Georgian Bay is a special place...
…a unique North American ecosystem that reflects its diverse geology and landscapes that record the last 2.4 billion years of Earth history.
It is the crown jewel of Canadian geology and a key part of the shared legacy of human understanding of how our planet has evolved.
Historically, the study of Georgian Bay rocks paved the way
for modern global understanding of how continents form and migrate,
and oceans come and go as part of a grand supercontinent cycle.
The formation and breakup of ancient supercontinents that record ancient plate tectonics, massive mountain ranges, ancient ice ages and giant rivers, the nature of Earth’s early atmospheres, and the rise of complex life forms that lived in giant seas, are recorded in the rocks that surround Georgian Bay.
Establishment of a prestigious UNESCO Geopark
in Georgian Bay (Canada’s largest)
will ensure over the coming decades that the Bay becomes a robust ‘territory of resilience’ providing exciting opportunities for regional geotourism, public education and ongoing fundamental research into its rocks and landscapes, and the many cultures that call this unique place home.
Four essential building blocks can help us get there:
Establishing 100+ Geopark Sites
Developing The Geopark On line
Education and Research Initiatives
Community Leadership
100 + GEO SITES
Geology Sites
Cultural Archaeology Sites
Historical and Tourism Sites
THE GEOPARK ONLINE
Virtual tours of each Geosite
For each Geopark site
- Science
- Legends
- History
- Landmarks
For each Geopark site
Links to
- Local tourism services
- Things to do
- Businesses
- Cultural and community events
EDUCATION & RESEARCH
Researchers, scientists and thought leaders will populate the Geopark website with information that will enhance and contribute to Conservation efforts around The Bay.
Virtual Field Trips and modules for use by educators at all levels.
An easily accessed and ever evolving library
of the latest Georgian Bay research and studiesThe first Geopark Research project is underway using drone based Lidar mapping technology. See the Education, Research and Field Trips page for more details
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
The online platform will be a rich resource for Municipalities, First Nations, Businesses and Organizations to plan and implement the Geopark for their region.
Communities, businesses and organizations will be able to use the website to
Network with other geoparks
Access guidelines, branding and communications materials
Funding opportunities to plan and implement local Geopark acivites
