Hilton Beach
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Hilton Beach, ON Lat: 46° 16.053 Long: 83° 53.961 |
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DESCRIPTION Hilton Beach is a small village located on the northeast shore of St. Josph Island. It is considered the western end of the North Channel. The village dates back to the 1850's when a wharf was built. St. Joeph Island itself had seen European settlement dating back to the French explorers and traders who travelled threough this country. Names such as Campement D’Ours, Fort St. Joseph and Sailor’s Encampment all hint at the island's colourful history. In 1872, John Marks from nearby Bruce Mines opened a store and wood dock and eventually a Post Office, under the name of Marksville. In time, a small prosperous community grew up and in 1921 changed its name to Hilton Beach. Many of the buildings dotted around the village trace their origins back 100 years or more - including the Hilton Jail which never had a single inmate in its history! Hilton Beach is also the start point for the 5-day North Channel Race Week which sees dozens of boats race the length of the North Channel to Little Current, making stops at communities and clubs over the course of the week. |
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APPROACHES The approaches to Hilton Beach are clear from all directions. The harbour is formed by two breakwalls. The northwest breakwall extends out into the bay and its end is marked with a Fl RED light. The other side of the entrance is formed by a long breakwall running parallel to the shoreline. Its end is marked with an unlit GREEN daymark. As you approach the harbour, you will also see a tall white obelisk inland and to the starboard of the entrance. The village extends inland from the harbour. For boats coming north along the island shoreline, it is important to maintain a distance of at least .25 nm from the shore to avoid Fisher Shoal, marked with a GREEN buoy "K3" |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Hilton Beach Marina (705) 246-2291 VHF 68 Hilton Beach Marina has 180 slips with 36 set aside for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. There is water and power at all slips. There are restrooms and showers in the Harbourmasters building on the west side of the marina and a picnic area with BBQ grills. On the east side of the marina is a second marina building with washrooms, showers, laundry, daily weather reports, telephone, wireless internet access, sailor's library, kitchenette and a lounge. Wireless internet is accessible from all slips. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's There are no repair or maintenance facilities in Hilton Beach. Hilton Beach General Store carries a range of basic supplies. There is no bank in Hilton Beach. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES There are no medical facilities in Hilton Beach. |
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PLACES TO EAT There are 3 restaurants in Hilton Beach. The Tilt'n Hilton Steakhouse and Beverage Company is located in the Hilton Hotel just up from the marina on the right-hand side of the street. It is a very popular place and has a large verandah overlooking the marina. Across the street, the Island Bar & Grill is located in the Hilton Beach Inn. Up the street from the Tilt'n Hilton is the Drydock Restaurant. It serves a great breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. There is also a bakery there where you can buy fresh-baked goods. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT For a small community, Hilton Beach has a lot happening over the summer. Each Wednesday evening in August, the village hosts the Old Town Hall concert series. There is a farmers market each Saturday just up the street from the Hilton Beach Hotel. The 3rd Sunday of July each year, the community hosts Arts at the Dock is a multi-media art show displaying the work of dozens of artists. There are 2 venues – the waterfront part are and the Community Hall. Hilton Beach has an annual Classic Car Show each 4th Saturday in July. Community Night with a parade, games, food booths and activities for everyone, is held annually on the Saturday of the Simcoe Day long weekend in August. (Simcoe Day is celebrate the first weekend of August annually across Ontario.) This Hilton Beach information site will give you ideas of more things to do and see while visiting the area. Return from Hilton Beach to North Channel Return to Home Page |
