Nipigon ontario
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Nipigon, ON Lat: 49° 0.659 Long: 088° 15.402 |
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DESCRIPTION Nipigon Ontario is the most northerly fresh-water harbour in North America. It is also the only Great Lakes port north of the 49th parallel. Long home to the Ojibwe people, the area was first visited by French explorers in the mid-1600's. The first recorded European visitor was the French Jesuit missionary Father Claude Allouez in the summer of 1667. There are however, strong indications that in the years immediately prior to Allouez' visit, independent French fur traders were traveling this country. These 'coureurs du bois' or 'runners of the woods' are the forebearers of many of the Metis (mixed European and Aboriginal) people today. A trading post was established by the Hudson Bay Company and that was the foundation of the community. It remained primarily a fur trading post until the arrival of the rail road in 1883. This made Nipigon an important supply base. It also became an important pulp and paper town and the logging industry was a mainstay of the economy for many years. Today, it is also a popular tourist destination, especially for fishermen. |
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APPROACHES The approach to Nipigon is via the Nipigon River. The route is well-marked. There are no problems as long as you stay within the charted and clearly marked channel. There is a special point along the Nipigon River. At the mouth of the river, on the eastern shore, there are several aboriginal pictographs. One of only a few such sites along the Superior coastline, these ancient paintings date from at least 1,000 AD. There are no roads into this site so they are visible only from the water. There has been no definitive interpretation of the symbols but researchers believe they are deeply connected to aboriginal spiritual beliefs. The town dock will be on your port side when you arrive. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Nipigon Municipal Marina (807) 887-3040 VHF 68 Nipigon Municipal Marina has a 345 ft/105 m seawall which can accomodate 10-11 boats and 2 finger docks with an additional 32 slips. Transient docking is available. There is a fuel dock (diesel only) and pumpout station. Gasoline is available from local gas stations. Water and power are available at the dock. The clubhouse has washrooms and showers. Laundry facilities are available nearby. Anchorage Although not charted, you may be able to anchor out from the marina. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's There are no repair or maintenance facilities in Nipigon Ontario Zechner's supermarket is located about a 15 minute walk from the marina. The Royal Bank of Canada is located downtown, about 10-15 minutes away. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES Nipigon District Memorial Hospital (807) 887-3026 is located about 1.2 mi/2 km from the municipal marina Rexall Pharmacy (807) 887-2325 is located about 3 blocks from the municipal marina. |
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PLACES TO EAT There are a couple of places in town where you can enjoy a meal. The China Garden is located downtown. There is a cafe at the edge downtown as well. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Nipigon is set in an absolutely beautiful wilderness setting. One way to appreciate it from the land is to walk the Nipigon River Recreational Trail This 5 mi/8 km trail follows the river and connects downtown Nipigon with the marina in Red Rock. Paddle To The Sea Park brings the adventures of this wonderful childrens' story to life. It is a great place to visit for kids - of all ages. There is also a historical walking trail through the town. This Nipigon information site will give you ideas of more things to do and see while visiting the area. Return from Nipigon Ontario to Lake Superior Return to Home Page |
