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The
North Channel (22-4)
By Steve Fennell
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A cruising destination destined to please transit cruisers
with natural splendor and several services.
Cruising
out of the northwestern end of Georgian Bay leads to
the North Channel, a boater's paradise offering unmatched
beauty with dense green forests and crystal clear water,
qualifying it as a true northern getaway from the hustle
and bustle of the big city.
While the more adventurous can enjoy wide-open cruising
on Lake Huron many opt for the relaxing, passageway
through the channel past the many scenic bays, points,
islands and coves. But any course set in this region
is guaranteed to please. Manitoulin Island, Killarney,
Blind River or The Soo - C no matter how far you go,
every stop along the way is a journey all its own.
KILLARNEY
Located on the North end of Georgian Bay is Killarney,
one of the oldest villages in Northern Ontario. Its
history dates as far back as 1615 when Samuel de Champlain
and Etienne Brule were the first Europeans to travel
these waters. By 1759, the area evolved into a major
water route for French fur traders (commonly known as
the Voyageurs).
While Killarney was once a bustling fishing village
as well, it still has strong ties to its roots as visitors
can purchase fresh or smoked fish right off the docks
along its waterfront. For the less adventurous, enjoy
a well-rounded meal at any number of the great restaurants
located near the waterfront. Following a good meal,
boaters can check out its museum, local craft shop,
outdoor sports store along with the general store to
stock up on groceries or other items. But the scenery
alone will amaze boaters. In fact, Killarney's landscape
has been captured by members of the Group of Seven in
the late 1920s. Frank Carmichael, Arthur Lismer, A.Y.
Jackson, and A.J. Casson all sketched and painted Killarney's
rustic landscape.
Another highlight is Killarney Provincial Park, which
surrounds the village and encompasses 140 square miles
of majestic landscape set in the wilderness of the Canadian
Shield.
MANITOULIN ISLAND
Leaving Killarney means a cruise through rich wilderness
and natural splendor that leads to majestic Manitoulin
Island. The largest freshwater island in the world,
Manitoulin is an ideal place to take a break with its
series of towns and villages.
Perhaps one of the best places to visit is Little Current,
the island's largest community. Little Current is located
at Manitoulin's northeastern tip and is labeled the
Gateway to Manitoulin since it's the only connecting
point to the mainland via a swing bridge - C one of
the few remaining swing bridges in the world. There
are two marinas, a department store, popular restaurant,
and several other services. Be sure to plan your visit
around "Haweater Weekend" every August, a
celebration that takes its name from the Haweaters,
the name given to one who is born on Manitoulin Island.
The celebrations include fireworks, a video dance, street
vendors, and a parade.
But if you decide to stick to the water, cruise to Meldrum
Bay, located at the westernmost tip. Not only does it
provide a sheltered harbour, there's lots to do and
see. There's the Mississagi Lighthouse Museum, a 19th
Century lighthouse featuring a collection of displays,
relics and artifacts, plus a general store, campground
(with a boat launch), and a dive shop. It's also worthwhile
to wet a line here as the area is known for being one
of the best chinook salmon fishing locations in Canada.
Another popular spot on Manitoulin is Gore Bay, the
area's government centre. The Gore Bay Museum is worth
checking out or try the golf and tennis courts. There
are even public picnic areas to enjoy a nice, quiet
lunch.
Some other communities that should be on your destination
list are Providence Bay, which is home to the longest
and finest public sand beaches in the northern Great
Lakes, and Kagawong, located on the island's north shore.
This community is home to the spectacular Bridal Veil
Falls, along with 19th Century architecture, a beach
and specialty shops. Be sure not too miss the oldest
settlement on Manitoulin Island, Manitowaning. It has
a population of a little more than 800 and sights worth
seeing include the Museum Heritage Complex and the Norisle,
a former cargo and passenger boat.
Continuing Northwest, boaters will come to Spanish.
This is a small community but it does offer a marina
with transient docking, gas and diesel, a launch ramp,
shorepower, and pumpout stations. For those heading
further west, be sure to stop here since full services
are not offered until Blind River.
