Toronto Marina / 1000 Islands Advice

SLW

Active member
exMember
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
RO Number
2186
Messages
1,372
We plan to spend 3 days in Toronto this summer. We haven't been there since '99. Back then we stayed at Quay West. It was fine, but a neighbor recently recommended Ontario Place instead. I like the idea of a few more amenities, but O.P. is further from the city. How much further? Suggestions and comments welcomed. Thanks.
 
At Mentor Harbor east of Cleveland and looking for the same general info. Going to go to the 1000 islands this summer and want to find out what's hot and not in that area. Read your review in SR forum and had this urge to give you my boat for a week and then u tell me all about it.

On your way to Torono- what was your timing like and where did you stay on Lake Erie?? Heard on the Welland you need 3 p[eople to go thru the locks. I haven't been east yet of my marina. Got ot PIB, detroit and Port Stanley and that's about it. Golf too much. Got my boat in Michigan, IN--took it all the way to Cleveland in 11d and then spent 2004 on the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh and wasn't fond of that experience. Moved it to the Lake in 05 and been very happy at MHYC.

Know what happened to FW at the old SRO? did he come over? Anytime near MHYC, give me a shout.
 
John -

A 450, eh? I'll take you up on that offer - even if it DOESN'T include full fuel tanks. ;)

In '99 we left from Lake St. Clair and in 10 days hit: Lorain, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Port Colborne, Toronto, Port Colborne, a few hours in Erie PA (to wait out big waves), then Cleveland and back to St. Clair.

It was a great trip, but way too tiring. This year we're taking the first two weeks of July and will go from Cedar Point to Cleveland, Erie PA, Port Colborne, Toronto, Port Colborne, Geneva and back to CP.

We'll be able to spend more time in each port this time - especially Toronto, so I expect it be more of a vacation and less of an adventure. Since our home port is an amusement park, staying at Ontario Place seems fitting... I'm still hoping for some feedback before it's too late.

Yes, the Welland requires 3 people. They don't have bollards, so you need a person at the helm, and then you'll need people to man the lines at your bow and stern. It's a LOT of work, but it's one of those experiences that will stay with you for a long time. They ask pleasure boats to raft in each lock. We traveled with friends in a bigger boat, so they'd go on the wall, and we'd raft next to them. Being the outside boat, we were thrown 2 lines to keep both boats in-place. The crew of the other boat did nothing aside from tying the boats together and arranging the straw fenders against the wall and real fenders between the boats. If I had the choice - I'd do it with 2 boats and be the bigger boat!

We spend a few days at MHYC in July '05. Nice place. I heard that they've redone the docks since then...?

I believe FW makes regular appearances on clubsearay.
 
SL

Thanks for the info on the club sea ray. seems to have some good action as compared to this site (laek erie and gl forums.

Do you recall what happened with the SRO forum? seems the new one is alive and well and doctor FW is strong at it. wish i would have known about it while this JC3 was looking at a 45. i want any excuse to get a boat that starts with a 20xx

Think I am going to take the lazy route to the 1000 islands and let some friends take mine to Oswego and then pick it up there for cruising the islands. tEmpted to run it to Lake Champlain....was there with a 260 DA when i was in the USAF at Plattsburgh, and Lake Champlain is 10x the beauty of Lake Erie. I left LC in 91 and what a memory trip that would be.

MHYC has new docks and if you are in the area, give me a shout. Good luck in getting info on OP.

smooth sailing...jb
 
quote:

Originally posted by unkle buck

Going to go to the 1000 islands this summer and want to find out what's hot and not in that area.





If you want to find out about the Thousand Island area you are best to pick-up a Ports book of Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands..It tells everything about the area..There are actually lots of Islands that have docks on them both on the Canadian and American side.There are also lots of Marinas and excellent Mooring areas.
If I can help more just let me know..
 
Carver--haven't started on the research yet, but in your opinion, what are the 5 must see's of the 1000 islands.

Just got back from a short stay at Disney and if you were to ask me, I'd say the top must is SOARIN' at Epcot. The remaining items would be four tee times at Magnolia and Palms.

Also would like to find a marina in NY (Oswego) where i can leave the boat for a few weeks and then catch up with it later down the summer--do you know the area? thanks..
 
John:
There are lots of must see's in the Thousand Islands.Keep in mind that you should be very carefull when around the Islands as there are actually one thousand and one islands.The one is the sumberged one that you hit.
The number One spot to see is Boldt Castle.I have supplied a link to information on it.
Number two is Singer Castle at the East end around Brockville.Also a link to the info on it.
Number three would be Big Sand Bay on the West side of Wolfe Island. I have attached a picture of it. You can only go there if the wind is from the East.

