Gin Rocks Press: What’s up with that name?

*Looking north across the Gin Rocks towards McCrosson’s Island in the Gin Islands group.*

No, “Gin Rocks” doesn’t refer to some sort of alcoholic beverage. The Gin Rocks are a group of shoals and low-lying exposed rock in southeastern Georgian Bay, on the west side of Beausoleil Island. To the immediate north are the Gin Islands, which like Beausoleil Island are part of Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

*The Gin Islands, with the Gin Rocks (unlabeled) to the south, on the 1899 Admiralty chart of Georgian Bay.*

*The “Gin rocks” in the* Georgian Bay and North Channel Pilot (1899)

The westernmost island in “the Gins,” McCrosson’s Island, was the site of the first lighthouse in the area. Called the Gin Rock Lighthouse, the wooden structure was erected in 1875 to guide mariners into the emerging ports of Penetanguishene, Midland, Victoria Harbour, and Waubaushene. The light was moved north in 1880 to Brébeuf Island, where it remains today.

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