If you’re looking for ways to hold onto the summer at your cottage now that the weather’s getting cold, look no further. Georgian Bay has tons of great activities and places to visit that you might not have known about, so check out these things you didn’t know that include some of the greatest ways to enjoy your cottage throughout October.
This Indie88 feature is presented with Georgian Bay Spirit Co. Show them how you are Holding on to Summer and you could win $2,500 to Mountain Equipment Co-Op! Learn more here.
It Contains 30,000 Islands
Georgian Bay boasts the largest concentration of freshwater islands in the world! As part of the Canadian Shield, the islands are thought to be eroded roots of the Grenville Mountains, an ancient mountain range. The Island Queen Cruise books boat tours through the narrow channels of Georgian Bay’s charming inner and rugged outer islands.
It’s Full of Instagram Photo Ops
The Georgian Bay Islands, especially the national park, has tons of great spots for anyone from a beginner to professional photography. With diverse scenery and longs stretches of beautiful landscapes, Georgian Bay is notoriously picture perfect.
You can Explore Caves, Take a Treetop Canopy Walk, or even Zip Line
Collingwood’s Scenic Caves Nature Adventures offers tons of outdoor adventures throughout the month of October from a suspension bridge to caves and crevasses to ziplining. Head 25 metres above the valley aboard the suspension bridge to see tons of spectacular views of Georgian Bay, try out the Thunderbird Twin Zip to fly through the air with one of your pals, or head to the caves to explore giant walls of glacier-formed caverns.
They Host Tons of Spooky October Events
If you’re looking for a spooktacular cottage experience, Georgian Bay hosts tons of terrifying Halloween events. Head to Huronia Museum to take part in a murder mystery that will scare your socks off and watch the story unfold or become an amateur sleuth. You can also go to Downtown Coldwater on October 19th for the Witches’ Walk, where you’ll find an excuse to trek out in your witchiest wear and fill up a passport with stamps from local merchants.
It’s Home to The Grotto
The Grotto is a scenic cave with a pool of bright blue water. Visitors travel from all over the world to see the intricate cave structures and turquoise pool of water. The Grotto is carved from natural stone over thousands of years of erosion, and swimmers love to dive into the chilly water to take part in the beautiful scenery along the shore of Georgian Bay.
You Can Tour of the Candy Factory
The Candy Factory will take you back in time with their perservation of old fashion recipes and candy making. There are tons of tasty treats for meals, holidays, special events, or even just to satisfy your craving. The Candy Factory was founded back in 1972, and is still known as the ultimate candy and chocolate joint in the area.
There are tons of Scenic Parks
Georgian Bay is home to some of the most beautiful scenic parks in the country. Check out Killarney for wilderness landscapes that showcase the pink granite of the Georgian Bay Coast, and the La Cloche Mountains’ white quartzite ridges. The Fathom Five National Marine Park rises through sparkling waters, where there is a thriving freshwater ecosystem of orchids, ancient rock formations, cliff-edge forests, and fascinating dive sites on 22 shipwrecks.
There’s a Bobby Orr Hall of Fame
If you’re headed to Georgian Bay, you’ve got to check out the largest collection of Bobby Orr’s own memorabilia at the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame in Parry Sound. The Hall of Fame is a hockey lover’s paradise with diverse exhibits like a play-by-play both where you can try to be a sportscaster, a virtual hockey game, and a “Super Chexx” Bubble Hockey Game.
You Can Visit a Waterfall
October is a great time to visit the picturesque running waterfalls of Georgian Bay. Inglis Falls in Owen Sound is an 18 metre high cascade that meets at the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. The water so erosive, it has carved a deep gorge at the base of the falls. The Moon Falls, located on Moon River is a wild waterfall that you can reach through a short canoe trip. Although it’s not a huge waterfall, it is remote, pristine, and picturesque.
Image via Flickr/Michaelleckman
