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

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:

Blue Bay Motel
32 Bay Street South, Tobermory
P. 519-596-2392
http://www.bluebay-motel.com
Innisfree B&B
46 Bay Street, Tobermory
P. 519-596-8190
http://www.tobermoryaccommodations.com
Tobermory Princess Hotel
34 Bay Street South, Tobermory
P. 1-877-901-8282
http://tobermoryprincesshotel.com/

Dining Options:

The Grandview
8 Earl Street,, Tobermory
P. 519-596-2220
http://www.grandview-tobermory.com/dining.htm
Crowsnest Pub & Restaurant
5 Bay Street, PO BOX 98,, Tobermory
P. 519-596-2575
http://crowsnestpub.ca/

Things to Do:

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

Suppliers:

The Blue Heron Company
24 Carlton Street, Tobermory
P. 519-596-2999 / P. 1-855-596-2999
http://www.blueheronco.com
 

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:

Cove Island Lighthouse
Cove Island
Location: Located on the north east corner of Cove Island. Access restricted - view from private boat, Chi-Cheemaun or take a tour boat from the harbour.
P. 1-800-268-3838
http://explorethebruce.com/things-to-do/lighthouses/
 

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
http://herbertfisheries.ca/
Killarney Mountain Lodge
Killarney
P. 1-800-461-1117
http://www.killarney.com

Things to Do:

Explore Killarney Provincial Park
Killarney
Location: Hwy 637 south of Sudbury
P. 705-287-2900
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/killarney
 

Suppliers:

Killarney Outfitters
Killarney
P. 705-287-2828 / P. 1-800-461-1117
http://www.killarney.com/outdoor-guided-trips.php
 

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:

The Anchor Inn
1 Water Street, Little Current
P. 705-368-2023
http://www.anchorgrill.com/
The Shaftesbury Inn
19 Robinson Street, PO Box 655, Little Current
P. 705-368-1945
http://www.rockgardenresort.on.ca/shaftesburyinn/aboutus.html

Dining Options:

Shaftesbury Inn
19 Robinson Street, PO Box 655, Little Current
P. 705-368-1945
http://www.rockgardenresort.on.ca/shaftesburyinn/aboutus.html
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.