GEORGIAN BAY – MUSKOKA’S RUGGED COAST

The Delawana Inn Spa & Conference Resort is located in one of Ontario's most historic areas. Discover the many local attractions surrounding the Delawana Inn Spa & Conference Resort, including the Martyrs' Shrine, visited by Pope John Paul II. The picturesque scenery of the south east shore of Ontario's Georgian Bay region has also been captured on canvas by many of the Group of Seven artists. Today this location is a favored by budding painters and photographers.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Just off the shores from Honey Harbour, and Midland, Beausoleil Island is the largest of a cluster of 59 islands that make up the Georgian Bay Islands National Park. We have a boat that can take you over to Beausoleil Island at 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM daily where you can discover for yourself the beautiful hiking and biking trails. Tuesday & Thursday is picnic day at the Delawana where guests can enjoy a bar-b-que lunch and organized activities on the island.

All pontoon boat shuttles to Beausoleil Island are complimentary and the park entrance fee is included for Delawana guests.

Learn more about Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Visit Georgian Bay Islands National Park's web site

Georgian Bay's Royal Island

The makeover of the 25 acre Royal Island immediately across from the Delawana Inn Spa & Conference Resort now offers several private beach areas, an expanded hiking trail system and will be the site for our expanded Eco-Adventure programs for adults and kids!

View the Royal Island map (PDF format - 207 KB) >>

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

Next to the Saint-Marie, the Wye Marsh is one of Canada’s most foremost environmental attractions and gives visitors of all ages the chance to be touched by nature. Inside, you will be introduced to a variety of wildlife and wetland stories. Outside, self-guided trails lead you to an observation tower and floating boardwalk where you can see up close: countless wonders of forest, streams and marsh and in particular the magnificent Trumpeter swans which Wye Marsh has reintroduced.

Visit Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre's web site

Martyrs’ Shrine

This church was built in 1926 and stands as a testimony to the faith of the Jesuit missionaries who labored among the Huron Indians (1625-1650). As one of the four national shrines in Canada, Martyrs’ Shrine Church offers Masses at 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM and 7:30 PM.

Visit Martyrs Shrine's web site

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons

Across from Martyrs’ Shrine, the Sainte-Marie among the Hurons was established in 1639 as the headquarters of the French Jesuit mission to the Hurons and was the first European community in Ontario. The site has a museum with descriptions of the area.

Visit Saint-Marie Among the Hurons' web site

Discovery Harbour

Built by the British after the war of 1812, Discovery Harbour is a 19th Century naval and military outpost where three full sized naval vessels take you on a cruise through the lake into the evening.

Visit Discovery Harbour's web site

King’s Wharf Theatre

It's hard to imagine a more ideal setting for summer theatre than the picturesque King's Wharf Theatre. Located on the shores of Georgian Bay in Penetanguishene, the theatre is only a 40 minute drive from Barrie and Orillia. Nestled within Discovery Harbour, the 385-seat theatre is flanked by majestic tall ships and historic buildings - a fascinating step back into the history of a 19th-century British naval and military base. This unique, rustic theatre is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible.

Visit The Kings Wharf Theatre web site for the 2006 line-up

Big Chute Marine Railway

This engineering marvel literally transports boats in a giant carriage up and over a 19 meter height of land between Gloucester Pool and the Upper Severn River. The marine railway has been in operation since 1917 and was renovated in 1978 to allow the movement of vessels up to 30 meters long.

Learn more about the Big Chute Marine Railway

Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh

A farm…a winery…a year-round Muskoka experience. Drop by anytime to taste our wines and see what's new in The Cranberry Store - we've got new stuff coming in everyday! While you're here, think about hiking on one of The Cranberry Trails to see what the farm looks like in spring. There is no charge for using the trails. The harvest fun peaks with the Bala Cranberry Festival. It’s always the weekend after Thanksgiving and it’s when the whole town celebrates the harvest! See you on the marsh!

Visit the Johnston’s web site

Other things to do (An excerpt from “Muskoka – Once discovered, Never Forgotten)….

Georgian Bay’s rugged shores are perfect for finding a good spot, dropping anchor and watching the world sail by, but you may want to come in June so you can feast at the Chamber or Commerce Annual Lobsterfest in Port Severn. It’s an evening of lobster, steak and live entertainment that shouldn’t be missed.
Honey Harbour is home to a packed Canada Day festival on the 1st of July, with an antique boat parade, food, children’s activities, entertainment and unique vendors.