One of the largest centers in the region, Blind River
offers a full service marina with 110 slips, transient
docking, gas and diesel, shore power stations, a launch
ramp, plus a boater's lounge, marina cafe, and internet
access. While it has a population of a just 4,000, don't
let its size fool you. There's a selection of convenience
and grocery stores, and a main shopping district.
Also explore The Boom Camp Interpretive Park that has
12 kilometers of multi-season trails leading through
distinct ecological zones. Every year Blind River hosts
many events including the White Pines Cultural Festival,
Dragon Boat Races (in June), the Annual Community Days,
Art by the River and the Fiddle and Step Competition
(in July).
Other North Channel communities you'll pass before reaching
Sault Ste. Marie include Thessalon, Desbarats and Hilton
Beach - all worth visiting with their exciting attractions.
But once you get to the Soo (as its often referred to),
the services are almost endless.
The Soo, which is actually located on the St, Mary's
River and connects Lake Huron with Lake Superior, has
a refurbished boat lock designed specifically to accommodate
recreational boaters. There's a full service marina
as well as Roberta Bondar Park and Pavilion that's a
great place to enjoy a picnic. The park hosts many live
performances and events throughout the summer including
the Rotaryfest, Rotary Dragon Boat Festival, or the
Summer Festival, an exciting spectacle featuring volley
ball tournaments, live entertainment, plus a car show.
Restaurants, shops and retail outlets (all within a
short walk of the marina) abound, and visitors can even
stroll along the waterfront boardwalk, visit the local
casino, or take a trip on the world famous Agawa Tour
Train.
Although the many services reflect the conveniences
of the big city, a scenic cruise or relaxing hike will
certainly be a reminder that you are in a true northern
region of Ontario. (Page
Top)
BIG FACTS FROM THE BIG
ISLAND OF MANITOULIN
- Manitoulin Island spans an area of 2,766 km (1,068
square miles).
- Its the 174th largest island in the world and Canada's
31st largest island.
- Manitoulin means spirit island in the Ojibwe language.
- The island has 108 freshwater lakes, some even have
their own islands.
- Lake Manitou boasts three rivers, the Kagawong, Manitou,
and Mindemoya, which are all spawning grounds for several
species of fish.
- The North Channel was part of the route used by the
voyageurs to reach Lake Superior. The first known European
to settle on the island was Father Joseph Poncet, a
French Jesuit, who set up a mission near Wikwemikong
in 1648.
NORTHERN WONDERS...
TREAT YOURSELF TO THESSALON
Labeled the Gem of Algoma, Thessalon is situated on
the North East shore of Lake Huron. In addition to offering
vista views of the lake, this northern community is
home to an excellent marina with gas and diesel, shorepower,
and transient docking. It's also a gateway to Thessalon's
centralized commercial district. Visitors can even enjoy
the sandy beach and accommodating Lakeside Park Campground.
Golfing, as well as fishing on the Thessalon River,
are other popular pastimes.
For more information visit www.townthessalon.ca
HIGHLIGHTS IN HILTON BEACH
Hilton beach is a culturally vibrant village situated
on the Northeast shore of St. Joseph Island and is home
to a full service marina. Every season transient boaters
north and south of the border visit this community for
its unequalled natural splendor and many exciting events.
There are also many services including a general store,
two restaurants, an array of accommodations and various
gift shops.
Some events to check out in the summer include:
- Arts at the Dock: Highlighting work from the district's
top artists.
- Summer Festival: A fun event for the whole family
featuring a waterfront classic car show, children's
entertainers and the Coureurs de Bois voyageurs encampment.
- The Old Town Hall Concert Series: This spectacle has
attracted the some of the most popular names in Canadian
music such as The Gryphon Trio, Lunch at Allen's and
Jeff Healey's Jazz Wizards.
- The CanAm CL16 Regatta: An renown event that attracts
sailors from Canada, the United States and Europe who
come to compete for a $7,500 prize purse.
For more information visit www.hiltonbeach.com (Page
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