Spider Bay

This trip is marked at a difficulty rating of hard because it involves navigating outside normal park bounds into big and exposed water conditions. You should not attempt this trip unless you are comfortable safely dealing with such an environment while navigating through mazes of small islands.

The Day 2 route for this trip was very carefully selected to minimize risk and exposure by leveraging the small islands for shelter as much as possible. It is not the most efficient route. Even such, expect to have to make multiple exposed crossings. If you wish to paddle Massassauga without the detour into Georgian Bay; Day 2 can instead travel south into Goose Neck Bay for a more traditional portage experience.

The first day of this trip begins at the Three-legged Lake Massasauga Access point. You will begin by paddling across Three-legged Lake to a portage on the far side which deposits you into Spider Lake. Spider Lake is named as such due to its sprawling nature akin to a Spider Web. It isn't your typical giant puddle but instead has countless channels that can be easily mis-navigated. Keep a close eye on your map to make sure that you don't get lost. You will be paddling to the far western shore of Spider Lake before portaging into Spider Bay. Once in Spider Bay paddle across to the mouth of Goose Neck Bay where you will be camping. 

Expect a long day for day 2 and make sure to get an early start. You will begin by paddling out of Spider Bay. Stay close to the southern shore as much as possible to use the topography as a shelter for both safety and ease. The portion will almost certainly involve a heavy headwind as well as waves. The wave conditions will continue to grow and climax as your come around Ermyn Island. Be careful and do not attempt if conditions are beyond your skill to navigate safely. 

Once around Ermyn Island, you will be able to slide into Echo Bay for a breather from the big water conditions. Echo Bay is a calm paddle that you can use to rest. Exit Echo Bay via the Pate Island channel and continue to paddle along the shore hopping to Oraway Island and then Totten Island. Once at the end of Totten island Henry's Fish will be in view on Frying Pan Island. 

To reach Henry's you will have to cross the main channel which is fairly well used by Yachts and other motor boats. Be careful as you make your way across. Upon arrival at Henry's, you can exit your canoes on Pier 2. Make sure to haul them completely out of the water and onto the grass in front of the restaurant as the pier is reserved for mooring larger boats. Enjoy a fantastic lunch of some of the best fish and chips anywhere in the world. 

Once lunch is done, immediately cross the channel again and paddle toward Ardwell Island. You will need to make your longest crossing to reach Ardwell. Pass between Ardwell and Big Bobs Island so that you can paddle north along the shore of McGaw, Bowering, and Winnett Islands. Continue to island-hop next to Crooked Island and then Pennsylvania Island eventually needing to make a short crossing to Breen Island as you head into Clear Bay. The portage is on the northern side of Clear Bay. Once the portage is completed you should be ready to camp as you are now back in the park and in Spider Lake. 

The final day is the easiest part of the trip, you will be paddling north through Spider Lake and eventually meeting up with your route from Day 1 which you will follow back to Three-legged Lake access.