Port Franks
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Port Franks, ON Lat: 43° 14.08 Long: 81° 54.35 |
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DESCRIPTION Port Franks is a village located on the east coast of Lake Huron, south of the popular harbour of Grand Bend. The village was established by the Canada Company in the late 1840's. It was moved to its present location at the mouth of the Ausable River in 1851. The Canada Company chartered in the United Kingdom to facilitate settlement of the vast Huron Tract in what was then Upper Canada. The tiny village struggled, subsisting on fishing and logging. By the late 19th century, its isolated location and fabulous beaches began to attract people interested in sport fishing and hunting and in simply the natural beauty of its isolation. Over time, it developed a name as a resort destination and that has essentially remained its economic mainstay. |
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APPROACHES The approach to Port Franks is straightforward but care must be taken entering this harbour. Entry should be made only in calm to moderate seas as the channel is narrow, the south shoreline is rocky and the harbour entrance is prone to shoaling. The entrance is well marked with private channel buoys. There are several sand bars across the entrance so take care to remain in the channel and proceed at a slow pace. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Once inside the Ausable River, there are several marinas on your starboard Christine's Marina and Grill (519) 243-3636 VHF 68 Christine's Marina is the first marina inside the river. There are 55 slips with 4-6 transient slips. There is a fuel dock (gasoline only). There is a pumpout station. There is water and power at all slips. There are restrooms and shower facilities. Laundry facilities are available. There is a waterfront restaurant. Seven Winds Marina (519) 243-3900 VHF 68 Seven Winds Marina has 50 slips with about a half dozen set aside for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (gasoline only). There is a pump-out station. There is water and power at all slips. This is a full-service marina. It is owned by Huron Shores Marne, a full-service marine business located directly across the road. They can carry out a wide range of engine, mechanical and electrical repairs. There are washrooms and there is a chandlery. Port Franks Marina (519) 243-2354 VHF 68 Port Franks Marina is the municipally-owned marina. It has 96 slips with about a dozen set aside for transient sailors. There is no fuel dock or pumpout facility. Water and power are available at slips. There are restrooms and shower facilities. There are also picnic grounds and a pavilion. The Port Franks Yacht Club, which is primarily a social club, is located at the municipal marina. There are several more boating facilities upstream from the Port Franks Marina. However, dredging is not usually done beyond the Marina and water depths drop to 3-4 feet. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's Seven Winds Marina (See above) Mike's Market can handle basic provisioning requirements There is no bank or ATM facility in Port Franks. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES There are no medical facilities in Port Franks. |
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PLACES TO EAT Christine's on the River Marina, Bar and Grill offers standard beach-front pub fare. Grog's Pub & Grill is located about 2 mi / 3 km from the Port Franks Marina. It has an extensive menu that includes steaks, pastas, seafood and pizzas. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Port Franks offers 7 mi / 11km of walking trails through sand dunes and wetlands. |
