At 48,000 square Kilometers, the geopark would be one of the largest geoparks in the world.
The pink part of the map indicates the Aspiring Geopark boundaries.
100 Signature Geosites
As a start, the Aspiring Geopark has identified approximately 100 geosites.
In their words, the signature geosites will be “managed by others”. Many of the geosites fall within provincial or national parks, are entire towns, or are not equipped with facilities or staff. The costs and responsibilities of managing the volume of visitors will be be borne by municipalities and government parks.
Here are just a few of the sites in Georgian Bay that they are claiming.
Many are home to endangered species, many are home to permanent and seasonal residents, and quite a few are Indigenous sacred sites.
None of the sites will be managed by the Geopark.
Giant’s Tomb Island
Part of Awenda Provincial Park and an Indigenous sacred site, legend marks this as the resting place of Kitchekewana.
Severn Sound
Severn Sound includes the sensitive habitat of Matchedash Bay. Thanks to environmental groups, this sensitive area has shown recovery from habitat loss and eutrophication.
Honey Harbour
The population of under 300 permanent residents balloons to over 10,000 in the summer season. it offers boat-access to the Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
Pancake Islands
A five minute boat ride from Killbear Provincial Park, these island are unstaffed and have no amenities.
Wreck Island
Wreck Island is in the heart of Massassauga provincial park and one of the last “outer islands” before the open waters of Georgian Bay.
Sans Souci Island
Local residents and transient boaters in the Sans Souci area make use of a number of natural harbours, Provincial picnic sites and the Massasauga Provincial Park
Parry Sound Harbour
Located at the south tip of the town of Parry Sound, this harbour also abuts Wasauking First Nation.
Pointe au Baril
The permanent population of Pointe au Baril is about 200 to 250 people and increases to a summer high of over 8,000. more info
Flowerpot Island
Flowerpot Island Is in Fathom Five National marine Park. It is already experiencing overtourism. more info
Want to learn more? Read our blog.
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