North Channel Cruising, Ontario Canada

We are now back in Michigan. Internet and cell service in these remote parts of Canada were non-existent or spotty at best. Most marina internets were in name only, so updating the blog with cruising details went on hold until internet service improved. As a result, this post is a long one, covering our almost 4 weeks in Ontario's stunning and serene North Channel. 

Blind River, Ontario - Canada Entry Clearance

Check-in and Canadian clearance was a simple phone call for Nexus holders. This was the simplest process we have encountered. They asked if we had alcohol on board, we answered yes and were ready to provide a detailed list. All she wanted to know was did we plan to live aboard during our stay and was the alcohol for personal consumption. We answered yes to both questions and were immediately given our clearance number.

July Fourth Cocktails aboard SV Blue Moon, with Mark & Jill, Blue Moon, Mark, SV Lucky & Alan & Susann, MV Knot Kaos.

Blind River Beach

Blind River Marina

We walked the mile to the grocery store, which was well stocked and stopped at the LCBO (liquor control board of Ontario) to re-supply and took a taxi back to the marina.

Turnbull Island Anchorage

The north anchorage on Turnbull Island was our choice for the night. Lucky and & 2 other sail boats were also in the anchorage. It was a warm & muggy day. A perfect day for a swim. Once in the water, it was most refreshing.  Mark from SV Lucky joined us for happy hour.

Long Point Cove Anchorage

Just a few short miles away from Turnbull Island was our next anchorage, beautiful, protected Long Point Cove. We were not alone here, but the cove had plenty of room for plenty more boats.

This spot made our top-ten list for favorite spots.

We explored by dinghy and saw numerous beaver lodges along the shore. Alan is ecstatic with his new dinghy, which is much more comfortable for the two of us.

Gore Bay Marina, Manitoulin Island

It was time once again to head to a marina for laundry, groceries, boat wash and more wine.  Gore Bay was a charming small town, where I was fortunate enough to get a long overdue haircut.

After a busy day of chores, we dined at "Buoy's" restaurant, just a short walk from the marina.

The service was great, as was the pizza and Susann had the most amazing lake trout meal. 

Croker & Benjamin Islands

The anchorage on Croker Island is another of our favorites. Many boats stern-tie to the shore but we prefer to swing on the anchor and were able to get a spot in the middle.

The Benjamin Islands are just a short dinghy run across reasonably protected waters.  

Some boaters like to shoe-horn themselves into these tight, secluded spots. 

Other boats elect to anchor in the crowded main anchorage. In normal years there would be upwards of 60 odd boats anchored here but this year traffic is down everywhere due to tariffs, boycotts and the poor economy. This has been evident everywhere we have been, whether the US or Canada.

Baie Fine

Baie Fine, the crown- jewel of the North Channel!

Mary Ann Cove, Baie Fine

Mary Ann Cove is the first protected cove after entering Baie Fine and has room for about 20 boats. As is the case this tear, nowhere is at capacity due to drop in visitors. This was the case here where only 7 boats were anchored.

Baie Fine

The white, quartz mountains stretch for miles down the narrow bay, often referred to as a fiord. 

This suspension bridge is an interesting and expensive way to connect two islets.

This beautiful, wooden masted sailing ship was at anchor just outside of the entrance to the Pool. They were dropping the sails before entering the Pool for the evening.

There were close to 30 youngsters aboard and they can be seen up on the rigging where the sails were manually dropped. We were told that this is a training camp for young, aspiring sailors. Oh to be young, agile and fearless.

The Pool at the Top End of Baie Fine


The "Pool" is 9 nautical miles from the entrance and a spot every visitor should see.

The Pool is the prettiest and most serene spot to anchor and stay a while.

These massive dragonflies were plentiful and we were thankful that they eat their weight in mosquitoes every day.

The Pool, surrounded by the white, quartz mountains.

This rustic cottage belongs to the Evinrude family. We met Chris Evinrude, whose grandfather, Ole (1877–1934) is credited with developing the first commercially viable outboard motor he named Evinrude. His son Ralph (1907-1986) is credited with expanding that humble beginning into the worldwide giant Outboard Marine Corporation. developed and patented the first outboard motor in the late 1800's. 

This photo was in an old cruising guide and was the Ralph Evinrude's yacht, Chanticleer. Chris said they would dock it alongside the cabin and that the ship's generators would power up the entire small island.

Fog on the water for our early morning departure.

Till the next time, we bid adieu to this stunning place.

Baie Fine - Little Current - Kagawong - Gore Bay

This swing bridge opens on the hour and remains open for a maximum of 15 minutes only.

The name Little Current is a misnomer since there is frequently a significant current running. The red buoy below is shaped like a boat at the base and is an indicator of the direction and speed the current is running.

The marina is downtown and has a pleasant board walk for those wishing to stretch their legs.

Kagawong

We had originally planned to anchor out but the area was in the midst of a heat wave and severe storms were forecast. We opted to seek some respite tied to a dock. Kagawong is a tiny village with a rustic but friendly marina. We were one of four boats seeking shelter overnight.

We did have thunderstorms, heavy rains and I received 3 separate warnings from Environment Canada that tornados were in the area and to seek shelter. Not much one could do in a boat in the middle of nowhere except pray the tornado did not materialize, which it didn't, at least not near Kagawong. Phew, dodged that one!

The next morning we had planned to hike up and visit Bridal Veil Falls but after all the rain the trail was muddy and the mosquitoes horrific. We opted to say farewell to Kagawong and head to Gore Bay, where we ran across several boats that we had previously spent time with, including another red American Tug named Journey,  also headed to Mackinaw City for the American Tug Rendezvous.

Our stop in Gore Bay was just a quick overnight with another great lake trout dinner at Buoys restaurant. This was the last supper in Canada for this trip. 

Next day we headed out to Meldrum Bay, where we again saw Journey. We anchored outside of the small marina, ready for an early morning departure, back to the USA.