Georgian Bay

Things to do in Southern Georgian Bay!

From restaurants, to festivals to beaches, you won't run out of things to see and do!

Welcome to Georgian Bay! There's never a dull moment and always something to experience in Tiny, Tay, Midland and Penetanguishene. 

Check out all our beautiful attractions on the Heart of Georgian Bay website

My favourite spots to explore and discover:

Welcome to Georgian Bay!

Georgian Bay is home to attractive, vibrant communities. I’m happy to help inspire its discovery. From freshwater beaches, to fun-filled festivals, there’s never a dull moment. This page showcases the beautiful communities of Tiny, Tay, Penetanguishene and Midland. History runs deep here and our future is bright.

cross country skiing

BEST CROSS COUNTRY SKIING in Southern Georgian Bay!

Get your skis out and have some winter fun!

As my wife, Camille Myles laced up her cross-country skis for the first time in 10 years, I thought it would be great to share some great local spots for cross-country skiing in our beautiful area. ❄️

Mountainview Ski Centre & Ski Shop behind the Mountain View Mall in Midland is the perfect place to ski. Interestingly, the paths use the nearby golf course so it's a beautiful setting. They also offer ski classes for adults and kids.

Awenda Provincial Park has many skiing trails through forested paths and don't forget your hot chocolate for the après-ski at the heated cabin down by the parking lot. Make sure you purchase a park day pass.

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park offers some of the most exciting nordic ski terrain (link to trail map) in Central Ontario with over 30 kilometres of groomed trails. Expert skiers can challenge themselves on the High Dunes Trail while beginner skiers can choose the more leisurely Blueberry Trail. The Wasaga Trail Centre offers modern equipment rentals, light refreshments, and warm-up and outback ski shelters to warm up a lunch on a crisp winter day. Download the Nordic Trail map here: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/wasagabeach/maps

Hardwood Ski and Bike (Oro Station) has over 40 km of beautiful, rolling trails through hardwood and pine forests for cross-country skiing. The trail network consists of 9 different loops ranging from 3 km to 22 km. There is a trail for every level of ability, from beginner to elite racer on terrain that ranges from gently rolling to challenging. For a truly Canadian experience, Hardwood Ski and Bike is the place to be this winter.

https://www.hardwoodskiandbike.ca/cross-country-ski/

There's still time to enjoy the snow this winter!

Donate have skis? Try finding used ones online or stop by the Mountainview Ski shop to see if you can snatch up a pair. Many places also offer rentals too!

 

Georgian Bay's Best Winter Activities

1-Skiing! Downhill with Mount St. Louis Moonstone is always a great choice. With some great easy rides for the little ones, it's a perfect place to create memories. If you're a cross-country skier, then you'll find your way Mountainview Ski Centre & Ski Shop in Midland, behind the Mountain view mall. 

2- Tubing! Horseshoe Valley Resort has some amazing tubing for all ages! Worth the slide... yippee! 

3- Skating! Normally I would be recommending the outdoor rinks in Tiny Township, but they are currently closed for maintenance so the next best thing is to take your skates indoors at our local arenas. Penetanguishene Arena has free public family skate times by donation. The times are on Fridays from 6-7 p.m. and Sundays 12:30-1:30. In Midland, public skate times are Saturdays: 1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Sundays: 1:20 p.m. - 2:35 p.m. Mondays : 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. 

4- 🛷Go sliding! Just take a sled and slide away on the perfect hill! In Penetang, you'll find one on the corner of Hilltop Drive and Lorne Ave. Another favorite is in Midland, beside the Huronia Museum and Huron Ouendat Village. Or why not try the hill beside the  Wyevale Central Public School in Tiny... Just old plain fun. Something doesn't have to cost much for it to be fun! 

5- Snowshoeing! The places to go in North Simcoe seem limitless... you could check out the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, for some birding and they'll rent you some snowshoes for the day too. The Simcoe County Forest Trails are gems just waiting to be discovered. Awenda Provincial Park also has some amazing trails with breathtaking views.

Trust me, your kids will thank you for such a fun weekend! 

See you out and about!

BEST DOG WALKS!

Southern Georgian Bay has some beautiful trails in the winter, just waiting to welcome your furry friends.

🐶 Here are some places to discover... Tired dogs guaranteed!

👉Copeland Creek Bridges Trail, Penetanguishene: A paved trail winding through the forest on a old railway.

👉Saint-Marie Park, Midland, at the Wye River: A dog lover's hot spot. Easy place to let your dog loose in a beautiful setting.

👉 Simcoe Forest Trails: Find a trail near you and go and explore. Your dog will thank you!

🤔Did you know that Tiny township was named in 1822 after a pet dog of Lady Sarah Maitland (1792–1873), wife of Sir Peregrine Maitland, Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada? Yup, you can now share this fact to a neighbour and sound really smart!😆

Best Camping Escapes around Southern Georgian Bay

🛶MY TOP 3: Best CAMPING ESCAPES around Southern Georgian Bay!🌊

Feel like experiencing Georgian Bay waterfront living in a new way?🙋‍♀️Well, even if it's cold outside make sure you book your camping spot in advance as these places get popular! Here's my top 3 camping spots: 

1- Waterfront cabins for families and couples at Georgian Bay Bay Islands National Park: Only 1.5 hours from Toronto, along Highway 400, you'll find your gateway to Georgian Bay! Our family loves to rent a cabin, swing in the playground, swim at the beach or go for an interpretive hike around historic Beausoleil Island! The boat ride from Honey Harbour is part of the experience! You can check out beautiful cottages along the way to your island. 
PRO TIP: Reservations start JANUARY 14th at 8am here: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca

2- Yurt camping at Bruce Peninsula National Park: You can't go wrong with the Northern Bruce Peninsula. Sunsets are stunning on the eastern side of the Peninsula, so be sure to hike to the shore in the evening. Bring a good pair of hiking books, water and a flashlight for your way back. 🔦
PRO TIP: It gets really busy, so plan ahead. If you're going for the day, you'll need a parking pass in advance (get it online). Tent and yurt camping reservations also start at 8am on January 14th on the Parks Canada reservation system: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca

3- Tent camping at Awenda Provincial Park: Close to the beautiful town of Penetanguishene, Awenda Provincial Park is peaceful, quiet and has awesome sandy beaches (even a dog beach!). Spending the day relaxing on the beach is a perfect way to experience Georgian Bay! Book your spot here: https://www.ontarioparks.com/reservations
PRO TIP: Be sure to bring your bikes as you can ride over to the beach area pretty easily (no waterfront camping spots though).

It's time to book your spot! 
☺️

 

Community Highlight - Huronia Players!

Have you ever dreamed of performing on stage? Huronia Players Community Theatre has made this dream a reality for countless community members in Southern Georgian Bay. 🎭

This membership-based group has a proud 50-year history in Midland, Ontario and has grown to the point of having their very own state-of-the-art theatre at the Midland Cultural Centre (MCC). An architectural gem in the heart of downtown, the MCC showcases the creative talent in the arts from our community and from renown artists from away. Because of the hard work of artists like the Huronia Players, our community gets to see some exciting shows all year long.  🎼🎹🎨🎟

To get involved in the theatre, make sure to follow the group on Facebook and check out their website http://www.huroniaplayers.ca. They are always open to new members and growing their love for the theatre in our community. 


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