Good Boys on Vacation in Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Luie Boone
- 10 hours ago
- 13 min read
This travel spot is featured in our sixth blog series, Mutts Mingle.
Luie Boone recently learned something very interesting about Georgian Bay in Ontario. A long time ago, hoomans almost built a canal there that would've connected Georgian Bay to Lake Ontario. Apparently, the idea was to give ships a shortcut through the region, so that they wouldn’t have to take the longer route around. Luie Boone thinks shortcuts are a a very pawsome concept. In fact, he personally takes a shortcut through the living room every single day when he hears action in the kitchen.
You might think a dog would have limited knowledge about canals, but Luie Boone is a great listener... unless his hoomans are talking while eating, then there's other priorities to be had. Anyways, he knows that there's the Panama Canal, which hoomans built to help ships travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans without sailing all the way around South America. That is a very long trip, and Luie Boone respects any system that saves time. Then there is the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Luie Boone remembers hearing about a giant ship that got stuck sideways there and blocked the whole canal. It took days to fix, and Luie Boone suspects that at least one extremely important shipment of dog treats and toys was delayed. Possibly his.
Even though the Georgian Bay canal was never built, Luie Boone still thinks it would have been very impressive. Mostly, though, he appreciates the idea that somewhere in the world, hoomans are constantly trying to make travel faster… which, with a little luck, might also make the delivery of his tennis balls and his fiddles just a tiny bit quicker.
Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada, is a very pawsome destination for travelers who want to bring their dogs along for the adventure. Luie Boone is very supportive of this kind of travel planning. Known for rugged granite shorelines and crystal-clear water, Georgian Bay also has thousands of scenic islands that make the area feel like a giant outdoor playground. Many parks, trails, and waterfront areas welcome leashed dogs, which means Luie Boone can responsibly sniff his way through the Canadian wilderness while pretending he is assisting with navigation. Whether visiting beaches or walking along forest paths, there are many ways for hoomans and their four-legged companions to enjoy the natural beauty of the region together.
One of the most popular places to visit along Georgian Bay is the town of Collingwood. It sits along the southern shoreline near the Blue Mountain area and has a lively waterfront that is perfect for exploring with a dog.
Sunset Point Park is a favorite walking spot with wide trails and open green space along the water. Luie Boone thinks it is also an excellent place to stand dramatically at the shoreline and stare into the distance like a philosopher, even though he is mostly watching for ducks.
Just minutes away, Blue Mountain Village welcomes visitors with shops, cafés, and outdoor patios where dogs are allowed to relax beside their hoomans. Luie Boone believes this system works very well, because the hoomans get snacks and he gets to sit nearby looking extremely polite. His hoomans might call him a fraud, but Luie Boone insists that maintaining such impressive patio manners takes serious dedication.
Collingwood and Blue Mountain also have several restaurants where dogs are welcome on the patio. One pawsome spot is the Mother Tongue Asian Bistro, which serves Asian-inspired dishes. Popular items include dumplings, pad Thai, torched wagyu chow mein, and bulgogi beef short rib.
Copper Blues Bar and Grill also welcomes canine guests at outdoor tables. While hoomans enjoy meals like surf and turf or slow-roasted prime rib, pups can order from the Pup 'n Patio dog menu. Options include beef liver chews and a beef bowl with peas and brown rice. Luie Boone will have both, thanks!
Another charming Georgian Bay town is Midland, located along the southeastern shoreline. It serves as a gateway to the famous 30,000 Islands and has a relaxed waterfront atmosphere that is perfect for exploring with a dog. And, yes, before you ask, Luie Boone will be visiting all 30,000 islands, even if his hoomans say that's impossible. He can do it; he knows he can.
Little Lake Park in Midland is especially popular with pet owners, in thanks to its walking paths and open green space. The park also includes an off-leash dog area where pets can run and play. Luie Boone strongly approves of places where zoomies are encouraged.
Midland also offers dog-friendly patio dining. Restaurant Sainte-Marie features a welcoming outdoor space with a gazebo and a fountain. Fireplaces add to the cozy atmosphere, and the menu includes a mix of fine dining and traditional Canadian favorites. Dogs are welcome to relax beside their hoomans and even have access to their own drinking station. Luie Boone thinks that kind of service deserves a five-star review!
