North Channel / Georgian Bay June 2024.

[pitchpolehobie]

Planning to take my Mac26x up to Georgian Bay. We hope to see the Western Islands, Baie Finn and Bustard Islands on an 8 day trip.

We are looking for a launch ramp and a place to store trailer/towing vehicle safely. Any recommends in Tobermory or similar location?

Also what other must see destinations are there that the group recommends?

[NiceAft]

The two people who by far have the most experience on Georgian Bay are Highlander and Beene.

Beene hasn’t posted for about four years, but if you do a search, you can find a post, and send an email.

Highlander you should more easily find a post, and also send an email; unless he see’s your post and answer’s.

[closehaul]

PPHobie, I was preparing to give another ‘shout out’ to ask for interest in a Macgregor rendezvous in the NC (canceled in 2023 due to smoke). I am planning to be there July 25 - Aug 8, 2024. I launch in Spanish. Launching in Tobermory makes sense (nice ramp downtown) when originating from Ohio, but note it is roughly 50mi of open water to Killarney. Club Island is midway and has good holding in the harbor. It’s a gamble on having a favorable weather window to make the crossing vs extra road miles to launch from the mainland (NE) side where you want to spend time sailing. Keep us posted, it’s a beautiful sailing/kayaking/hiking destination. Closehaul

[closehaul]

PPHobie, Another option would be to take the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island. It’s a big ferry that can accept vehicle with trailer (need reservation for oversized load). https://www.ontarioferries.com/ms-chi-cheemaun/ It’s roughly a two hr crossing and would add another adventure to your trip. If you only have (8) days to spend - it’s a trade off of time vs dollars. Closehaul

[pitchpolehobie]

PPHobie, Another option would be to take the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island. It’s a big ferry that can accept vehicle with trailer (need reservation for oversized load). https://www.ontarioferries.com/ms-chi-cheemaun/ It’s roughly a two hr crossing and would add another adventure to your trip. If you only have (8) days to spend - it’s a trade off of time vs dollars. Closehaul

What do you think are the top destinations we should try to see this year? Im trying to roughly plan a few routes pending weather windows too.

[OverEasy]

Hi PitchPolehobie!

Sound like a fantastic trip you have planned!

As far as a place to launch and park… we’ve had good luck with asking/using marinas on the times where we’ve needed similar accommodations.
Often during boating season the marinas that have a boat lift to handle fixed keel boats will have available storage yard space. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Often they have their own launch ramp and/or they often can also sling your boat in/out and provide wash down/cleaning at the same time (to avoid inter water body contamination as well as who wants to bring home a dirty hull?).

Often one can also arrange for a transient berth for the start and finish of a trip.
We’ve found it nicer to get launched and have a night to rest up after a road trip before starting a cruise.
It provides an opportunity not only to rest but get set-up without haste (as well as getting some of the items that may have been overlooked when pack for the trip).
Similarly at the end of a cruise it allows for a night to rest-up/clean-up (or late arrival) and possibly a dinner ashore to celebrate the adventures before loading out. That is something we have enjoyed!

Some marinas even have shower and laundry facilities on site that can be appreciated as well.
Who doesn’t appreciate a nice hot shower and clean clothes for the trip home?

Just a couple thoughts…

Best Regards,
Over Easy

PS: Here are some possible options to explore in this regard….

[Prospect]

Please post about your experience in the North Channel. Hoping to do the same trip in a few years. I'm on Lake Ontario and hoping to see something more scenic in the future.