Go Fish!

Yummy fresh Georgian Bay fish is finding its way to lots of Toronto restaurants and fishmongers these days.  But for that true ‘take me to cottage country’ taste of summer, head to 3 of Janie Robinson's favourite Georgian Bay fish restaurants.  Getting there is half the fun!

Sail past the pretty little lighthouse at Snug Harbour to catch some of Gilly’s fresh fish dinners. Brian Quinn photo

Gilly’s (Snug Harbour) If you’ve never been to Snug Harbour (just north of Parry Sound), you’re in for a snuggly Georgian Bay surprise, from its pretty little lighthouse to one of the best fresh fish dinners I’ve ever had – anywhere!   “Most of our whitefish and lake trout come from Billy Karwaski’s boat, Lil’Snick, in the Bing Inlet area”, says Sarah Gilbert of their ‘From the waters of Georgian Bay to you’ menu.  And do they ever deliver, going through over 5,000 kilograms of locally-caught whitefish alone in one season.  “We want the quaintness of our place to come across and we treat everybody the same, whether it’s a family camping at nearby Killbear Provincial Park or a millionaire coming in from his yacht,” says Gilbert of their snug little first-come-first-served family-run restaurant.   (www.gillyssnugharbour.com)

Craganmor Point Resort guests can have their catch-of-the-day cooked up by the chef.   Photo courtesy Craganmor Point Resort 

Craganmor Point Resort (McLaren Island) “If you want to go where the locals go - go to Craganmor” says Natalie Overend of their boat-access-only restaurant and resort on McLaren Island.  Pan-fried pickerel is the home-made house favourite.  Resort guests can have their own catch-of-the-day cooked up by the chef.  To get to the island restaurant, take a scenic 15-minute water taxi ride from Georgian Bay Marina in Parry Sound Harbour.  Or catch the M.V. Chippewa, leaving from the Town Dock for Sunday lunch and Tuesday dinner at the family-owned Craganmor Point Resort this July and August. (www.craganmor.com)

A Herbert Fisheries boat heading back into Killarney with their fresh Georgian Bay catch of day. Photo courtesy Herbert Fisheries.

Herbert Fisheries Fresh Fish & Chips (Killarney) Fresh whitefish and lake trout with a “sorry, it’s a secret recipe” batter have Georgian Bay boaters, cottage-country crowds and Killarney Provincial Park campers heading to the off-the-beaten-path village of Killarney.  For over 30 years, Herbert Fisheries has been serving up some the freshest fish you’re going to find along the shores of Georgian Bay at this popular family-run fish & chips stop.  But I’m going to miss their familiar old red and white bus, now that Herbert Fisheries has a new restaurant serving up their Killarney’s “World Famous” fish & chips on the government wharf.  (www.herbertfisheries.ca)

I’m going to miss the old red and white bus now that Herbert Fisheries has a new restaurant serving up their 

Killarney’s “World Famous” fish & chips on the government wharf.  Brian Quinn photo. 

Boating tip - Be sure to pick up the newest edition of the PORTS Cruising Guide to Georgian Bay and the North Channel.   Love these guides! http://www.portsbooks.com