Escape to Georgian Bay Islands National Park!

It's closer and easier than you might think

MIDLAND, ON, April 10, 2014 /CNW/ - An escape is closer and more affordable than you might think. Come and enjoy a wilder side of Canada - just 90 minutes north of downtown Toronto. Cruise over to Georgian Bay Islands National Park on the shuttle boat DayTripper, and enjoy an afternoon picnicking on the shores of Beausoleil Island. Here, you can swim in the clean, clear waters of Georgian Bay or absorb the incredible views from 27 kilometres of trails.

It is easy to explore the island by renting mountain bikes, or enjoy campfires and the star filled night sky with your family from fully-furnished waterfront cabins that comfortably sleep five. The Cedar Spring cabins, on the south eastern side of Beausoleil Island, offer a screened-in porch, cooking and living areas, two bedrooms, and close proximity to shower and washroom facilities and a children's playground. On the west side of the Island, the Christian Beach cabins are perfect for a couple looking to get away from it all and watch the sunset over Georgian Bay and Giant's Tomb. If you like camping but don't have the gear, Georgian Bay Islands' equipped campsites provide the starting point for a truly memorable Canadian experience.

Try a fun way to quench your thirst for adventure with stand up paddle-boarding. Stand up paddle-boarding, or "SUP", is a new visitor experience being offered for the 2014 season. All you will need to bring is a willingness to try something new and the desire to have fun on the water.

Georgian Bay's spectacular landscapes, time-worn rock faces and diverse habitats are features that have inspired artists and photographers for generations. Whether you are looking to escape for a day, a romantic weekend or a fun-filled family holiday, Georgian Bay Islands National Park offers incredible experiences that are close to home.

Plan your escape and reserve your space today. Visit reservation.pc.gc.ca or call 1-877-RESERVE and book your Georgian Bay Islands National Park adventure today.

Quick Facts

• The DayTripper travels between the park's mainland dock in Honey Harbour (take exit 156 off Hwy 400) to Beausoleil Island. The service is available from Victoria Day weekend in May to Thanksgiving in October. Reservations are strongly recommended.
  
  
• Need a ride to the park from Toronto? Visit Parkbus.ca to find the bus schedule that works best for you.
  
  
• There are more than 63 islands in the park. Beausoleil Island is the largest island and offers a variety of visitor services.
  
  
• Georgian Bay Islands National Park straddles the transition zone between the Canadian Shield in the north and hardwood forest ecosystems in the south, and is home to an amazing variety of species. As well, archaeological evidence speaks to over 5,000 years of human habitation.
  
  

Quotes

"Parks Canada manages some of Canada's greatest outdoor spaces, and Georgian Bay Islands National Park is a truly stunning place to visit. Our cabins and equipped camping on Beausoleil Island are a definite hit, especially with first time visitors. The park is now more accessible to people looking to come for a day, a weekend or a week, and provides a diversity of options that best suits a visitor's interest, time and budget."

Gary McMillan, Superintendent, Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Internet Links:
Video content: http://youtu.be/mUM_qYdbOQM
Georgian Bay Islands: www.pc.gc.ca/gbi
Parks Canada Reservations: reservation.pc.gc.ca
Parks Canada Ontario Trip Planning: www.pc.gc.ca/ontario
Parks Canada Accommodations: www.pc.gc.ca/accommodations
Parkbus: www.parkbus.ca

About Parks Canada

Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada's historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites and four national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians, as well as people from around the world, to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery of our treasured natural and historic places.

Image with caption: "Georgian Bay Islands National Park of Canada (CNW Group/Parks Canada (Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140410_C8874_PHOTO_EN_38886.jpg

SOURCE: Parks Canada (Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit)

Bruce MacMillan
Partnering Engagement & Communications Officer
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
[email protected]
613-923-5261 extension 122