This summer we are kayaking parts of the Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay. My bud and I are camping at Cyprus Lake campground in the Bruce Peninsula and then on to Sturgeon Bay campground in the Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park. Has anyone stayed at these campgrounds? I know that the best kayaking is at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, but can we lauch our kayaks from the campground? Also, at Sturgeon Bay, is this a nice locaiton to paddle from if the weather turns bad?
Thanks!

Hey Patrick. I have been camping at Cyprus Lake for more than 20 years. It is beautiful and great for hiking. Cyprus Lake is a small lake but you can paddle to the west end of the lake and follow the creek into Cameron Lake. This isn't really very eventfull and I am sure not the kind of paddling you are looking for. You can't launch into Georgian Bay from the campgroung unless you want to carry your kayaks for a 15-20 min hike. Hike the trails out to Georgian Bay just to take in the sites but not to paddle.
The best spot to launch is Dunks Bay, located between Tobermory and Cyprus Lake Campground (turn on to Dunks Bay Rd from Hwy 6 and head East to the End). There is a small public beach (very small) and a limited amount of parking. Most of the property is privately owned here, actually for the whole Tobermory region.
From Dunks Bay you can paddle south along the shore to the areas that the trails at Cyprus Lake lead to. This can be a dangerous paddle. There are very few location to land if the weather picks up. The shore turns to large cliffs that rise high above the water. I wouldn't attempt paddling here unless you guys have a higher level of paddling skills. It would be a nice day paddle to the Grotto and back. Make no mistake, it is beautiful and scenic. I wouldn't paddle it in anything but a poly sea kayak because the area is mostly hard rock and trying to land in waves can easily damage a glass boat.
Or you can paddle north from Dunks Bay. You can follow the shoreline right into Tobermory or you can cross from the point just north of Little Dunks Bay to Flowerpot Island. From here the crossing to Flowerpot is approx. 3.3 kilometers. There is a small island about slightly to the west about half way across but damn near mpossible to land on. Bear Rump Island is about another 3 kilometers east of Flowerpot. Both of these islands can easily be visited in 1 day. Please remember the the weather here can change unbelieveably quick and combined with deep water and shallow shoals can create dangerous conditions. There is a reason the area has so many ship wrecks. I am only trying to prepare you since you aren't familiar with the area.
You can also probably launch your kayaks at Big Tub Lighthouse. This is a popular dive spot and has a small amount of parking.
You can paddle to Russels and Cove Islands. Check out the map of ship wrecks. Some can be paddled to and viewed from above or even snorkeled. The Wetmore is a neat wreck 30 feet deep on the West side of Russell Island. I dove it many years ago. It could be neat to snorkel above the wreck.
Sorry for the long message. Lol.
Have a great and safe trip.

Chad

I should have checked the date on your post Patrick. LMAO.
Better late than never I guess.

Chad,
The information will always be good for others searching for the same information. Thanks for the great post.
mikekayak

Fantastic stuff Chad. This will really come in handy. We are driving to Cyprus Lake on July 30th and 31st. (From Rockford, Michigan USA) Really looking forward to our first Lake Huron paddle. We have paddled nearly all the best spots on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. I know what you mean when you speak about the weather and conditions changing in a moments notice. We have had more than a few of those situations on both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. My kayaking buddy and I have been at it for about 7 years. We truly respect the Great Lakes and take nothing for granted. Like they say, "The Lake is the Boss".

Hey Patrick. I would love to here a bit about your trip up to Tobermory and Cyprus Lake. For me, it is one of my favorite places to visit. I just got back from a camping trip to Cyprus Lake 3 weeks ago. Unfortunately, because I was camping with kids I didn't have time to kayak out in Georgian Bay. I only brought 2 kayaks and took the kids one by one out on Cyprus Lake. But the whole area is such a great place even when you aren't kayaking.
Let me know if you enjoyed the area.
And Mike, you are absolutely right. Any info provided can be usefull to future post readers.
Cheers.

What a great trip! We loved Cyprus Lake Campground. The place was a bit off the main road, but a pretty drive never the less. We paddled two days around Tobermory. Your launch sites were great. We launched from Dunks Bay and then from Big Tug Light House. The town of Tobermory was beautiful, but everything closes up by 9:30 p.m. So if you want a late night meal or drink, you are out of luck. Very soon I am going to be writing a piece about our trip. (Tobermory, Cypurs Lake Campground, Sturgeon Bay and Killarney. Look for it in the Canadian Destinations. Your information was fantastic Chad. Thanks for your help!

Patrick,
I'm looking forward to reading about your trip -

Mikekayak

I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip Patrick. Like Mike I am also looking forward to reading your trip report.

Unfortunately, because I was camping with kids I didn't have time to kayak out in Georgian Bay. I only brought 2 kayaks and took the kids one by one out on Cyprus Lake