Historic park set to open Friday in world’s largest freshwater archipelago

Visitors hiking on Beausoleil Island (Bimadinaagogi) in Georgian Bay Islands National Park. (Credit: Parks Canada)

Georgian Bay Islands National Park is opening for the summer season, inviting visitors back to Beausoleil Island in the heart of the world’s largest freshwater archipelago.

In a release issued Tuesday, Parks Canada confirmed the park and the Beausoleil Island (Bimadinaagogi) National Historic Site will open Friday with Landmark Cruises operating as the official shuttle service for visitors travelling from Honey Harbour.

“From dense deciduous forests in the south to the striking granite outcrops of the Canadian Shield in the north, the park showcases an exceptional ecological diversity,” stated Parks Canada in a release. “The island offers a unique landscape shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous history.

Visitors can explore scenic trails, picnic areas and swimming spots.

Canada Strong Pass

The federal government’s renewed Canada Strong Pass program will also offer free admission to Parks Canada-administered national parks and historic sites from June 19 to Sept. 7, on top of a 25 per cent discount on camping fees.

According to the release, regular service fees, including docking, mooring, beaching and boat shuttles will still apply.

Mooring permits and fees

Seasonal mooring permits and park passes are available through the Cedar Spring Visitor Centre and Honey Harbour kiosk. Campsite or roofed reservations can be made through the Parks Canada reservation system.

Shuttles will be available for guests with roofed accommodation reservations, including cabins and oTENTiks (tent and A-frame cabins).

Hours of operation

The Cedar Spring Visitor Centre will operate Fridays through Tuesdays from May 15 to June 25 and Sept. 8 to Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

From June 26 to Sept. 7, the centre will be open daily until 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.