Boldt Castle link..http://www.1000islands.com/castle/
Singer Castle link...http://www.singercastle.com/
Big Sand Bay on Wolfe Island..
P7060041.gif


What are your interests? If I knew your interests I could advise you what to see.
I live on the East end of the Islands area,and spend everyweekend around the Islands.
As far as a Marina around Oswego.Try this one.they are a Member of the BoatU.S. Association and If you are a member you can save yourself some money there.
http://ww2.boatus.com/marinas/marina.asp?id=A18E059BE467D0C8AC4F6981C47F3B34
http://www.lakeontarioports.com/directory/show/50
 
SLW, for my money I would stay at the Toronto Island Marina or the wall at Hanlans Point. the area is beautiful, ferry and shuttle boats right to the downtown area and a great place to wake up and have a view of the skyline in a park like setting.
Oh, and only 100 yards to the "clothing optional beach"
If you have kids with you there is an amusement park, and other stuff to do.
Ontario Place is too crowded and noisy for my liking but check their website for the Concert lineup and dates for the fireworks displays. The fireworks are best seen from the water or the Island beaches.
 
carv

thanks for the reply. looking more at the towns and marinas. got lakeland boating and seems to me i go oswego to

1. clayton
2. alex bay
3. look east for ahwile and then travel to rockport ont
4. kingston

have you stayed at 1000 islnds marina?
seems for the ONT marinas, the muni docks seem most accomodating
alex bay = bonnie brook?
clayton = ??
any other good ont towns with shopping emphasis - as in getting art stuff pics/nautical/tables/stands for a house.
see boldt and singer
other islands to see that have docks vs the swim ashore program. not taking the zodiac since i can only tow it
might venture into the rideau on the second go / maybe lake champlain / or go trent or RTB.
 
John;
I don't know how far up the Rideau you want to go, but the Cataraqui River that takes you from Kingston into the Rideau is known as the River of sticks.Very dirty water and sometimes hazardous with the amount of crap in it.
I would suggest the Trent river.If you go far enough you can go over the Liftlocks at Perterborough.
Peterborough-Liftlock.gif

Ever further up the Trent is the Big Chute Marine railway
Big-Chute.gif


There is not much to see in Rockport..Only one small store.
Kingston is your best bet for shopping.
The Islands have LOTS of docks..Like I said pick yourself up a Ports book of the Thousand Islands and it will show you all the Islands with docking space on them.There are lots of docks on different islands in sheltered areas.
Do you plan on travelling east on the St Lawrence as far as Montreal and then over to Lake Champlain?
The Islands start just east of Kingston and go to Brockville.
Here is a link to the Ports Book.
http://www.landfallnavigation.com/bj029.html
I also have a DVD of the Thousand Islands and if you want a copy, just send me an E-Mail with your mailing address and I will make you a copy and send it to you.
 
I like the town docks in Cape Vincent, 48 hours free, no power or water, 100 yards to the grocery store, double that to the laundry.
Several OK restaurants.

Clayton is a little harder to get to things but there is the museum

Alex bay have reservations and it is spendy, better to make a day trip of it at the town docks

Not too much in Rockport, I prefer Gananoque and love the Park Islands where I like to stay several days and use the dinghy to town.
 
Thanks carv

1. meant gananoque vs rockport--is ganan ok town? recommend a marina?
good marina for kingston?
ordered the ports book
is there a good book for the trent severn?
lift locks are how many days from kingston?
have taken a weekend trip on the trent and if so, how far did you get?
put the dvd on the q at netflix...tks for the offer
as far as east down the st l, how far have you been?
how long did it take?
anything decent west of kingston to see?

thanks......
 
Gan is a nice town, grocery is at the far end so walk thru town window shopping then go to the grocery and call a cab for 5 bucks to take you back to the docks, via the beer store of course. Why carry the heavy stuff through town.
 
John:
1) Gananoque is far better than Rockport.If you are a gambler there is a small Casino in Gan.It's a nice small town that is very touristy.The municipal Marina at Gan is very nice and well kept.
http://www.gananoque.com/gmm/
2) Kingston..the best place to stay is Confederation Basin Marina.It's in the middle of town and walking distance to everything you will need.Lots of shopping.
http://www.marinasontario.com/listings_marina.asp?myNav=1&mid=26
3) Trent Severn book...Again get the ports book for the Trent Severn.
http://www.nauticalmind.com/customer/PORTS-Cruising-Guide-to-Trent-Severn-pr-70949.html
4)Liftlocks from kingston...You will be 3 to 4 days at a comfortable cruising speed.You will be governed by speed limits one you leave Trenton and get into the Trent.Be sure to stop at Campbelford once you are in the Trent.It is a good days running from Trenton.They have nice facilities at the Chamber of Commerce..Also you can buy gas across from the docking space at a place called McMillians for the same price as it is on the road, or up river about 1/2 mile on the same side of the river.Campbellford is a nice town with shopping within walking distance.
5) If you are going to do just a weekend trip up the Trent from the start of it at Trenton you will only get as far as Campbellford.
6) I dock near Brockville which is at the east end of the Islands.I can go from Kingston to Brockville at a cruising speed of 20 mph in around 3.5 to 4 hours.I have also left Brockville and gone as far as Montreal and that was 2 LONG days travel
7) West of kingston is a boring trip to me ...Not much to see, but you will have to go that way if you want to go to the Trent System..I think your best bet is to go East of kingston and enjoy the Islands.Gananoque is a good place to spend a night for supplies and shopping.
http://www.gananoque.com/

