Harbour Towns Worth Stopping In: Georgian Bay and Lake Huron
The harbour towns on Georgian Bay and Lake Huron are half the reason to go cruising in this part of the Great Lakes. The scenery and the anchorages are spectacular, but pulling into a town at the end of the day, tying up at a proper dock, walking to a restaurant, and sleeping without an anchor alarm is a pleasure that never gets old. These eight towns are the ones that experienced cruisers come back to. Each has a working marina, something worth doing ashore, and enough character to make the stop memorable.
Penetanguishene
Penetanguishene sits at the southern end of Georgian Bay with one of the deepest and most protected harbours on the coast. The town has French-heritage roots that set it apart from every other stop in the region. Discovery Harbour, the reconstructed British naval base, is worth a few hours. The downtown has good restaurants, a grocery store within walking distance of the docks, and a waterfront path that connects everything. For cruisers heading into the 30,000 Islands, this is one of the last full-service stops, and it is a strong one.
Midland
Just down the road from Penetanguishene, Midland has a larger marina and more commercial services. The waterfront has been redeveloped with a boardwalk, public art, and a small beach. Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons, the reconstructed Jesuit mission, is a short drive from the harbour. Midland is more of a practical stop than a charming one, but the marina is well-run, provisioning is easy, and it pairs well with Penetanguishene for a two-town layover at the bottom of the bay.
Parry Sound
Parry Sound is the hub of the 30,000 Islands and the largest town on the eastern shore between Midland and the French River. The town marina has transient slips, fuel, and good protection from weather. The main street is walkable from the docks and has restaurants, shops, and a well-known performing arts centre that draws acts from across the country. The Island Queen cruise boat runs scenic tours through the islands, and the views from the water are a good preview of what you will find on your own. Parry Sound works as a mid-cruise resupply stop or a destination in itself. It is also the jumping-off point for the outer islands, where the cruising gets wilder and the anchorages get quieter.
Killarney
Killarney sits at the eastern end of the North Channel, where Georgian Bay meets the passage behind Manitoulin Island. It is a small town with an outsized reputation among cruisers. The harbour is picturesque, the fish and chips at Herbert Fisheries are legendary, and the white quartzite hills of Killarney Provincial Park rise behind the town. The marina fills up in summer, so reserving a slip ahead is wise. Killarney is the gateway to the North Channel, and many boats spend a night or two here before heading west into more remote waters. The town has a general store, a few restaurants, and a small chandlery, but this is not the place for a major restock.
Tobermory
Tobermory is at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, where Lake Huron and Georgian Bay meet. It has two harbours: Big Tub, which is the main marina harbour, and Little Tub, which serves the ferry to Manitoulin and the tour boats heading to Flowerpot Island. The town is compact and tourist-oriented, with dive shops, restaurants, and outfitters catering to visitors. Fathom Five National Marine Park, with its clear water and underwater shipwrecks, is one of the main draws. For cruisers, Tobermory is a strategic stop on the route between the Lake Huron coast and Georgian Bay. The crossing from here to Manitoulin or south Baymouth is one of the most common passages on the upper lakes.
Owen Sound
Owen Sound is the largest harbour city on this stretch of coast and the best provisioning stop between Midland and the North Channel. The inner harbour puts you within walking distance of a Saturday farmers' market, good restaurants, and full grocery stores. Nearby waterfalls, including the impressive Inglis Falls, make it worth staying an extra day. Owen Sound is not the prettiest town on the bay, but it is arguably the most useful. If your boat needs anything, this is the place to get it sorted.
Kincardine
Kincardine is a Lake Huron gem. The marina is small but well-protected behind a breakwall, and the downtown is right there. The 1881 lighthouse, the Saturday evening pipe band, and the sunset views from the pier give the town a character that larger ports cannot match. The beach is excellent for families, and the main street has enough good food and drink to fill an evening ashore. Kincardine works best as a one-night stop on a Lake Huron coastal cruise, timed for a Saturday if you can manage it.
Little Current
Little Current is on the northeast corner of Manitoulin Island, connected to the mainland by a single-lane swing bridge that opens on the hour. The town marina has good facilities and a friendly staff. The main street has restaurants, a grocery store, a marine supply shop, and a hardware store. For cruisers heading into or out of the North Channel, Little Current is the last real town before the landscape gets wild. It has a haul-out and repair yard, which matters if something needs fixing before you head into remote water. The town has a relaxed, end-of-the-road feel that matches the pace of a cruising vacation. It is a good place to spend a day sorting out your plans and your provisions before committing to the next stretch.
Building Your Itinerary
You do not need to hit all eight towns on a single trip. A good two-week Georgian Bay cruise might include Penetanguishene, Parry Sound, and Killarney along with time in the islands. A Lake Huron coastal run could link Kincardine, Owen Sound, and Tobermory. A charter trip with a week to work with can comfortably cover three or four harbour towns with island time in between. The point is to mix the wild anchorages with the town stops, because both are part of what makes cruising this coast worthwhile.