When Parks Canada asked me to come and experience Beausoleil Island in Georgian Bay National Park, I was thrilled. Aaaand then I found out about the snakes. Look, I’m no chicken; I’ve jumped out of a plane, rafted white water, traveled solo with kids in tow around the world, and even gently rehomed spiders. But snakes? In the immortal words of my forever boyfriend, Indiana Jones, “Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?” Oh, and did I mention the bears?
Yes, Beausoleil Island, one of Ontario’s most spectacular and underrated destinations, sits in Georgian Bay about 45 minutes from Barrie and roughly two hours from Toronto. It’s part of Georgian Bay Islands National Park, and it is also home to the Eastern Massasauga rattler, black bears, and an ungodly amount of poison ivy. It immediately became clear that I couldn’t do this alone. I needed backup: someone to protect me from bears, someone to carry me if I fainted at the sight of a snake, and someone with a deep understanding of how to navigate poison ivy. It was clear, this had to be a girls’ trip.
And so, six of my besties and I embarked on what would quickly become the most memorable trip we’ve ever taken Spoiler: we’d do it all again, well, almost all of it. More on that later.
Just here for the logistics? Jump straight to the FAQ.
Good news before we get into it: Beausoleil Island is a Parks Canada site, which means admission is free from June 19 to September 7, 2026, thanks to the Canada Strong Pass. No sign-up, no pass to show, no fine print. Just show up.
Read: Everything About Free Admission to Parks CanadaPlanning an Epic Girls’ Trip to Beausoleil Island
TL;DR: Beausoleil Island Adventure Highlights
- Stay in oTENTiks for a comfortable, no-fuss camping experience
- Hike stunning trails with gorgeous scenery and wildlife
- Bike across the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield
- Learn survival skills with Parks Canada Indigenous programs
- Make memories with your besties around a campfire under dark skies
- Visit free from June 19 to September 7, 2026 with the Canada Strong Pass
Camping in oTENTiks on Beausoleil Island
A little known fact about me is that I was in the Army Cadets as a young teenager. I’ve camped in the harsh Canadian winter in a bivouac, and spent a couple of summers at the former Camp Ipperwash* along Lake Huron. I spent weeks finding sand in every nook and cranny of my body afterwards by the way, but I digress. The point being, I’m not new to camping. Been there, not interested in it again. I’m a glamper now baby and frankly I will not apologize for it.
The only reason I even agreed to visit Parks Canada was because I knew they had oTENTiks. What’s an oTENTik you may ask? To me it’s what keeps you from waking up soaked in dew, with a stiff back from the hard ground, and the sun heating your tent up at dawn. It’s what makes camping civil damnit. Parks Canada though would probably tell you that a oTENTik is a cross between an A-frame cabin and a prospector tent mounted on a raised wooden floor. Potato-potahto. Either way they’re genius.
Not a single one of us had ever stayed in an oTENTik before and I can honestly say, after one night, we were all in agreement, we were definitely doing this again. Clean and homey, each oTENTik can sleep up to six people. These permanent and comfortable accommodations also require no set-up by campers. You’ll need to bring some things of course but you can count on the following:
- Sleeping area: Three sleeping platforms with mattresses.
- Seating: Table and benches or chairs.
- Lighting: Electric, solar, or battery-powered lamp.
- Safety: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, plus a fire extinguisher.
- Heating: Small heater or wood-burning stove.
- Cleaning: A broom and dustpan to keep things tidy
oTENTiks don’t have plumbing or running water, but the public restrooms on Beausoleil Island are very clean, and private showers are available (remember your flips flops for showers). Potable water is also available for consumption and cooking. And yes, ice is available to keep your drinks cool. There is no wifi available on the island, but nobody had trouble with reception.
The site around each oTENTik is large, your front lawn so to speak, and comes with a bear locker, a picnic table, and a firepit. Wood is available at the visitor centre.
A word about that bear locker. USE IT. While we didn’t see a bear the entire time we were there, we trusted the staff and the warnings. No one wants to have a run in with a hungry black bear, so don’t leave food out on your picnic table and don’t bring in any late night snacks to your oTENTik. You can easily fit in a 26″ x 15″ cooler in the bear locker along with several bags of food. If you need extra space due to a longer stay there is also a larger storage locker you can access. Bonus tip: don’t forget to lock up your scented items, including your toothpaste, in the bear locker. Apparently bears like minty fresh breath too.
(And we didn’t see a snake.)
