Trips
Killarney section of
Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands
by Rob Macks
I will always go back to the beautiful 30,000 Island region
of Georgian Bay of Lake Huron, again. We put in at the western end of Killarney
Provincial Park near the town of Killarney.
Killarney is an hour and a half drive south and west of Sudbury.
Our access point to this northern and less populated area
of the 30,000 Islands was at the west end of Killarney Provincial Park
at the Chikanisshing River boat access. From there we headed east toward
the Bustard Islands.
If the weather is heavy you can paddle the sheltered Collins
Inlet Channel which runs for 10 miles behind Philip Edward Island before
opening out into Beaverstone Bay and open Lake Huron.
We were lucky to have calm seas so we immediately headed
out into the maze of islands on the outer coast of Philip Edward Island.
If you think you know how to navigate, you will find out the truth quickly
here.
This is our gang for a on Georgian Bay.We launched from
the west end of Killarney Provincial Park on July 20 th and returned on
July 27 th. From left to right are Shin-Li, Ron, Joe, Sandy and Rob.
Shin-Li, Ron and Joe sprinted to the Bustard Islands and
back while Rob and Sandy took a more leisurely cruise though some of the
"Chickens" islands.
Above Shin-Li and Joe ham it up for the camera on a rocky
outcrop above our first night's campsite.
Shin-Li ponders our location on his maps of the area.
With so many islands and peninsulas it is not an easy task.
Above, one of Sandy and Rob's campsites. The sun sinks
toward the horizon. We explored some of the back bays where we saw a family
of 8 mink and several peregrine falcons.
The above island was 1/2 mile off shore. It's single tree
in the middle of what looked like a hedge stood out visually for miles.
The surrounding rock was sculpted into amazingly smooth and flowing shapes
by the glaciers that scoured this landscape. Rainwater fills pools and
the water travels back down to the lake through tiers of carved rock. Each
pool and puddle has it's own teaming life of plants, insects, frogs and
fish all depending on the next rain storm or splashing waves for life.
We paddled two miles out to one of the Hawk Islands. Sandy
is at the right and Joe and Ron are just visible as specs in the water
on the lower center edge of the island.
Below we have climbed to the right rocky peak of Hawk
Island pictured above. What a view! This picture can only suggest the breathtaking
vista we saw as we looked around Georgian Bay. We kept saying to each other
this just doesn't seem real, it is so beautiful!
Above Ron, Joe and Sandy Smile for me (Rob). All the best,
from the top of the world! I'm ready to go back to Georgian Bay!
These pictures were taken with a Minolta Vectis 40
APS or Advanced Photo System camera. This allows me to take these beautiful
wide angle shots of Georgian Bay. I finally have some pictures that START
to do justice to the incredible 30,000 Islands.
For more 30,000 Islands pictures
see page 2
For information on paddling here check out:
Killarney
Outfitters
White Squall Outfitters
Ontario Parks
Killarney
Provincial Park
French River
Provincial Park
For maps contact; The Map Store of Canada, 63 Adelaide E., Toronto,
ON, 416-362-9297
For an overview of the area ask for map #L/C
2244, Alexander Passage to Beaverstone Bay. And map #L/C 2245 Alexander
Passage to Manitoulin Island.
For large scale maps ask for Small Craft Chart
#2204, Byng Inlet To Killarney.
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