This Barrie 360 feature has been brought to you by Barrie Boat Fishing & Outdoor Show
With so many awesome spots to hit the water in Ontario, it can be tough to pick a starting point. After all, there are over 250,000 lakes and over 100,000 kms of rivers in Ontario! There's no real bad place to go boating or fishing, but we've narrowed down a few hidden gems for you.
Chicken Bay
Well, duh. We had to start in our own backyard! Just east of Minets Point and Brentwood Marina, on the south side of Kempenfelt Bay you'll find 'Chicken Bay'. It's not marked on any maps, but in the summer months you'll find plenty of boats with their anchors in enjoying the shallow water and in the winter the perch fishing is pretty darn good.
Big Chief
OK, this one isn't *exactly* a secret but it is awesome. The perfect spot to anchor in the summer, with waist deep water and a sandy bottom. It does get busy on long weekends, but the OPP keep a close eye on things to make sure everyone is staying safe and having fun.
The 30,000 Islands - Georgian Bay
Have you even boated in Ontario if you haven't cruised G-Bay? Georgian Bay has everything - magnificent scenery, endless islands and great fishing. You'll need to pay attention to your charts as there are rocks, but Georgian Bay is really well marked so you don't have to worry too much.
The Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is Ontario's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 45 locks at 27 lock stations, this 202-km waterway is oldest continuously operated canal in North America. Begin your journey at Old Fort Henry and end it at the stepped locks that lead to the Parliament Buildings. It's a trip that every Ontario boater should make at least once!
Muskoka
In 2012, National Geographic named Muskoka one of the best places to visit in the summer. Anyone who has ever visited Muskoka was not surprised by this news. Dramatic rocky outcroppings? Check. Crystal clear water? Check. Gorgeous resorts with all the amenities you could need? Check. See ya this summer
Lake of the Woods/Kenora
One of Northern Ontario's premiere destinations for boating and fishing, Kenora is the perfect launch pad to explore lake of the woods and its 14,522 islands. The lake's fish species include walleye, northern pike, muskie, smallmouth bass, lake trout and yellow perch. You could spend a week exploring the shoreline, beaches and crystal clear waters and still not see it all.
Lake Rosseau
Lake Rosseau feels a little bit like a step back in time. Rosseau has cottages that date back to the 19th century, and is a favourite cottaging spot of celebs like Goldie Hawn and Steve Yzerman. It's also a great spot to catch large Muskoka walleye, largemouth bass and lake trout.
Flowerpot Island
Tobermory's Flowerpot Island is only accessible by boat, and believe us when we tell you it is worth the trip. Home to a gorgeous beach, stunning waters, natural sea stacks, campsites, hiking trails and breathtaking views. Basically, it's the perfect destination. You're welcome.
Feature image courtesy of Houseboatadventures.com