Just west of Midland, Tiny Township stretches along a peaceful section of shoreline on Georgian Bay. The community is known for its sandy beaches and quiet cottage areas. More than forty miles of waterfront provide plenty of space for relaxed walks with a leashed dog. Small parks and nature areas can be found throughout the township, including Lafontaine Park, where dogs are welcome to join their hoomans for a stroll. Tiny Township has a calm atmosphere that makes it easy for visitors and their pets to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Farther north along the bay lies the scenic community of Parry Sound. Forests and islands surround the town, creating a dramatic landscape along the Canadian Shield. Visitors can enjoy walks along the waterfront or explore nearby Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Leashed dogs are welcome on many of the park’s trails and beach areas!
After a day of exploring, visitors can stop at Tim Hortons for a casual break. The popular Canadian café offers patio seating where dogs are welcome to relax beside their hoomans. Guests can enjoy coffee along with breakfast sandwiches, muffins, or Timbits. Luie Boone believes any location that smells this good deserves a very thorough sniff investigation! Also, Luie Boone's hooman father, Randy, loves drinking Tim Hortons' coffee. Being from Wisconsin, he's never had it straight from the source, so Luie Boone's sure that they'll be stopping by each and every morning. Maybe twice! Especially if there's tasty Timbits involved.
Another peaceful Georgian Bay destination is Meaford, a harbor town known for its relaxed pace and scenic waterfront parks. Many visitors spend time at Beautiful Joe Park, which sits along the shoreline and is named after the famous dog from the classic Canadian novel Beautiful Joe. After exploring the waterfront, visitors can relax at The Leeky Canoe Pub & Eatery. The restaurant has a patio overlooking the bay and even offers a dog menu for pets dining with their hoomans. Luie Boone will definitely bark about both of these places later.
Another beautiful area to explore is Colpoy’s Bay near the community of Wiarton on the Bruce Peninsula. This quieter stretch of Georgian Bay is known for limestone cliffs and clear water. The natural surroundings make it a memorable place for travelers visiting with their dogs. This is where Luie Boone and his hoomans will stay, and he plans to bark about it in great detail later.
A dog-friendly vacation to Georgian Bay offers a wonderful mix of outdoor adventure and welcoming communities. Visitors can explore trails, stroll through waterfront towns, and relax on patios where dogs are part of the experience. With its beautiful landscapes and friendly atmosphere, Georgian Bay is a place where both travelers and their canine companions can make lasting memories. Luie Boone fully intends to help document those memories, mostly by sniffing everything in sight.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay at Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada. Check it out below!
Rental Name: TGIF Cottage
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 6 beds and 2.5 baths.
Photos by greybrucecottages.com
It features the following amenities:
On the shores of Colpoy's Bay
Embraced by the Georgian Bluffs
Perched by a stunning lake
Direct lake access with dock
Expansive deck
Classic Muskoka chairs around firepit
Vast lawn
Rent a kayak from their kayak partner and enjoy the day on the Bay
Explore enchanting trails with your dog
Welcome basket with premium coffee
Luie Boone's hooman dad will love that!
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
My hoomans are planning a trip to the TGIF Cottage on Colpoy’s Bay, part of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada, and I’m coming too. This is excellent news because vacations are always better with Luie Boone. The cottage sits right by the water and is surrounded by trees, which sounds like a very promising sniffing situation. There are cozy couches inside, a big kitchen where my hoomans will make tasty meals, and a deck where my hooman Dad can drink his morning coffee while we watch the sunrise. Behind the cottage, there's a grassy yard that leads down to the water and a private dock. Basically my dream playground! My hoomans are excited about kayaking and enjoying the peaceful view. I'm excited about swimming. Since I already know how to swim, I plan to splash around in the bay like a professional. At night, everyone can sit around the fire pit and roast s’mores, while I supervise very closely in case any snacks fall. My hoomans also told me Colpoy’s Bay was named after British Navy Admiral Sir John Colpoys, so I'll be taking on the name Admiral Luie Boone while we're here. Long ago, the area had sawmills and a busy wharf, but today it's peaceful with trails and calm water. To me that sounds like the perfect place to run, explore, and maybe take a sunny nap on the deck, while my hooman Dad drinks his coffee. I'll still be alert in case someone opens a treat.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing at Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada!
