St Lawrence Thousand Islands-gctid381300

[Guest]

We are thinking of doing our first overnighter on our boat and looking at mooring at one of the islands between Gananoque and Brockville on the Canadian side. I know nothing of these islands and am reaching out to you for what you think is the best island to moor at overnight. I would prefer one that has ample dockage (where i may have a better chance of getting a spot). So what island would you choose and why?

[Guest]

I'd love to help, but we are always on the U.S. side. We love sleeping on the hook in the Summerland Group, but it is just over the border on the U.S. side. I'm interested to know what you find out because it may be worth it to check into Canada in order to stay at one of your islands.

[Download_Complete]

I grew up in that area, but also on the US side...Clayton, to be exact. I still have family in the area and get up there every few years or so.

That said, the last time I piloted a boat on those waters it was 1991, and I was 13. One thing I can tell you: Buy charts. Another thing I can tell you: BUY CHARTS!!!!!! And a third thing I can tell you: BUY CHARTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. The St. Lawrence is not forgiving if you make a navigational error. Here in the midwest, you hit bottom and its mud the consistancy of chocolate pudding. In the 1000 Islands, its granite. The Canadian side of the Islands are especially tricky, and especially the areas between Wolfe Island and Grindstone Island. Coincidently, I also feel they are the most beautiful.

You also could try Canoe Point, on the NE tip of Grindstone Island. I also believe there is a state park further NE (I believe its 1000 Islands State Park, but its been so long i am not sure anymore) on Wellesely Island.

I miss the 1000 Islands. I remember back around 1990 the water on the Canadian side of the river was so clean you could see 20 feet down....I am sure its only gotten better since then.

[The_Other_Gary]

In order of my favorites Beau Rivage on the east docks by the cabin, Aubrey, Mermaid and McDonald

Pick up or borrow a Ports book, it has a lot of airiel photos with notes.



Take the bateau channel from Kingston and Beau Rivage is right there as you exit.

[Guest]

That looks like a boaters paradise.

Cheers

[driz]

I'll second the motion of buy charts and up it to GPS / Seaclear on your laptop ect. I went up there a few years ago and couldn't believe how that place is laid out. Shipping channel 50 yards from shore , rockpiles all over the middle, yecch. I pretty much stayed in the shipping channel for the most part as it bounced back and forth from the Canadian to the US side. I was just using charts then and it kept me from going a lot of places I wanted to go as that place is crazy confusing to a guy who likes deep water in the middle with shallows near the land masses and shores. That's why I wouldn't go back there without some form of GPS so as to go into the interesting places. As for where to stay, if you can't find a place around there you probably can always get docking at Jacques Cartier State Park near Morristown. It's not really far away though like most of these seasonal areas that turn into a frozen hell half the year you should probably book reservations lest you end up anchoring out. There aren't all that many freighters and lakers that run through there anymore compared to the 60's when I was running around in my fathers 14' Arkansas Traveler. Like anywhere up here watch the weather as the wind can really come up fast and ugly.

[Guest]

When cruising the TI, I never dock, but I do visit all the docks by dinghy and explore the islands.Here are few more suggestions. There are MANY more...Coming out of Kingston, there are docks within a mile, on Cedar Island, protected by Whiskey I.

[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/685003=27645-1_cedar.jpg[/img]As you head further East, I suggest you take the Bateau Channel (protected North route above Howe Island), it will dump you into the area that Gary has already suggested.Another nice area is on Camelot I. The docks are on the NE, near Niagara I.

[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/685003=27646-1_camelot.jpg[/img]Gordon I., SE side has docks. The area is not as sheltered as some but Gordon is nice to walk and has some ruins to explore.

[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/685003=27647-1_gordon.jpg[/img]As others have already suggested, buy a copy of Ports and make sure your plotter and charts are current with all Notices to Mariners written in.

[Guest]

Peter W wrote:
That looks like a boaters paradise.

Cheers

It really is, Peter. Ontario is very fortunate to have 2 of the planet's top 10 cruising grounds. Beautiful views, protected waters, lots of sunshine and good swimming and fishing. All fresh water though.

One day soon, I'm going to ask you to help me find good places to explore Down Under.

[The_Other_Gary]

One caution about the National Park Islands, get there early and make sure you have everything you need unless you have a dinghy to go into Gananoque. If you leave your spot it will be GONE in 60 seconds.

And don't even think about it in the first three weeks of July. That is Quebec Construction Holiday time and the "Quebec Navy" otherwise known as "everything that floats in Quebec" will be there using every available spot.

[Guest]

The Other Gary wrote:
One caution about the National Park Islands, get there early and make sure you have everything you need unless you have a dinghy to go into Gananoque. If you leave your spot it will be GONE in 60 seconds.

And don't even think about it in the first three weeks of July. That is Quebec Construction Holiday time and the "Quebec Navy" otherwise known as "everything that floats in Quebec" will be there using every available spot.

We stopped going to Gananoque and Points-East in July. A bit too busy for us.

[Guest]

Thanks for all the input guys, I have done the Bateau Channel a few times up to Gan Municipal when we wanted to go for lunch at Muskie Jake's. From there on, haven't done. as for charts, i have Trak Map Marine 7.1 ran by garmin nroute on my laptop which covers all of Ontario and Quebec, tried it out when i splashed and worked great. The ports book may be a good idea, think i'll pop on down to west tonight and grab one up.

Still get kinda edgy going behind the Howe Island Ferry, damn that is sumthing sketchy no matter how many times i do it.

For those that know the area I live basically in collins bay, so Gan is just a short trip for us, wanted to do a nice trip for the FIRST long weekend of summer.

[Guest]

whiskywizard wrote:
It really is, Peter. Ontario is very fortunate to have 2 of the planet's top 10 cruising grounds. Beautiful views, protected waters, lots of sunshine and good swimming and fishing. All fresh water though.

One day soon, I'm going to ask you to help me find good places to explore Down Under.

Mike, I am hoping to visit your part of the world as well one day. From what I have observed on BOC, there are so many places over there, not forgetting the loop. I gather some people prefer the salt water, and others the fresh. Each to their own I suppose. Fresh is less harsh on the boats, is one thing I have gathered.

Yes, will be happy to help you find the good places we have, when you visit.

Cheers, and happy boating to the OP.

[Guest]

K-townguy

Did you make the trip? Where did you end up spending your nights on the hook?

FYI- Planning a trip from Ithaca NY to Thousand Islands in July. One Week. Round Trip.

[Guest]

Ridgekid wrote:
K-townguy

Did you make the trip? Where did you end up spending your nights on the hook?

FYI- Planning a trip from Ithaca NY to Thousand Islands in July. One Week. Round Trip.

Rob - we did the 1000 Island Trip last year. Let me know if you want to pick my brain, we have been up there many times now. One of our favorite destinations.

[Guest]

Ron- actually I found your post about your trip after this one. And yes I want to ask questions. Check your email!