Survival Skills and Fire Making Experience
After we set up camp, we had the privilege of spending time with Shawn Corbiere, the Indigenous Outreach Officer for Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Shawn taught us how to throw an atlatl (a traditional Indigenous hunting tool) and how to make fire without modern tools. Shawn deserves all the props for putting up with this crew; we are, to put it mildly, a handful. Luckily, Shawn has a fantastic sense of humour, and by the end of our time together, we had sore sides from laughing and a newfound sense of confidence in our survival skills. You can book this experience with Shawn or another Indigenous liaison with Parks Canada.
As it turns out, between the seven of us, we’d survive in the wild now thanks to Shawn. Some of us had an impressive knack for hunting with an atlatl, while others could start a fire almost instantly. It was a good reminder for this group that alone, we’d probably be hungry and cold, but together? We could really zhoosh up the place.
That said, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that when night fell, we went straight for the Bic lighter to get our fire going and whipped up Croque Monsieurs on our propane stove. Survival skills are great, but we’re not martyrs. If the zombie apocalypse comes, though, you’ll want to seek us out. We got you.
Our evenings around the campfire gave us the connection we crave with friends. We swapped stories, marvelled at the brilliance of the dark sky above us (there’s just something about escaping the city lights that makes you truly appreciate the universe around you), laughed until we cried, toasted marshmallows, and connected in a way that only women can around a fire.
(And guess what? No snakes.)
Biking Adventures Georgian Bay National Park
Beausoleil Island is truly unique. Situated partially on the Canadian Shield, it’s home to a rare mix of both northern and southern plant and animal species, thanks to a phenomenon known as the “edge effect.” This natural diversity is extraordinary, so don’t miss your chance to explore as much of it as possible by renting bikes from the visitor centre. If the beauty of this place could inspire the legendary Group of Seven, it will undoubtedly move you too.
Whether you’re gliding (read: huffing and puffing) along forested trails or pedalling up (or pushing your bike up, because sometimes gravity wins, and there’s no judgment here) the rocky Canadian Shield, the views are nothing short of spectacular. At one point, we even paused for a guided meditation courtesy of one of our more woo-woo friends. Natural dopamine hits are the best, especially when they come with a side of smug accomplishment because hell yeah our mid-century asses did that.
The ride was exhilarating, the scenery was breathtaking, and my snake anxiety took a backseat as we sped along. I convinced myself that those little squiggle marks on the trails were just tire marks. Yep, definitely tire marks. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
(And still, no snakes.)
Best Hiking Trails on Beausoleil Island
In addition to biking, we took the time to explore the island on foot. One of the first things you’ll notice on Beausoleil Island is the stillness. With no car traffic or city sounds, the quiet wraps around you like a comforting blanket. It’s peaceful, it’s grounding, and frankly, it’s something we all need more of. There are also parts of the island where you’ll want to ditch the bikes and walk, the terrain demands it.
If I may grab my soapbox for a moment, walking through this pristine environment is a powerful reminder of all we stand to lose if we don’t make massive changes to address climate change. It’s a privilege to witness such untouched beauty, and it’s on all of us to protect it.
There’s so much to see and explore on Beausoleil Island that Parks Canada has created an app for it. The app provides walking tours, family activities, and Indigenous stories to enrich your experience. On our hikes, we wandered through forests bursting with fall colours, with the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot and the occasional sound of…wait, was that a snake?
Yes. Sunbathing on the warm rock of the Canadian Shield, we came across a garter snake. Okay, I have those in my garden at home. Deep breath, Candace, you’re fine. You’re fine.
(One snake…but not a Massasauga Rattler.)
We Broke a Friend
Okay, this was the funny-not-funny part of our trip, and let me just say this: I do not recommend Chicken Baseball for anyone. Not even trained shenanigan professionals like us. (You can read all about that misadventure here, because honestly, it deserves its own cautionary tale.)
The important thing to know is that if you ever need emergency assistance, help is reliably available on Beausoleil Island—which is reassuring when your group leans more towards chaos energy. Now, moving right along.
(And yay! No snakes—just stupid rubber chickens)
We Said Until We Meet Again, Not Goodbye to Beausoleil Island
After a whirlwind weekend of adventure, we packed up ( albeit down two friends—damn you, Chicken Baseball), ensuring we left the island even better than we found it. And then, as we made our way to our reserved departure time on the DayTripper, for the journey back to the mainland, it happened: I saw a snake.
Actually, I heard it first—a warning shot across the bow that I took very seriously. My head snapped forward, and my feet slipped into hyper mode as I shouted, “That’s a rattler! That’s a rattler!”
Sure enough, there it was: an infamous Eastern Massasauga Rattler, casually lounging at the visitor centre as if to say goodbye and remind us who truly owns this island. One of my braver girlfriends stood at a healthy distance to observe it, her calm confidence somehow convincing me to inch closer. And you know what? It wasn’t as terrifying as I’d imagined. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not about to start charming snakes—but I felt strangely empowered by facing my fear.
