The adventures of MR5 as she cruises America's Great Loop
Georgian Bay: Echo Bay to Mill Lake
July 30, 2026 to August 8, 2026
Venturing out into Georgian Bay was the most anticipated stage of our journey and a dream come true. Among past loopers, it has the reputation of being the best part of the loop with its magnificent scenery and its unique topography.
However, it is also quite challenging when maneuvering the boat through its 30,000 islands and its unforgiving granite lined waters. Mariners are continuously warned to stay in the channel where marked, pay close attention to current charts when not in a channel, and to otherwise “eyeball” the waters for additional caution. There are many catastrophes each year — and we have heard of several thus far this year — where boats have been severely damaged due to the unforgiving mysteries that lie beneath the surface. There is a lucrative business in repairing damaged propellers and boat hulls.
But, despite the dangers, beauty abounds and we will try to do it justice with our photos.
First stop: Henry’s Fish Restaurant! It’s only accessible by boat. (See Rambler on the dock in the distance.)Henry’s is located on Frying Pan Island. It’s an appropriate location for a restaurant that serves a LOT of fried food.The fish was lip smacking good (note the empty plate).Some customers travel by seaplane to Henry’s.A seaplane on the way to Echo Bay. The two modes of transportation in Georgian Bay are boats and seaplanes.A peaceful night on Echo Bay. The tranquility is astounding.Boston Pizza in Parry Sound. It was OK, but not quite the same.We visited the Bobby Orr (a former NHL player for the Boston Bruins) Museum one block away.Bobby Orr (one of the greatest hockey players of all time) was from Parry Sound. (Statue by Armand LaMontagne) Chris had a very brief opportunity to feel what it’s like to win the Stanley Cup…sort of.This statue (hanging from the ceiling) by Harry Weber is based on a famous photo of Bobby Orr jumping through the air after scoring the goal that clinched the 1970 Stanley Cup.This is the world-class Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts. It is constructed out of the area’s natural stone and indigenous trees and has outstanding acoustics.Each summer they hold a music festival and our timing couldn’t be better.We were entertained by a big brass band and some exceptional swing music. This spectacular sunset was taken at 10:00 PM.Here’s another shot of the sunset a few minutes later.Lighthouses on route to Gun Barrell in the Bustard IslandsThis is the secluded anchorage we selected for a one night stay. In the morning we were entertained by a small group of loons splashing in the water. Alas, it was not long enough to photograph.Georgian Bay is best explored using small watercrafts. So, our dinghy was finally put to good use.Our friends from Blue Loon, Matt and Jean, lead the way up narrow, treacherous passages on Bad River. We needed to be on constant watch for unforgiving rocks that could inflict damage on our propellers.The rapids at Bad River were flowing wildly.Jean and Matt courageously lead the way up one of the ‘milder’ rapids.Now, this is dinghying at its finest!And sometimes you might just need to break out the paddles. Perhaps a canoe would have been better?Our first beaver sighting!A bald eagle was attracted to fish scraps left by one of our fellow fishing boaters.There were a good number of boats so the usual Docktales was dubbed “Rocktales”.Mill Lake was stunning. When the water is still and calm, it acts as the perfect mirror for the beauty above.If you turn this photo clockwise 90 degrees (or turn your head counterclockwise), what do you see?Captain Chris enjoyed navigation on these extremely calm waters and has even considered the option of spending more time here. Hmmm…
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