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General
Information
About
the Area:
Manitoulin
Island is the largest island in freshwater in the world.
The Island itself forms the northern shore of Lake Huron.
Hidden above the Island to the north is the lake's ultimate
and most sought after destination: The North Channel.
The channel is dotted with hundreds of uninhabited islands
and an unspoiled, freshwater cruising paradise.
The
North Channel has been described as the "best fresh
water cruising in the world". Quite simply, it
is. Due to the attention directed to this area in various
magazines and articles, plus word of mouth, the North Channel
has become an extremely popular place to sail. Being
located in Little Current, Discovery is ideally situated
to capture the sailing enthusiast because it is in the geographical
centre of sailing and cruising "hot spots". As
well, Little Current offers excellent shore-based facilities
and it caters to boaters all summer long. Because of
our proximity to world renowned anchorages and sailing areas
such as Baie Fine and the Benjamin Islands, sailors won’t
waste any time driving to pick up their yacht. Given our
unparalleled location to access the beauty of the North Channel
and Georgian Bay, you are free from worry of not being able
to leave the dock or that you will spend hours fighting
a sea. No matter what mother nature has in store, you will
enjoy a serene escape into waters protected from the roll
of a big sea.
The
closest overnight anchorage is a mere 40 minutes away with
Baie Fine or the Benjamin Island group having the potential
to be reached in less than two hours from our docks. More
time can be spent cruising or relaxing and, if so desired,
less time getting there. Our location is perfect for
getting here and getting away!
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Suggested
Itinerary
The Gallery below is a suggested one week cruise which should provide a good
balance of sailing, scenery and relaxation, and some of the wonderful
sights you will encounter along the way:
But,
the beauty of this area is that there are as many options for
your itinerary as there are islands in the North Channel. And
there are thousands of islands! All
of these anchorages and many others are described, in detail,
in the "Cruising Guide to Georgian Bay and North Channel" which
is on the yacht. You are advised to consult this book, as well
as the charts for all proposed routes and anchorages.
If
you require further assistance, we would be happy to help you! |
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Provisioning
Little
Current is a major yachting harbour where you can purchase
all your vacation requirements, e.g. food, fuel, ice, liquor,
beer, pharmaceuticals, hardware, fishing tackle, clothing,
etc - although at a slightly higher cost than in larger metropolitan
centres. In purchasing food supplies, please remember that
ice will last only 3 to 4 days and you will probably have
to return to harbour in order to replenish your ice and food
supply after that time. Although Little Current is the best
provisioning centre, most supplies can be found in other
towns, e.g. Killarney, Kagawong and Gore Bay. You may, of
course, bring some supplies with you - the amount depending
on the distance you are travelling.
Linens
Our company supplies sheets, pillow cases, blankets, pillows, and towels
but we do recommend that you bring a beach towel for your cruise.
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Routes
and Anchorages
There is
outstanding scenery and protected anchorages both East and
West of Little Current. Since it is advisable to return to
harbour abour half way through the week for ice, pumpout
and probably food, we recommend you split your trip on both
sides of Little Current. The charts you will use on the trip
are:
No.
2205 - Little Current to Killarney/Baie Fine
No. 2207 - Little Current to Clapperton Island & The Benjamins
No. 2257 - Clapperton Island to John Island
Although these and several other charts are provided on the boat, we recommend that you obtain a copy and review them prior to your
arrival. They can be obtained from Discovery Yacht Charters as can the cruising guide to the North Channel called "Ports". This invaluable guide provides fabulous arial photographay and extensive written information on the area, approaches to harbours and anchorages, port information and a volume of other great information. Contact us for more details of to receive your copy!
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Accommodations
Depending on your travel route, you may wish to spend the night before your
charter in various locations, including Tobermory and Little Current.
A small list of motels along with their facilities is given below. You
are advised to make reservations.
Tobermory:
Bruce Anchor Motel - Box 160, Tobermory, N0H 2R0; telephone (519) 596 2555;
Highway 6; air conditioning, television, golf and babysitting.
Coach House Inn Resort - Box 178, N0H 2R0; (519) 596 2361; Highway 6; television,
restaurant, outdoor pool and golf.
Little
Current:
Wagon Wheel Motel - Box 333, P0P 1K0; north edge of Little Current on Highway
6; air conditioning, television
Hawberry Motel - Box 123, P0P 1K0, telephone (705) 368 3388, north edge of
Little Current on Highway 6; television
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Directions
to Little Current
Little
Current is situated on the northeast shore of Manitoulin Island.
It can be reached from the North via Highway 6 from Trans Canada
Highway 17 between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. Alternatively,
it can be reached from the south via Highway 6 after taking the
Ontario Northland Ferry, the Chi-Cheemaun, across the mouth of
Georgian Bay from Tobermory to South Baymouth. If you choose
the latter route, you are advised to make ferry reservations
as this is a popular tourist route. Information for this ferry
can be found by calling 1 800 267 3163. There are also landing
strips for small planes on Manitoulin Island from which taxi
service can be provided to the marina. Once you arrive in Little
Current please proceed to our office downtown Little Current.
If there is not anyone available in the office (often we are
busy and in and out as we prepare our yachts for departure),
please check the display in the window for your arrival and yacht
location information.
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