How to Choose the Best Small Boat Trip Destination

The North Channel, Lake Huron, Ontario

Written by Tom Pamperin

From Issue Small Boats Annual 2013

The North Channel is a pristine wilderness of clear water, rocky islands, and narrow passages along the northern edge of Lake Huron. Running 100 miles long from east to west, and 20 miles wide, it is sheltered from the main body of Lake Huron by three large islands: Manitoulin, Cockburn (pronounced Coburn), and Drummond. Between these islands and the Ontario shore, you’ll find a lifetime’s worth of rocks, islands, narrow channels, cliffbound anchorages, and sandy beaches to explore.

Except for an occasional cottage, the land remains largely undeveloped, with most islands and much of the mainland publicly owned. As long as you avoid obvious private property, camping is allowed almost anywhere you can beach a boat or drop an anchor. Good launching ramps can be found at Spanish and Blind Rivers; from here, it’s a day’s sail to Whalesback Channel and the Turnbulls or Benjamin Islands. Little Current on Manitoulin Island is another good starting point.

With a small boat, you can tuck into coves or corners too small to be named on the chart, places where it’s not uncommon to see eagles, beavers, otters, and bears. With no tides or significant currents, North Channel navigation is delightfully simple. I’ve sailed for weeks at a time here with nothing more than a hand compass and a chart, tucking in close to shore, sneaking through narrow passages, and hopping from island to island.

Shelter is never far away, and I’ve rarely had to make a passage longer than 6 or 7 miles. In June, you’ll find few people and plenty of mosquitoes; wait until mid-July, and you’ll find fewer mosquitoes, water warm enough for swimming, lots of ripe blueberries—and crowds at popular harbors.

In September, you can find perfection, though with shorter days and colder nights. Whenever you go, head for any area that looks interesting. Chances are it won’t be your last visit.