This is a bit long, but I hope it is helping you..I'll help anyway I can...Just let me know what information you need. Going east from Kingston you are better to stay in the Canadian inner channel as it is more scenic..plus it will take you right by Gananoque
 
thanks gary and carv for the info and sorry for the thread jack slw. good luck with toronto

1. is brockville similar to ganan in size? decent town for shops in b?
2. anything further east of that a must? sounds like ogedensburg in ny and that is it
3. what do you use for maps in your chartplotters? i have cmap max
4. on the river do most go planing speed and if other traffic around too bad, or do they throttle down for traffic?
 
unkle buck:
1) Brockville is at least twice as big as Gan.Population of Brockville is around 20,000.Gan is less than 10,000.Lots of shopping in Brockville.The best marina is run by the town and is called Tunnel Bay.Make reservations.
2) There is not too much further east of Brockville thats worth seeing.There is not too much in Ogdensburg NY.
3) I use C-Map+
4) They will throttle down for trafic with the exception of the lakers that use the River all the time.If you just want to putt putt and take in the scenery take the Canadian inner channel from Kingston..If you want to zoom stick to the American side.The Canadian channel for the most part has speed limits.It is a more scenic route.It is very very busy and the water is very choppy around Alexander Bay..
 
Hey Buck - no need to apologize for the hijack, the more traffic here the better, so I don't mind sharing.

Other Gary, I've since made reservations at Ontario Place, but can you tell me more about Hanlans Point in case we don't care our surroundings and need a change of pace?
 
I can't believe I missed this thread until now! Carver and Gary, you've done a great job providing information on our little area of paradise!

The only thing I can add is: take your time and enjoy your trip through the 1000 Islands. Following the main channels through the Islands may be the quickest way to get from point A to point B, but by carefully winding your way through the Islands, I can guarantee you are going see some of the most beautiful scenery you've ever seen and some of the nicest homes, castles and resorts (new and old) you'll find anywhere. I can't say enough about it.

In Kingston, you will find great shopping, restaurants and historical sites within walking distance or a short cab ride. Fort Henry puts on a great "Sunset Ceremony" every Wednesday and Saturday night (worth checking out). http://www.forthenry.com/home.htm

Gananoque provides the shopping and restaurants on a smaller scale, but there is nothing quite like docking at the front step of the 1000 Island's Play House and walking up the steps to take in a play.

Overnight on one of the many Parks Canada islands is a great experience. Like Gary points out, once you secure a dock, use the dinghy to go to town for supplies if you need to, but if not, sit back relax and enjoy yourself. I have not made it to Big Sand Bay on Wolf Island yet, but the first time I saw Carver's picture I knew it was a place I'd want to see. Definetly doing it this year.

There really is so much to see and do (I know I sound like a radio commercial). But touring the Eastern Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River really is something else. The guide books will help with choosing your destinations.

Buck/SLW you have tapped into a great resource here with Gary and Carver, keep asking questions, and we can all help you enjoy your boating while in the area.

Thanks,
Bcat
 
Hey All!
I'm from Perth, Ontario and going to be doing a cruise with my fiance who's from the Seneca Lake area. We plan on traveling up Erie Canal and through the St. Lawrence Seaway this summer and I really appreciate being able to read this thread tonight. Any chance, Carver, I could also get a copy of the DVD you've made of the area? If so, I'll forward my address and thanks a million! - Chris
F.Y.I. The Rideau Canal is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year and there are hundreds of things planned along the Canal so if you'd like any information on it, don't hesitate to ask. I'm an educator here in Ontario and have privy to lots of stuff about it.
 
Hey All!
I'm from Perth, Ontario and going to be doing a cruise with my fiance who's from the Seneca Lake area. We plan on traveling up Erie Canal and through the St. Lawrence Seaway this summer and I really appreciate being able to read this thread tonight. Any chance, Carver, I could also get a copy of the DVD you've made of the area? If so, I'll forward my address and thanks a million! - Chris
F.Y.I. The Rideau Canal is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year and there are hundreds of things planned along the Canal so if you'd like any information on it, don't hesitate to ask. I'm an educator here in Ontario and have privy to lots of stuff about it.
 
Back
Top