 degrees, the water was clear and beautiful waiting for Ontario's summer visitors. Without a doubt of the 3 beaches at Awenda, the third beach is the most inviting however it takes about a 15 minute hike to get there. Visitors staying in the Midland Penetang area should head out on a drive around the tip of Penetang Bay to Awenda. See suggested spring and summer road trips for directions.

Georgian Bay Trails of Discovery-Tay Shore Trail

Explore Georgian Bay and Be Eco Friendly

Discover the Tay Shore Trail staring in Victoria Harbour and ending in Midland, Ontario. This recently built trail is a nice flat and paved trail for cyclists, joggers, hikers, and rollerbladers. You can also go off trail and explore the towns of Victoria Harbour, Port McNicoll and Midland & Penetanguishene.


The trail runs along the shore in Victoria Harbour to Port McNicoll with a park at the Trestle Park. Hogg bay is visible from parts of the Trail. SEE Tay Shore Trail Map.

The trail crosses Highway 12 and heads inland, and then crosses the Old Fort Road leading to Midland, and goes past the Wye Marsh and Sainte Marie among the Hurons.
A stop at Ontario's famous Wye Marsh, to see the Trumpeter Swans is a must.
Plans are underway to expand to the east to Waubaushene at the junction of Highway 400 and Highway 12. To access the trail take Highway 400 north to Highway 12 west, proceed west for approximately 10 minutes and proceed into Victoria Harbour. More trail information on Georgian Bay area trails