11 Photos That Show Off the Beauty of the North Channel

Whether you're paddling, painting, sailing or hiking, Lake Huron's North Channel is a stunner.

Just mention the namethe North Channel. To me, this iconic waterway on Northern Georgian Bay evokes images of pink granite, glacier-smoothed rocky shoreline, crystal clear blue waters, and windswept pines. It evokes feelings of peacefulness, solitude, and relaxation where one can truly experience nature in its purest form. 

Whether you’re sailing or paddling on it, painting or hiking near it, swimming or diving in it, the North Channel never ceases to take your breath away!

The highlight of my summers for the past 26 years has been to spend time aboard our sailing vessel, Windswept, cruising the open waters and exploring the nooks and crannies of the islands and shoreline of the North Channel. I've had the pleasure of meeting many a sailor and power boater who are lured back time and time again by the magic of the North Channel. These folks have the same passion for the waterway. Here are just a few photos to pique your interest and to share the beauty, so that you too may one day visit the North Channel of Lake Huron in Northeastern Ontario.

See a map of the North Channel on the North Channel Marine Tourism Council website!

A Moiles Harbour sunrise. All photos by Rod MacLeod.
 
Thomas Bay.
 
Fraser Bay.
 
North Benjamin Island.
 
Armour Island. 
 
South Benjamin Island.
 
A North Channel rainbow.
 
Odjig Island.
 
Bear Drop Harbour.
 
Croker Island.
 
Turnbull Island.
About Donna MacLeod

is the former Executive Director of Northeastern Ontario Tourism, and spends her free time sailing and travelling.

Recommended Articles

Spectres of the Past: A Ghost Town Field Trip

Follow this trail of abandoned communities on a road trip through the history of Northeastern Ontario

Fish for one of the World's Rarest Species of Trout

Found only in 12 remote Ontario lakes–and nowhere else in the world–the aurora trout is a special fish.

The Vanishing Waterfall

Visit the "new" New Post Falls in Northeastern Ontario

Northern Lights in Northeastern Ontario

5 great spots in The Seven to find the Aurora Borealis.

A Guide to Mushroom Hunting

How, when and where to go, and what to look for

Ontario's Secret Lagoon

Discover paradise just outside of Sudbury

Cochrane: Wonderfully Unexpected

One of Canada's top 50 small towns!

Complete Guide to Moosonee & Moose Factory Island

12 essential experiences for visitors.

Eat Like It's Easter!

Check out these establishments for Easter specials & events.

Crossing The Northern divide

You don’t need a passport to hop this border!

Explore the Northeastern Towns of Ontario

Best Things to Do in Kirkland Lake: The Town that Gold Built

Check out a self-guided gold mine tour, a northern chateau museum, and get some beach time!

5 Amazing Bike Rides to Discover

Varied terrain, quiet roads, and flowy trails—The Seven is calling.

Manitoulin Rocks!

Understanding Alvars and What Happened in Walkerton

An Insider's Guide to Manitoulin Island

12 communities, sights, hikes and experiences that most first-time visitors miss!

This is the Must-Do Road Trip of Summer!

The Georgian Bay Coastal Route winds through some of Northeastern Ontario's most beautiful landscapes.

Non-Resident Guide to Ontario's Whitetail

Know before you go.

From spa days to fishing weekends to yoga trips

You deserve to get away!

Lake Nipissing Fishing Hot Spots

Nipissing is one massive lake with plenty of fishing opportunities to keep anglers exploring.

Adventure Touring Manitoulin Island’s Wild Side