Beautiful Joe Park
This 8.5 acre park in the heart of Meaford is located along the Bighead River and is named for Beautiful Joe, a dog who lived in Meaford many years ago and was the inspiration for a book titled in his name. Joe belonged to a farmer... unfortunately, not a very kind one. This farmer had a bad temper, and it's said that he sadly took that anger out on the poor dog.
Legend has it that the farmer had leased land from a nearby family, the Moore family, and they noticed the cruelty Joe was enduring. The Moores stepped in, rescued Joe, and brought him to their home where they nursed him back to health and gave him the life he deserved all along. The Moore family had a home and a large piece of property where Joe could roam freely. And where exactly was Beautiful Joe’s backyard? Well… it is the very same place where Beautiful Joe Park stands today. The park now offers a pavilion that can be rented, picnic tables, walking trails, and a public washroom for visitors enjoying the space.
Joe’s story went on to inspire one of the first animal-viewpoint novels published in North America. Author Margaret Marshall Saunders wrote Beautiful Joe, telling the story of an abused dog who finds safety and love with a compassionate family. The book helped many people see animals with greater kindness and empathy. Luie Boone finds this story especially meaningful. As a dog who travels with his hoomans and visits parks all over, he thinks it is pretty special that a place where a rescued dog once ran free is now a park where other pups can walk, sniff, and explore. Beautiful Joe may no longer be running along the Bighead River, but his story still lives on in Meaford!
Collingwood Charters
Collingwood Charters is a local family-run business that offers a variety of boat tours on the beautiful Georgian Bay. Their vessel, the Huronic, is dog-friendly, which means pups are welcome to come along for the adventure.
The boat cruises along Georgian Bay welcome dogs to join in the fun. Visitors and their four-legged companions can enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise or a sightseeing tour across the bay. Luie Boone has heard that boat rides can be a very exciting experience for dogs.
The Huronic is docked in Collingwood’s historic harbour, an area known for its long history of shipbuilding and the side-launching of ships into the bay. The vessel itself is a 65-foot tour boat that can seat up to 70 passengers. Inside, the lower level features a fully licensed bar, a snack bar, a washroom, and comfortable seating. The upper deck offers additional seating that is partially covered, providing protection from the weather while still allowing guests to enjoy the views of Georgian Bay.
Northwinds Beach
Northwinds Beach, by far a most popular beach, is located near the Village of Blue Mountain, just past Craigleith Provincial Park. The large sandy beach waterfront and onsite non-motorized watercraft rentals make it an excellent choice for active families and their pups. There's a playground and washroom facilities onsite, as well as several picnic tables throughout the park. Luie Boone will stand guard at the picnic tables, hoping for fiddles.
Northwinds features crystal-clear water and is somewhat secluded. It's a lovely little beach that offers amazing views of Georgian Bay. While often busy, this beach has a relaxed vibe and space to stretch out with your pup, particularly on quieter days. Luie Boone would likely spend his time exploring the shoreline with his hoomans, sniffing the lake breeze and watching the waves roll in. It is a popular spot for kayaking, windsurfing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Northwinds is also the starting point for excursions to the Mary Ward shipwreck located offshore. For a curious pup like Luie Boone, a beach day here would mean plenty of sand, fresh air, and lots of new things to explore.
McCrae Lake Waterfall Trail
McCrae Lake is a relatively large lake connected to Georgian Bay via a small stream of moving water called “McCrae Rapids." You can hike here without fees or permits, but you do have to follow Ontario Parks rules. This beautiful trail leads to a small waterfall along the McDonald River and offers peaceful forest paths. Unfortunately, Luie Boone learned there isn't a McDonald's restaurant off of the McDonald River.
McCrae Lake is one of the most overlooked parks in Ontario. Despite the abundance of trails, it still hasn’t caught on, which is exactly what gives the place its charm and hopefully it will remain that way. Quiet trails, flowing water, and wide open nature make it the kind of place Luie Boone and his hoomans would love exploring together.
Awenda Provincial Park
Awenda Provincial Park is a large recreation area located along the forested shores of Georgian Bay. The park offers visitors a scenic natural setting and welcomes leashed dogs, making it a great place to explore the outdoors together throughout the year. For a traveling pup like Luie Boone, the park would offer endless new trails to sniff and explore with his hoomans.
In winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing along peaceful forest trails, while in summer dogs can cool off and play at the park’s designated dog beach.
