Trip Rating
Description:
Mountains in Ontario? Yep, there sure are. What they lack in height, they make up for in uniqueness. They are almost bright white and in the fall they have the most magnificent colours that you could ever imagine. Outdoor people’s Instagram feeds get a steady stream of pictures from the hiking and canoe routes on the interior portion of the park but there is a wonderland of sea kayak paradise on the costal portion of Georgian Bay. This trip is best done as a multi-day expedition. THis post will recap one of our 5 day trips around the Fox Island Group.
Launch Spot Options:
Parking can be an issue at this area. It is definitely to your advantage to arrive mid week. It can get very busy in the Summer.
Option 1: Chikanishing Trail
The most popular and probably safest option for parking is at the large lot at the end of Chikanishing Road. There is a clean and level launch area with a compostable toilet. It also has good facilities for trash. As mentioned above, it can be busy. I have never seen so many sea kayaks in one spot before. To make sure you experience as little pain as possible if you use this lot, be sure to pay for your parking at the Ontario Parks – Lake George office and get your permit there. There is a machine at the lot, but I have never successfully got it to work.
Cost: $15 per day
Option 2: Church of St. Bonaventure
This option is a bit of a secret! Aren’t you glad you know fanatical, obsessive kayak bloggers? 😉 There is a church in town that lets you park for $5 a night. You can launch across the street at the launch beside the fish and chips place. That is very convenient at the end of the trip.
Cost: $5 per day
Trip Length:
As much as it is possible to do this as a day trip, I have only ever done it as a 4-6 day trip. It’s a long drive from Hamilton, so I try to make as much use of my time as possible once I am there. Here is a typical trip itinerary for our 5-day expeditions.
Day 1: Launch from Chik Creek and set up camp.
There are so many amazing campsites that it isn’t necessary to post the “secret” ones. During all the times I have been there, we have been able to find space for groups of various sizes. I really like West Fox Island, Le Hayes and Martens on the first night.
Day 2: Day trip to West Fox Island.
One of the coolest places to explore is the islands around West Fox. There are some amazing stony beaches with great views of the LaCloche Mountains that you can stop for lunch on, and on the Southeast side of the main island, some extremely cool rock formations.
Day 3: Day Trip to Blockbuster Island.
Another cool place to explore is Blockbuster Island. It has the distinction of being the island with the only thunderbox that I am aware of in the area. If you land on the Southeast shore, there is a flat albeit slippery place to get out and stretch your legs. From there, you can hike to the highest point in the area and enjoy some incredible views of the bay.
Day 4: Lazy Day.
Nothing beats a rest day on the islands!
Day 5: Head home.
The paddle back is bittersweet. As you approach the creek, the view of the mountains becomes more clear, but it also means the trip is coming to a close. That’s okay. Each trip ends with a trip to the best fish and chips ever!
Apres Options:
My favourite food after an expedition in The Foxes is undeniably Herbert’s!
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Depending on the conditions, this trip would require a minimum of level 2 or higher skills.
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