colchester ontario
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Colchester, ON Lat: 41° 58.941 Long: 082° 55.913 |
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DESCRIPTION Colchester Ontario is a small village located approximately 10 nm east of the mouth of the Detroit River. It is a beautiful little community set in the rich farmland of Essex County. Colchester is the southernmost settlement on mainland Canada (on nearly the same line of latitude as Barcelona, Spain). The area was originally inhabited by the Wendat or Huron people. Although French explorers and fur traders crossed this area, the first settlers arrived in the 1790's. Many were United Empire Loyalists, people fleeing the United States after the American Revolution. Also setttled in the area were Hessian soldiers, German mercenaries employed by the British to fight in the American Revolution. Prior to the American Civil War, Colchester was a destination on the "Underground Railroad" for slaves escaping north from the United States. Today, Colchester is a recreation destination for those fleeing the busy urban areas in search of quiet relaxation. |
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APPROACHES The marina in Colchester Ontario is a man-made, recreational harbour. With exception of the 2 hazards noted below, the approaches are clear from all directions. On approach, note the 2 charted hazards. Grecian Shoal lies .65 nm south of the harbour and is marked with a RED buoy. To the southeast lies Colchester Reef, 3.3 nm from the harbour entrance. It is marked with a Fl RED light, visible 9.9 nm. Entrance is between 2 overlapping breakwaters. The entrance is on the south side, facing southwest. It lies on a line of 44°T. The outer pierhead is marked with a Fl RED light, visible 5.5 nm offshore. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Colchester Harbour (519) 738-3238 VHF 68 Colchester Harbour is operated by the municipality. There are 2 dozen slips available for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (gasoline only). However, diesel can be ordered in and delivered by truck. There is a pumpout station. The marina has water and power available at the slips as well as internet service. The marina building has washrooms, showers and a lounge with a snack bar. There are picnic areas and BBQ grills on the grounds. The village of Harrow ON lies about 4 mi/7 km north of Colchester. It has more shops and services than Colchester. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's There are no marine repair facilities in Colchester Ontario. The closest grocery store is Sanford and Son Supermarket, located in Harrow, ON, about 4 mi/7 km north. It can handle reprovisioning requirements. The TD Bank in Harrow has counter and ATM service. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES There are no medical facilities in Colchester Ontario. The Harrow Medical Clinic (519) 738-3555 is a walk-in clinic located in Harrow ON, 4 mi/7 km north of Colchester. Hometown Family Pharmacy (519) 738-2373 is also located in Harrow ON. |
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PLACES TO EAT A small snack bar with a decent menu is next door to the boaters lounge. Colchester Bar & Grill is located about 3 blocks from the marina. This family restaurant is popular with local residents. Garfield's located several blocks from the harbour, is a popular local restaurant. Up the road in Harrow (4 mi/7 km north), there are several more options. These include Danielle's Restaurant and Shooters Roadhouse. Check out The Dock restaurant and Colchester Eatery. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT More and more, Colchester Ontario is becoming a destination vs stop-over point. There are good beaches and two local estate wineries that you can visit. North 42 Degrees Winery is located 1 mi/1.6 km east of the marina. A bit further down the road is Viewpointe Estate Winery. Whether its enjoying an afternoon on the patio with a glass of wine, a tour of the winery or their regular Thurday Night Dinner, it is definitely an attractive way to spend some time. Explore the Shore is a weekend festival in July that celebrated the unique businesses that line the historic County Road 50 - Canada's southernmost drive. Every August the village holds Colchester Villagefest with food, wine and entertainment at the waterfront. The Colchester Ontario and surrounding area visitors site will give you an idea of lots more things to do and see while visiting the area. Return from Colchester Ontario to Lake Erie Return to Home Page |
