little current ontario
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Little Current, ON Lat: 45° 59.037 Long: 081° 55.686 |
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DESCRIPTION Little Current Ontario is located at the narrowest part of the North Channel. It is the 'hub' of the North Channel for most sailors. Generally, anything you might need can be found in Little Current. The towns roots go back to the lumbering industry and Little Current was a well-known stop-over point. The name comes from the fairly strong current that runs through the narrow passage. Also note that the current is unpredictable. Depending upon atmospheric and lake conditions, the current can run in either direction. Today, the principal economic focus of the town is tourism and the community goes out of its way to be a welcoming stop-over point for transiting sailors. |
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APPROACHES The approaches to Little Current Ontario are well-marked from the east and the west. FROM THE EAST Follow the channel west, leaving the Strawberry Island light (F White, visibility 7.4 nm) on your port. Follow the buoyed channel into the harbour. NOTE: The bridge opens for 15 minutes begining each hour, between sunrise and sunset. The currents here can be strong - up to 6-7 knots. And, they reverse several times most days. Watch the channel buoys to see which way they tilt. Remember also that this strong current will effect your docking because slips are open to the current. FROM THE WEST There is a well-marked channel from West Bay. Note: As mentioned above, the currents here can be strong - up to 6-7 knots. And, they reverse several times most days. Watch the channel buoys to see which way they tilt. Remember also that this strong current will effect your docking because slips are open to the current. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Downtown Docks (705) 368-1725 VHF 68 The Downtown Docks are operated by the municipality. There re 120 slips available for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. Water and power are available dockside. There are two buildings with washrooms and shower facilities. There is a ship's store on-site. Additional services such as laundry facilities, ship's supplies, etc can be found within a few minutes walking distance from the docks. Spider Bay Marina (705) 368-3500 VHF 68 Spider Bay Marina is located just west of downtown Little Current Ontario and is also operated by the municipality. There are 130 slips with 50 set aside for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. Water and power are available at slips. There are washrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Other services such as a ship's store, restaurants, etc are within walking distance. Low Island Park is nearby with a beach, playground area and sports fields. Boyle Marina (705) 368-2238 VHF 68 Boyle Marina has 70+ slips with about a dozen set aside for visiting sailors. There is no fule dock or pumpout station. Boyle Marina is a full-service marina with certified technicians who can carry out a range of engine, mechanical, electrical, fibreglass and canvas repairs. There is water and power available at skips. There are washrooms and shower facilities. The downtown is located just minutes away and any other services can be found there. Harbor Vue Marina (705) 368-3212 VHF 68 Harbor Vue Marina is located on the east side of Little Current. They have about 5 dozen slips and may have several set aside for tranient boats. There is a fuel dock (gasoline only) and a pumpout station. This is a full-service marina that can carry out engine, mechanical, electrical and fibreglass repairs and maintenance. Little Current Yacht Club LCYC was established in 2003 and in the 10 years of operations, it has accomplished a great deal. There are 3 slips which may be available for cruising sailors. There is a clubhouse with washroom facilities. Anchorage There is an anchorage ground off the Downtown Docks but the holding is poor and the current can be quite strong. Dragging is a very real possibility. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's Boyle Marina (See above) Harbor Vue Marina (See above) Gray Marine Service can repair marine electronics. Perry Refrigeration can carry out repairs and maintenance on marine refrigeration and AC units. Foodland grocery store is located about .5 mi/1 km from the harbour. Bank of Montreal has counter and ATM service just a few minutes from the waterfront. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES Manitoulin Health Centre (705) 368-2300 is located about 2 blocks from the harbour. This small hospital has a 24 hour emergency department. There is a Walk-In Clinic next door. Island IDA Drugs (705) 368-2466 is located on the main street (Water St.), just steps from the harbour. |
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PLACES TO EAT The Anchor Inn Bar & Grill is a casual venue offering good food and cold beer. For a more formal dining experience, try the Shaftsbury Inn. There is also Gary's Family Restaurant and the Dockside Dairy Bar - a very popular ice cream shop. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Downtown Little Current Ontario has gift and craft shops to explore. Take a peek into Turner's for charts and a variety of interesting gift ideas. Most weekends, there is something happening in this small community. There is a weekly Farmers' Market. Every August is the Haweaters Festival. (Haweater is a name for a person from Manitoulin Island - it refers to the hawberries that grow in abundance.) The Little Current Ontario website will give you more ideas on how you can enjoy your time here. Not to be missed is the "Cruisers' Net" which broadcasts each morning on VHF 71 from the Anchor Inn during July and August. Hosted by Roy Eaton, Cruisers' Net provides marine weather forecasts, local and international news, sports and community. Sailors can call in their positions and local conditions and relay messages to others. Operating out of the 2nd floor of the Anchor Inn, Roy invites visiting sailors in Little Current Ontario to come up and visit with him as he does his broadcasts. If you're in Little Current, don't miss it. Return from Little Current Ontario to North Channel Return to Home Page |
