Ontario has a magical 63-island national park & you get there by boat

The season of outdoor adventures is calling! This summer, you can go island-hopping at Georgian Bay Islands National Park, an incredible destination two hours north of Toronto.

This national park is only accessible by boat, which is one of many features that makes it such a unique place to visit.

Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride — you can take your own boat to get there, as well as a canoe, kayak, DayTripper or water taxi which you can reserve in advance.

You’ll get to immerse yourself in the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, which is where this special national park is located.

The park is actually comprised of 63 small islands and “islets” in Georgian Bay, says the Global Alliance of National Parks.

The largest and most popular island to visit is Beausoleil Island, where you’ll find a network of well-maintained hiking trails, as well as waterfront campsites, cabins, and rugged rocky lookout points with panoramic views.

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The rich history of Beausoleil dates back to 7,000 years ago. According to National Geographic, it was once a hub for hunting and trading among Indigenous peoples.

For a more secluded experience, you can rent rustic cabins on Christian Beach.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or a weekend, there is no shortage of things to do on these islands.

A whole list of activities can be found on Parks Canada’s website, but some of the highlights include sailboating, kayaking, cycling, boat tours, fishing, swimming, and animal watching.

You can also participate in long or short group hiking trips and they run from mid-May to Thanksgiving.

DayTripper reservations are now available for the season and you can book your spot here.

You can also take a look at the available campsites and cabin rentals here.

We’ll see you on the islands!