McGregor Bay in Ontario

Trip Overview

The summer destination of the family for nearly 50 years was finally introduced to a pair of kayaks this summer. McGregor Bay is known for being the upper part of the Georgian Bay on Lake Huron. A favorite destination for many great lakers this portion of the lake has over 30,000 islands. The entrance of the bay is marked by McGregors Point to the East and Manitoulin Island to the west. The La Cochre Mountains surround the bay on all sides.

A majority of the population of McGregor Bay are members of cottage country. Many of the islands are dotted with quaint little cottages that are inhabited from April until late fall by fisherman and boaters. A weekend trip will provide you with some great scenery and good wildlife. Destinations on this water are a plenty.

Any island without a cottage is Queensland, so feel free to stealth camp and do some swimming because she will never know. Fires are often a no-no and depending on your location and distance from sizable islands you may have to follow bear guidelines.

Regardless, no matter how much time you have to spend...from days to weeks. This is a great destination for some quiet distance paddling. There are some great charts available at local stores and a few online maps that can show you the basics.

For a remote paddle on small water this is your place to go. Be sure to pack a camera and reel as you will see beaver, otters, loons, terns, osprey, deer, bald and golden eagles, and plenty of fish. You may even luck out and see a moose or bear if you are early in the spring or late in the fall.

If you wish to paddle it all, it will definately take a few days. If you wish to make a contact in the great north prior to the trip please email me and I will provide contacts.

Accommodations:

J&G Marina can provide basic necessities, a land phone, and ice cream. Espanola has a large supermarket. Little Current (Turner's Store) provides charts of the waters around Manitoulin. You will not have cell phone reception while on the water.

Fees:

Parking at J&G Marina is cheap and close to the water.

Directions:

From Sault St. Marie travel east on 17 to Espanola. At Espanola turn south on 6. This will take you through Whitefish Falls and soon after you will see the J&G Marina. They offer long term parking for a couple dollars a day. If you continue south you will reach Little Current on Manitoulin.