Location

Beausoleil Island, the main feature of Georgian Bay Islands National Park, can be packed to the gunwales with boats in popular spots like Fryingpan Bay and Chimney Bay. The north end of the island, west of Fryingpan, offers one alternative with decidedly more privacy. Pirate’s Cove is just west of Long Bay, which itself is a better alternative to Fryingpan, although it too can be crowded. The downside of “Pirate’s” is that it is somewhat exposed, which can mean chop, and there are enough shoals in the approaches (especially in these low-water years) that you are well advised to visit Long Bay first and scout an approach with your dinghy. But even as a day anchorage, this is a lovely alternative to far more popular hangouts close by.