Nestled in the southern-central region of Ontario, Canada is a treasure named the Georgina Region. Georgina is known historically as Canada’s original cottage country, and nowadays it proudly holds the title of the ice fishing capital of Ontario.
With Toronto within a comfortable 45 minutes driving distance, and Lake Simcoe offering tremendous options for activities, this is a hot destination for both vacation getaways and picnic weekend trips. Keswick and Sutton are the most popular communities in Georgina, but there are also other little towns dotting the area, each offering something unique to travelers and locals alike.
The town of Georgina itself, while only incorporated in the mid-1980s, actually has a long history. People were attracted to this location for its natural beauty and incredible fishing opportunities. There is truly something for everyone here – whether you like hiking, a picnic at sprawling parks, a day at the beach, bird watching, the arts or museums you don’t have to go very far to find it all.
Georgina covers about 32 miles of land on the south shores of Lake Simcoe, which is bright and clean. Travelling from one point to another, visitors have an opportunity to view some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery and enjoy various artisan shops, farmer markets, and cottages. You can be as busy as you want, or laid-back and private after a hectic week at work. You’ll find the locals very helpful and respectful of either approach to travel.
If you prefer outdoor activities, then golfing, hiking, boating, swimming, mountain biking, fishing, windsurfing, kite boarding, ice kiting are only some of the endless choices Georgina provides. If that weren’t enough, there are protected forests, a butterfly conservatory, a skating park and numerous walking trails where you can really take your time and see this outdoors paradise.
Georgina hosts annual ice fishing championships, well known in Ontario and beyond.
If you like history and art, visit several churches built in the late 1870s, Canada’s oldest summer theatre at the Red Barn, the Georgina Pioneer Village & Museum and the Briars Golf Club.
Keswick
Keswick is the largest community in Georgina, and offers the best of nature and convenience for travelers and natives alike. This town is situated at the Cook’s Bay, at the southern point of Lake Simcoe, at the closest distance to Toronto and Newmarket, Sutton, Beaverton and Barrie. It offers shopping and dining experience, but still manages to keep this serene cottage country appeal, as it is not yet as developed as Niagara-on-the-Lake or Orillia.
Keswick is part of an area called “cottage country” because cottages and small inns are so popular here. Depending on the time of year you’ll find people taking advantage of reasonable accommodations so they can ice fish, snow mobile, laze around on a sunny beach, go boating or take in a live concert. And like so much of the glorious Georgina region there are plenty of parks and marinas too.
When in Keswick, visit the oldest diner in the area, the Riveredge restaurant. You can get there by water. Boat and snowmobile parking is available at Riveredge along with regular car parking. Rent a waterfront cottage for your weekend or weeklong trip.
Sutton
Sutton is a small village in Georgina, originally having been founded on industrial business. By the mid-1800s it sported a town hall, post office and gristmill. Much of this history is still visible in the architecture around town. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the close proximity of Lake Simcoe beaches, and the Sibbald Point Provincial park with literally thousands of miles to explore for camping. Many visitors come to Sutton specifically for the Perch and Bass fishing during the summer, or ice fishing in the winter. There are numerous establishments where you can rent or buy the equipment you need – including boats.
The allure of Sutton doesn’t end there. In particular the Blue Willow Butterflies and Blooms is sure to dazzle you. Literally just minutes from Sutton this Butterfly conservatory offers complete interactive experiences suited for education or just a fun day with your family. There are 100 plus displays of butterflies from around the world. If you’re celebrating a special occasion you may be able to arrange for a butterfly release as part of the observance. You’ll find the Conservatory at 23834 Highway 48 where its open until 6 pm Monday – Saturday and 5pm Sunday.
For business travelers or those who enjoy a good round of golf, the Briars resort is also convenient to Sutton. The grounds of this resort look more like sculpted gardens than lawns. You can get a regular room or enjoy a private lodge right on the lake. The resort also offers spa packages for a little pampering.
From this location you’re well within reach of kayaking, pedal boats, swimming, biking and horseback riding – weather permitting. The only down side is that this resort is pricy – you can often enjoy all Sutton has to offer by staying at one of the more reasonably priced cottages that dot the region.
Sibbald Point
Located to the western part of Sutton, Ontario, the Sibbald Point Provincial Park is a common tourist area that’s also loved by locals because it’s right on Lake Simcoe and only about a 45 minute drive to Toronto. There’s plenty of beach front space here for enjoying picnics. Combine that with a neighboring forest ideal for hiking and well-kept beaches and its easy to see what people come here again and again.
One interesting attraction located in the park is the Sibbald Memorial Museum. The building itself is a converted 1840s cottage that stores all manner of memorabilia from the nineteen century. Just next to the park you’ll find another architectural stop – St. George’s Anglican Church built in 1877.
If you’re planning a trip to Georgina, the
Toronto airport is by far the most accessible with the greatest number of
inexpensive flights throughout the year. From here you can rent a car or get a
shuttle into whatever town you’ve chosen. There is also bus service with GO Transit and
Transit Georgina for inter community travel without needing a car.
If travelling by car, go up to the end of
highway 404, and proceed north on either Woodbine or Leslie to get to Keswick.
Use highway 404, then highway 48 to get to Sutton and Sibbald point.
Bear in mind that this entire region attracts
tourists year round, but the busiest time is during winter when ice fishing
competitions begin. You’ll want to book early if that’s on your agenda.
About the authors: Olga and David from
www.simcoecottagerentals.ca provide a serene 4 season waterfront cottage for
rent in Keswick, ON. They fell in love with Georgina and Lake Simcoe, and enjoy
windsurfing, boating and road trips at their spare time.
