southampton ontario
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
|
Southampton, ON Lat: 44° 30.061 Long: 081° 22.494 |
|
Quick Reference:
|
Important Numbers
|
|
DISTANCES
|
|
DESCRIPTION For hundreds of years, the Southampton Ontario area was home to native peoples. There were major battles here between the Iroquois and Ojibwe as the later successfully stemmed the northward drive of the Iroquois. The town was established in the mid-1800's. In fact, Southampton is the oldest port on the Bruce Peninsula coastline. Today, it is still a commercial port. Over 100 shipwrecks have been recorded off Southampton. However, Southampton is definitely a quiet, small-town harbour. There are few services for transient sailors. But for a cruiser looking for a quiet, relaxing stop-over, Southampton is just the place. Its beaches are a magnet for families and watching the spectacular sunsets is a nightly pastime - especially on Friday nights to the sound of a lone piper. |
|
APPROACHES Southampton Ontario must be approached with care. There are shoals to the south (Chantry Island Shoal) and the north (Lambert Shoal). From the NORTH Taking care to avoid Lambert Shoal, proceed to the Saugeen River Turning Light, a Q GREEN buoy. It is marked on the chart as "VJ3". From the Saugeen River Turning Light, line up with the charted range on a course of 095°T and follow the range into the harbour mouth. The outer range marker is a F GREEN located on the north pierhead and visible 6.8 nm. From the SOUTH Clear Chantry Island, leaving it on your starboard. Thake care to avoid Chantry Shoal. Once clear of Chantry Shoal, proceed to the Saugeen River Turning Light, a Q GREEN buoy marked on the chart as "VJ3". From the Saugeen River Turning Light, line up with the charted range on a course of 095°T and follow the range into the harbour mouth. The outer range marker is a F GREEN located on the north pierhead and visible 6.8 nm. In daylight only, if you wish, you can pass between Chantry island and the mainland. There are 2 unlit buoys - VE3 and VE4 marking a gap. This is the only opening in a now-unused submerged dock that ran out from the mainland. Pass only through this gap and only during daylight. The harbour entrance is protected by two breakwaters that extend into the lake. Once inside the river mouth, the south side of the channel is the town dock, a concrete pier. On the north bank is the floating dock of the Southampton Yacht Club. You can also anchor off the yacht club. |
|
MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Southampton Town Dock There are no services or facilities at the town dock. There is a public washroom. This dock is usually occupied by commercial fishing boats but space may be available at the up-river end of the dock. Southampton Yacht Club SYC does not have slips set aside for transients. The club will try to find a space for you among vacant slips, if any are available. Anchorage There is an anchor ground just off SYC |
|
REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's There are no marine repair or maintenance facilities in Southampton Ontario. There is a Foodland grocery store on the north side of the river, about .5 mi/1 km from either SYC or the town dock. CIBC Bank is about 5 blocks south of the town dock. |
|
MEDICAL SERVICES Grey Bruce Health Services (519) 797-9940 is the community hospital, having a 24-hour emergency department plus acute care and out-patient services. It is located about 1 mi/1.6 km south of the town dock. Rexall Drug Store (519) 797-1599 is located on the main street, about 1 mi/1.6 km south of the town dock. |
|
PLACES TO EAT Walker House is a century-old restaurant and pub, serving steaks and seafood. There is live entertainment Wednesday - Friday nights. Duffy's Famous Fish & Chips specializes in fish and seafood. It is close to the beach, licensed and has free WIFI. |
|
THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre has extensive displays detailing the history of Bruce County., including its maritime history. Their maritime exhibit - "A Captivating Coastline", gives you not only a fascinating look into the maritime history of the region but also an opportunity to 'walk the decks' of a replica of HMS Hunter, a Royal Navy brig that fought on the Great Lakes in the War of 1812. This is a well-put-together museum and certainly worth the visit. Chantry Island is home to a majestic lighthouse built in the mid-1800's. The island, named by Capt. Henry Bayfield after his friend Sir Francis Chantry the British sculptor, is a Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary. However, authorized tour groups can visit this historical site. The Saugeen Boardwalk has been a central feature of Southampton for over a century. Enjoy a stroll along this beautiful beach and shoreline. On Friday evenings, make sure you take in the Sunset Piper on the beach and watch the sun set to the haunting notes of a lone piper. The Southampton Ontario tourism site will give you an idea of lots more things to do and see while visiting the area. Return from Southampton Ontario to Lake Huron Return to Home Page |
