The Sixth Great Lake
Georgian Bay isn’t technically one of the Great Lakes, but anyone who has paddled it will tell you it deserves the title. This northeastern arm of Lake Huron stretches 190 kilometers long and 80 kilometers wide, holding over 30,000 islands carved smooth by glaciers and dotted with windswept pines. It’s a place of staggering beauty—and unforgiving power.
I’ve kayaked parts of Georgian Bay before, especially around Philip Edward Island, but this trip was different. Over five days, I set out to paddle nearly 100 kilometers, traveling from Chikanishing Creek in Killarney Provincial Park to the small town of Britt. It was a true expedition, an A-to-B journey across one of the most spectacular paddling destinations in the world.
Stormy Start
The Bay wasted no time reminding me who was in charge. On day one, howling winds and torrential rain pinned me down at Killarney Outfitters. Georgian Bay demands patience; you don’t just go when you want—you go when it allows.
By late afternoon, the storm relented enough for me to launch. Paddling out of Chikanishing Creek, I quickly felt the Bay’s immensity. That night I made camp on the Fox Islands, a collection of exposed granite outcrops. They’re breathtaking, but dangerous if the wind shifts—launching from them in rough seas can be treacherous. As rain pattered against my tent, I cooked fajitas under the vestibule, grateful for hot food and a dry place to wait out the weather.
The Calm After the Storm
The next morning dawned calm and clear, the water a sheet of glass stretching to the horizon. These are the moments that lure paddlers into a false sense of security. Out here, conditions can shift in minutes.
Sure enough, by mid-day the wind returned. Whitecaps rolled across the open stretches, and progress slowed to a crawl. Paddling Georgian Bay is a constant dance between beauty and beast. One moment serene and inviting, the next raw and unforgiving.
But tucked into its countless coves, I discovered timeless campsites framed by glacier-scarred granite and twisted pines. Each evening, I was rewarded with fiery sunsets spilling across the endless horizon—a reminder of why this place captures the heart of every paddler who ventures here.
Lessons From the Water
By the final day, I was tired but settled into a rhythm: paddle, rest, paddle, camp. The Bay had pushed me with strong headwinds, tested my judgment on exposed crossings, and reminded me of the importance of humility on the water.
Reaching Britt, I felt more than a sense of accomplishment. I felt a deeper respect for this wild coastline. Georgian Bay isn’t an easy place to paddle—but that’s what makes it unforgettable.
Read a more in depth article about Exploring Georgian Bay.
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For paddlers, Georgian Bay is among the greatest destinations in the world. It rewards preparation and patience with some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. Out there, every paddle stroke feels like a step back in time, into a wilderness that refuses to be tamed. Watch more paddling adventures by subscribing to Ken Whiting Adventures.
Special Thanks
Destination Ontario https://www.destinationontario.com
The Seven https://www.northeasternontario.com
Explorer's Edge http://explorersedge.ca
Ontario Creates, Boreal Design Kayaks, NRS, Aqua Bound, Killarney Outfitters
