Some things to know about Georgian Bay...
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1. It's the largest bay off Lake Huron and sometimes called the 6th great lake. It is part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Georgian Bay is relatively shallow (max depth 541 feet) for its size, so the waves can be big and the windsurfing is good. Torontonians who "cottage" either go to Muskoka or they go to Georgian Bay. Goldie Hawn has a cottage in Muskoka, John Irving in Georgian Bay.
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2. Speaking of which, if you'd like to read some Georgian Bay fiction before you visit, we recommend Last Night in Twisted River. Joseph Boyden's The Orenda also takes place in Georgian Bay in the last years of the Huron Confederacy (1640-1660). There is also this recent essay that captures the vibe, sort of. For some beautiful photographs of Georgian Bay, either follow Cam's dad on Instagram (@itudhope) or check out Joseph Hartman.
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3. Georgian Bay is unruly. We aren't getting married in a church, but we are praying for good weather. In case our prayers aren't answered, however, be prepared for this (also, a glimpse into a favourite Canadian pastime).
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Be prepared FOR...
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1. Bring a fleece and rain gear. We will provide you with umbrellas.
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2. Bring sunscreen and bug spray, though the wind is usually enough to keep bugs away.
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3. The rocks are "flat" but not flat, and slippery where they hit the water. We usually spend most of our time in bare feet, but water shoes / tevas are a fashionable alternative. High heels are fine for the cocktail party and reception, but bring something else for getting on / off the boat, etc...
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4. Georgian Bay has poison ivy, which gives you a very itchy rash. It has three leaves and is shiny, with a slightly reddish stem. There shouldn't be much / any at the wedding venues, but there could be on uninhabited islands. If you touch it, wash the area with cold water and soap.
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5. The littlest risk in Georgian Bay is the Massasauga rattlesnake. There are usually fewer than five bites per year and there have been no rattlesnake-related deaths in Ontario in more than 40 years. The cure is an anti-venom serum, which is available at the Parry Sound hospital. Georgian Bay rattlesnakes are usually under a metre long and you identify them because their tail doesn't taper, and instead forms a rattle. Most snakes you will see here will not be rattlesnakes. They are endangered so you can't kill them (and, if you do, Anouk's mom will probably kill you).
6. Learn how to swim.
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Some notes on accommodation and food...
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1. Most guests are staying at Rockwood Resort, which is a super cute set of cabins run by the incredible Kim and Zach. Rockwood is about 10 mins by boat from Anouk's cottage. It is about 20 mins by car to Gilly's marina, which is then 5 mins by boat to Anouk's cottage.
2. We have taken the luxury of grouping guests into cabins and will send you your Cabin number a week before arrival. We will also send you an invoice for the cost of accommodation (~$240 CAD per guest for the weekend).
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3. Your Rockwood fridges will be stocked for all meals not eaten jointly beginning Friday morning (e.g. Friday breakfast, Saturday breakfast, Saturday lunch). It would be super helpful if you could let us know when you are arriving here so that we stock the correct amount.
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4. If you would like alcohol for these other meals, your best bet is stopping at the liquor store (LCBO) in Parry Sound on your way up. It closes at 6pm.
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...and This is a georgian bay
dinner jacket (not required):
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Photo Credit: Ian Tudhope
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