goderich ontario
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Goderich, ON Lat: 43° 44.713 Long: 081° 43.954 |
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DESCRIPTION Goderich Ontario is the largest town and port on the Canadian coast of Lake Huron. It is also an important commercial harbour as Goderich is home to the largest salt mine in the world. Established in 1827, Goderich grew to be an important centre in the agriculturally rich Huron County. It is notable for 'The Square', an 8-sided octagon that marks the crentre of town. Goderich has been described as one of the prettiest towns in Canada and its tree-line streets, stately old homes and beautifully manicured gardens and parks all support this claim. It is a charming town well worth the visit. |
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APPROACHES The approaches to Goderich Ontario are clear from all directions. Goderich has a commercial harbour that is located immediately south of the mouth of the Maitland River. The marinas are located up the Maitland River. The harbour can be spotted from offshore as there are tall grain and salt elevators at the harbour entrance. There are breakwaters outside the harbour entrance. The commercial harbour entrance is marked with a Fl GREEN light and an ISO RED light. The entrance to the Maitland River is on the north side of the commercial breakwater. There is a Fl WHITE light at the end of this breakwater. As you proceed upstream, you will find one marina on your port beam and another further up the channel off your starboard bow. There used to be a municipal marina (Snug Harbour) in the commercial harbour but it is now closed. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Maitland Inlet Marina (519)-524-4408 VHF 68 Maitland Inlet Marina is immediately inside the mouth of the Maitland River on your port. They have 100 slips. There may be some available for transient sailors. There is no fuel dock or pumpout station. Water and power are available at dockside. There are washrooms and showers. The marina is located behind a beach and they have gazebos where you can relax and enjoy the views. There is access to this long, lovely beach. The marina also has a travel lift. Maitland Valley Marina (123) 524-4409 VHF 68 Maitland Valley Marina is the sister marina to Maitland Inlet Marina. This large marina is located on the south side of Indian Island (not really an island but a peninsula). Access is by a channel you will see on your starboard bow as you pass the entrance into Maitland Inlet Marina. Follow that channel to the end and turn to port to enter the marina. There are 250 slips with 50 designated for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and pumpout station. Water and power are available dockside. The marina can carry out engine and mechanical maintenance as well as hull repairs. There is a clubhouse facility with washrooms and showers. Amenities include several nearby beaches, walking trails, swimming pool, childrens playground, picnic areas and BBQ grills. There is a travel lift and the marina has a shuttle into town - although it is only about a 10-15 minute walk. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's Maitland Valley Marina can carry out a range of repairs (see above) Argyle Marine and Small Engines can carry out marine repairs. There are several grocery stores and supermarkets in Goderich. You will need a taxi to get to them. All major banks have branches in Goderich and each will have ATM machines. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (519) 524-8689 was named after Queen Alexandra when it was opened in 1901. It is a full-service general hospital located fairly close to the harbour. There are at least four pharmacies in Goderich. Rexall (519) 524-8121 is the closest to the marina. |
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PLACES TO EAT Baileys on the Square is a popular fine dining restaurant. The atmosphere is casual and the food is very good. Captain Fats is located on the south side of the harbour. It is a casual restaurant that specializes in seafood, especially fresh fish from Lake Huron - what else would you expect from a harbour restaurant! Paddy O'Neal's is located in the Bedford Hotel, also on the Square. It is a comfortable relaxed pub. Menu is standard pub fare. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Goderich Ontario is a great summer town to visit. The beaches are terrific and the sunsets over Lake Huron just perfect! There are summer festivals that are great fun to experience such as the annual Celtic Festival every August. There is good live summer theatre. For hikers, there is a lovely trail that leads up the valley of the Maitland River. Access it by crossing the 700ft/213m Menesetung Walking Bridge and you are on your way to enjoying great views. Sailors will enjoy stopping by the Maritime Museum, housed appropriately enough in the wheelhouse of the SS Shelter Bay. A quick look at this Goderich tourism site will give you many ideas on getting the most of your visit here. Return to Home Page Return to Lake Huron |