Awenda offers a variety of outdoor activities including camping, canoeing, and hiking. Luie Boone would likely enjoy wandering the forest trails, stopping often to investigate interesting smells and watch the waves along the Georgian Bay shoreline.
Visitors can also discover several unique geological features, such as the Nipissing Bluff and a kettle lake formed during the retreat of glaciers at the end of the most recent ice age. The park’s shoreline features a mix of sandy, cobble, and boulder beaches, creating beautiful views and varied landscapes.
The park’s name comes from the Wendat language and means “the word of a man binds him.” Awenda was named to honour the Wendat people who lived in the region for hundreds of years, and archaeological research within the park has revealed evidence of human presence dating back more than 10,000 years.
In addition to its rich cultural history, Awenda Provincial Park protects one of Ontario’s largest old-growth deciduous forests. Visitors and their pups can explore more than 18 miles of trails that wind through the forest and along the scenic shoreline. With so many paths to discover and views to take in, it is the kind of place Luie Boone and his hoomans could happily spend an entire day exploring.
George Christie Nature Trails
This area is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, specifically the Mississauga Nation, and is covered under the Williams Treaties. The forest was established to protect the local watershed and provide a sanctuary for native species. The trail system winds through a mix of towering pines and dense hardwood forest, creating a peaceful setting for visitors and their dogs. As someone who enjoys exploring new trails with his hoomans, Luie Boone would likely find plenty to investigate along these winding paths.
As you explore the interlocking loops, keep your eyes peeled for White-tailed Deer, porcupines, and a wide variety of songbirds that thrive in the thick canopy. A major highlight is the serene atmosphere created by the tall trees and the carpet of ferns that lines the path. The trails are relatively flat with some gentle rolling sections, making them perfect for an easy-going nature walk. While the trails are well marked, there are no washroom facilities on site, so it’s best to plan accordingly. The soft forest floor is also excellent for trail running or a relaxed outing with your dog on a leash, something Luie Boone and his hoomans would certainly appreciate during a quiet forest adventure.
Robitaille Homestead Trail
Hikers and their canine pals can follow this trail to an ancient dune system. The age of these sand dunes has been estimated at about 11,500 years, dating back to the time of the last glacial retreat. The dunes are a very fragile environment, and it is prohibited to climb the hillside, stand on the edge of the bluff, or climb down the bluff! These protections allow plants to reestablish themselves and help preserve the area for future park visitors. Luie Boone and his hoomans would be sure to admire the dunes from the proper viewing areas, while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
On the way to the dunes, the trail also passes an abandoned farmstead originally built in 1902. Remains of the stone foundations and old fence rows can still be seen along the path, offering a glimpse into the area’s past. For an explorer like Luie Boone, the walk would be full of interesting scents, quiet forest paths, and plenty of history to discover along the way.
The Leeky Canoe
Discover the Leeky Canoe in Meaford, a trendy and cozy spot with a great beer selection, live music, and delicious food options. The name might sound like a canoe with a small problem, but thankfully the only thing “leaking” here is good vibes and great food! Guests can dine beside their four-legged companions, and the seasonal outdoor seating makes it a great place to unwind with Fido during breakfast or lunch.
Menu items include appetizers, wings, salads, sandwiches and more.
The restaurant also provides a special “dog menu” for pups dining on the patio with their hoomans, making it an ideal stop for dog owners looking for a pet-friendly dining experience. Luie Boone would certainly approve of any restaurant that serves snacks to both dogs and hoomans. The Leeky Canoe is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Do not forget your pup.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
Trips usually mean adventures, new smells, and lots of time outside. But then I heard them talking about something scary: poison ivy. Apparently, poison ivy grows a lot there, especially along trails and in the forests near the water. I’ve never had poison ivy myself, but I’ve heard stories from my hooman siblings who did. They said it mades them really, really itchy, which sounds absolutely terrible if you ask me. My hoomans say dogs usually don’t react the same way that hoomans do, but they still like to wipe my paws if I wander through suspicious plants. Even so, I’m still very excited for this trip. I can’t wait to explore the forests and maybe even meet some squirrels I’ve never barked at before. My hoomans are now studying pictures of leaves and trying to learn how to spot poison ivy. Personally, I think they should just follow me and stay away from those tricky three-leaf plants!
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