September 2025
Ten riders embarked on an epic journey to explore and celebrate the five geological deep-time zones of the Georgian Bay Geopark. The adventure kicked off along the sand dune shoreline of Lake Huron, tracing the western side of the Saugeen Peninsula to the breathtaking dolostone and limestone cliffs and ancient sea caves near Tobermory.
Riders navigated the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail network, which included quiet country roads in Bruce County, Georgian rail trails in Grey County, and a mix of trails with dedicated paved paths from Penetanguishene to Waubaushene in Simcoe County. This tour was a demonstration project funded by the Canada Government (FedDev) under the Tourism Growth Fund, showcasing sustainable tourism within a Conversation Economy. The tour emphasized slow travel, small groups, and enriching learning experiences with visitors who respect nature, culture, and communities, all in Canada. Additionally, the tour was designed to contribute to local community economies.
Peter, one of the riders from Alberta, exclaimed, “The Tour was exceptional, exceeding our expectations with the stunning range of landscapes we rode through and the excellent selection of accommodation from picturesque suites at Sweetwater Bay Inn south of Tobermory, sunrise cottages at Cobble Beach Resort, and finishing under the stars at our glamping experience at Glen Oro Eco-Retreat. The final day hiking on the Canadian Shield in Georgian Bay Islands National Park topped off a fabulous tour in Canada, right at our doorstep.” 🌲🏞️
Davis, one of the riders from Toronto, remarked, “The Tour made me appreciate the exceptional opportunities we have in our own front yard. I went from seeing Georgian Bay from two dimensions to incredible three-dimensional landscapes. 🌲🏞️
“I’d do it again!” is how Trish summed up her experience! Only in Canada, Eh! 🌟🚴♂️🚴♀️ 🇨🇦
Dream! Tease yourself to the seven-day tour with this 4 minute video.
2025 South Coast GBG Tour – Rocks – Aug 7, 2017 – Oct 5, 2025.
Embrace the journey, discover the beauty, and let the spirit of adventure guide you! 🌍✨🚴♂️🚴♀️🇨🇦
DEEP TIME’ is the themed expression of how exploring and understanding the past helps create a better future. The unique DEEP TIME story and its eight geological chapters encourages both visitors and residents to know the past, celebrate the present and help create a more resilient future for the Bay and its many communities.
2.7 billion years
Sault Ste Marie to Serpent River
The ancient mineral-rich rocks of the North Channel record the breakup of the planet’s oldest supercontinent – and the birth of the Huronian Ocean.
1.8 billion years
Serpent River to Killarney
The Group of Seven’s white rolling quartzite hills are the stumps of mountains formed when landmasses collided to form supercontinent Nuna
1.3 billion years
Killarney to Honey Harbour
The waterscape of the 30,000 Islands exposes the deep crustal roots of the immense Grenville Mountains formed when North and South America collided.
500 million years
Manitoulin Island
Much of North America was covered by warm shallow seas, teeming with early marine life that left fossil-rich limestones on Manitoulin Island.
350 million years
Tobermory to Wiarton
Within the last 2 million years, the Bruce/Saugeen peninsula was scoured by Ice Age ice sheets that cut deep valleys into the face of the Niagara Escarpment such as at Owen Sound.
13,000 years
Collingwood to Wiarton
The raised beaches of glacial Lake Algonquin surround the coast of southern Georgian Bay like staircases and hosted the camps of caribou-hunting Paleo-Indians 11,000 years ago.
Last 10,000 years
Collingwood to Honey Harbour
The ancient hard rocks of the Canadian Shield meet the softer limestones of the ancient seas creating a stark contrast in landscapes, ecosystems, and a diverse cultural history unique in North America.
4,000 years to today
Waters of Georgian Bay
In 1615 Samuel de Champlain called Georgian Bay ‘La Mer Douce’ (the sweet water sea). An early map also portrays it as Karegnondi, derived from ‘lake’ in the language of the Petun First Nation.
