9 July 2021

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Cruising Georgian Bay

Cruising :: Itineraries :: Sail the North Channel Starting in Tobermory

Sail the North Channel Starting in Tobermory (7 - 10 Days)


View Sail the North Channel Starting in Tobermory - Georgian Bay Coastal Route - Cruising Itinerary in a larger map

Day 1

Please note – for more information on marinas, please see the Ontario Marine Operators website.  The Ports Cruising Guide Georgian Bay edition is an invaluable resource while traveling by boat in the Georgian Bay region and can be purchased online or at Georgian Bay marinas.
Spend the night anchored in Tobermory today. This quaint village is a great place to stop and stock up, and check out the local attractions.    Unfortunately low water levels of recent years have made Flowerpot Island inaccessible to pleasure craft.  Instead you can take a glass bottom boat cruise to the island, where you can disembark and hike the trail to the former lighthouse keeper’s quarters, passing the sea stack “flowerpots” along the way.   Back ashore, hike the Bruce Trail from the terminus cairn on the south side of the harbour to the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the history of the area, and climb the lookout tower for a bird’s eye view of Georgian Bay.
 

Accommodation Options:

Dining Options:

Things to Do:

  • Flowerpot Island
    Tobermory
  • Parks Canada Visitor Centre
    PO Box 189, Tobermory
    Location: 7374 Highway 6 (on Alexandra Street off Codrington Street)
    P. 519-596-2233
    http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/bruce/ne/ne01_E.asp
  • Parks Canada Visitor Centre Lookout Tower
    7374 Highway 6 , Tobermory
    Location: 7374 Highway 6 (on Alexandra St off of Codrington St)
    P. 519-596-2233

Suppliers:

Day 2

Today you sail from Tobermory, stopping at Fitzwilliam Island for the night along your way to Killarney.  Be sure to admire Cove Island Lighthouse as you cruise past the island by the same name.  Built in 1858, this lighthouse is one of the 6 Imperial Towers built in the area.  Located north of Tobermory, Fitzwilliam Island offers Rattlesnake Harbour as a good place to anchor (although open to the west). True to its name, the shore at this harbour is rumoured to be home to an unusually large population of Massasauga Rattle Snakes.  Take caution and listen for the warning rattle sound when venturing ashore.

Distance:
Tobermory to Fitzwilliam Island (approximately 25 nautical miles)

Things to Do:

Day 3

Set your sights on Killarney today, a quaint fishing village along the north shore of Georgian Bay.  Once ashore, begin exploring.  Plan to spend some time canoeing, kayaking or hiking in Killarney Provincial Park the jewel of the Ontario Parks.  Killarney Outfitters offers daytrips and half daytrips.  Be sure to stop by Herbert Fisheries Mr. Perch for their amazing whitefish.  You’ll find them in the red bus located directly on the dock.

Distance:
Fitzwilliam Island to Killarney (approximately 25 nautical miles)

Accommodation Options:

  • Killarney Mountain Lodge
    Village of Killarney, Killarney
    Directions: In the Village of Killarney
    P. 1-800-461-1117
    http://www.killarney.com

Dining Options:

  • Herbert Fisheries Mister Perch
    21 Channel Street,, Killarney
    P. 705-287-2214
  • Killarney Mountain Lodge
    Killarney
    P. 1-800-461-1117
    http://www.killarney.com

Things to Do:

Suppliers:

Day 4

Today you make your way to Covered Portage Cove - another must stop anchorage on any North Channel trip.  Well protected, and beautiful, this cove has a spectacular cliff at its entrance and sheltered waters.  Hike to the top of the hills for a magnificent view.

Distance:
Killarney to Covered Portage Cove (approximately 3 nautical miles)

Day 5

Baie Fine is a must see stop on any North Channel cruise.  Often referred to as a fiord, Baie Fine is a long narrow bay, flanked by the white quartzite mountains of the La Cloche range on either side.  At the end of the bay, you will find a narrow entrance into the Pool, a beautiful place to anchor for the night and spend some time exploring.  Hike the trails to Artists Lake or Topaz Lake, both within Killarney Provincial Park.

Distance:
Covered Portage Cove to The Pool (approximately 20 nautical miles)

Day 6

Make your way to Little Current today.  A great place to replenish your supplies, you will find the oldest swing bridge in North America at the entrance to the channel leading to the town docks.  Along your way, you’ll pass by Strawberry Island and the lighthouse by the same name.

Distance:
The Pool to Little Current (approximately 23 nautical miles)

Accommodation Options:

Dining Options:

  • Old English Pantry
    Main Street,, Little Current
    P. 705-368-3341
  • Shaftesbury Inn
    19 Robinson Street,, PO Box 655,, Little Current
    P. 705-368-1945
    http://www.rockgardenresort.on.ca/shaftesburyinn/contactus.htm
  • Loco Beanz Coffee House
    7 Water Street,, Little Current
    P. 705-368-2261
  • Garry's Family Restaurant
    Manitowaning Rd,, Little Current
    P. 705-368-3370
  • The Anchor Inn Bar & Grill
    1 Water Street,, Little Current
    P. 705-368-2023
    http://www.anchorgrill.com/

Things to Do:

  • Strawberry Island Lighthouse
    Little Current
    Location: Northern edge of Strawberry Island just off the north end of Manitoulin
  • Swing Bridge
    Little Current
    Location: Hwy 6 to the information centre for parking.

Day 7

Today your direction is up to you.  If your time sailing this spectacular area has come to an end, start to make your way back to Tobermory.  If you have more time to spare and want to explore the North Channel further, please refer to the information found in the “Sail the North Channel of Georgian Bay” itinerary, starting at and continuing from Day 5.


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