The snake didn’t leap at us, hiss, or coil menacingly. It simply went about its snakey little business before Parks Canada staff quickly and gently relocated it to a safer spot.
(One “stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours” rattler, and a surprising sense of accomplishment for facing a fear. I’d still happily return, snake sightings and all.)
Can You Visit Beausoleil Island as a Day Trip?
Absolutely, and honestly, if an overnight stay feels like a stretch right now, a day trip to Beausoleil Island is a brilliant way to dip your toes in (possibly literally, the swimming is great). The island is accessible via the DayTripper ferry, which departs from Honey Harbour, Ontario. Honey Harbour is about a 45-minute drive from Barrie and roughly two hours from Toronto, making this a very doable summer day out from almost anywhere in central Ontario.
The ferry ride itself takes about 20 minutes and drops you at the Cedar Spring dock on the south end of the island. From there you can hike, rent a bike, swim, explore the Canadian Shield, or simply sit in one of those iconic Parks Canada red chairs and stare at Georgian Bay until your nervous system fully unclenches. That last one is underrated.
A few practical things to know for a day trip. The DayTripper runs on a schedule so check the Parks Canada website for current departure times and book ahead, especially on summer weekends when spots fill up fast. Bring your own food and water, there is no restaurant on the island. Wear closed-toe shoes if you plan to hike, the terrain is rugged in places. And yes, keep your eyes on the trail. You know why.
If a day trip makes you fall in love with the place (it will), you’ll be booking an oTENTik before you even make it back to the car.
Now Plan Your Own Girls’ Trip to Beausoleil Island
Beausoleil Island is just the adventure you and your friends need. From its natural beauty to the bonds you’ll strengthen with your friends, it’s a place that demands to be experienced.So grab your besties, plan your escape, and make memories you’ll be reminiscing about for years to come.
Looking for more Parks Canada destinations? Here’s my guide to the best Parks Canada places to visit this summer, with tips on where to go, what to see, and why you’ll want to book sooner rather than later.
Read: Best Parks Canada Places to VisitBeausoleil Island FAQ
Beausoleil Island is located in Georgian Bay, Ontario, and is part of Georgian Bay Islands National Park. It sits about 45 minutes from Barrie and roughly two hours north of Toronto. You access it by ferry from Honey Harbour.
The DayTripper ferry departs from Honey Harbour, Ontario. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. Check the Parks Canada website for current schedules and book ahead, particularly for summer weekends. There is no bridge or road access to the island.
During the Canada Strong Pass period, yes. From June 19 to September 7, 2026, admission to all Parks Canada sites including Beausoleil Island is free for everyone. No pass, no sign-up required. Outside of those dates, regular Parks Canada admission fees apply.
Yes, and it’s a great option if overnight camping isn’t your thing. The DayTripper ferry runs scheduled crossings from Honey Harbour. Bring your own food and water, wear sturdy shoes, and plan to hike, bike, swim, or simply enjoy the views. Just book your ferry spot in advance during the summer months.
oTENTiks are Parks Canada’s genius answer to the question “what if camping was actually comfortable?” They’re a cross between an A-frame cabin and a prospector tent, mounted on a raised wooden floor with real mattresses, a small heater, and no setup required on your end. No tent, no sleeping bag, no waking up damp and defeated. They sleep up to six people and yes, they are absolutely worth it.
Yes. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake lives on Beausoleil Island and is a species at risk, so it is protected. The good news is that rattlesnakes are not aggressive and generally want nothing to do with you. Stay on the trails, watch where you step, and give any snake you encounter plenty of space. Parks Canada staff are excellent at managing encounters. I did not see one for the entire trip, until the very last minute. Nature has a sense of humour.
Black bears do live on the island. Use the bear lockers at your campsite for all food, drinks, and scented items including toothpaste. Don’t leave anything out on your picnic table overnight. The staff take this seriously and so should you.
For an oTENTik stay: bedding or sleeping bags, towels, food and a cooler, a propane camp stove, bug spray, sunscreen, sturdy footwear, a rain layer, and a good playlist for the campfire. Flip flops for the showers. The bear locker fits a 26″ x 15″ cooler. There is no wifi but cell reception was fine during our visit. Ice is available at the visitor centre.
It is genuinely one of the best girls’ trip destinations in Ontario. You’re on an island with no cars, no city noise, incredible scenery, fun activities, and the kind of enforced unplugging that actually makes you feel human again. Add a campfire, some questionable decision-making, and the right group of women and you’ve got a trip you’ll be talking about for years. Just leave the rubber chickens at home.
*Camp Ipperwash has now thankfully been returned to rightful owners, the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
Updated March 14, 2026 with new information
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