ONTARIO, CANADA
NOVELLA | O’DAY 25
ONTARIO
JULY 4 - AUGUST 23, 2024
While technically part of our Great Loop, Ontario was so good that it deserves its own voyage entry. We had a pretty good feeling that we were really going to enjoy the Canadian portion of the Loop. We set aside extra time to enjoy this section. It is said that the Georgian Bay is home to the best freshwater cruising grounds on earth, and we agree! We made our way to the bay via the Trent-Severn Waterway.
We were prepared for the unique locks we knew we would find on the Trent-Severn. What we were not expecting was how much we would enjoy this section of the trip. Navigating the 44 locks was a breeze, a relaxing and welcome change of pace. It was the perfect introduction to what would be one of the best summers of our lives.
THE ROUTE
HIGHLIGHTS
CAMPFIRES, HIKING & SWIMMING
BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES
THE NICEST PEOPLE EVER
ENTERTAINING FAMILY
THE TRENT-SEVERN WATERWAY
JULY 4 - 28, 2024
We crossed Lake Ontario and checked in with Canadian customs. The next day, we were in Trenton and eager to start our adventure along the Trent-Severn Waterway. This series of canals is worthy of a vacation in itself. In fact, that’s what many Canadians do, which brings us to the only downside - the inexperienced boaters on rented houseboats. The locks are historical and well-kept. The staff was incredibly friendly. The towns are quaint, and we had fun exploring by bicycle. The quiet nature sections were full of wildflowers, geese, and swans.
ISLAND HOPPING IN THE GEORGIAN BAY
JULY 28 - AUGUST 2, 2024 | FROM VICTORIA HARBOUR TO SHAWANAGA ISLAND
Once we completed the Trent-Severn, it was time to turn back into a sailboat. We stepped the mast, cleared the deck, and prepped for a month of island hopping on the Georgian Bay. We instantly fell in love with the natural beauty of the area, often having an anchorage all to ourselves. This meant that we also had our own beach. We made sure to go for a hike and have a little fire every chance we got.
BUSTARD ISLANDS | GEORGIAN BAY
AUGUST 2 - 5, 2024
We focused on relaxation while in the Bustards. Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding were common activities. Hiking for blueberries was a top priority. We enjoyed the peace and quiet while soaking in how good it felt to be surrounded by wilderness.
KILLARNEY & LITTLE CURRENT | GEORGIAN BAY
AUGUST 5 - 16, 2024
We eventually had to leave the seclusion of our private anchorages and make our way towards civilization. Our parents met us in Little Current for a week of sailboat adventures. We explored the area together before making our way to Baie Fine, which was spectacular. Novella was surprisingly accommodating for us four adults!
THE BENJAMINS | GEORGIAN BAY
AUGUST 16 - 21, 2024
We saved the best for last! There was a lot of hype for the North Channel, the Benjamins in particular. We were delighted to meet up with some Looper friends who happen to be experts at enjoying the Georgian Bay to the fullest. They shared the very best (and secret) anchorages with us. We hung out on shore together and even rafted up for a night. Tildy was happy to be loved by so many.
LEAVING THE GEORGIAN BAY
AUGUST 21 - 23, 2024 | BEAR DROP HARBOUR TO TURNBULL ISLANDS
We were sad to start making our way back towards the border, leaving the beautiful Canadian waters behind us. However, some fun friends we made on the Trent-Severn happened to be nearby and sent us off with a gift of baked goods and fresh fruit. So many of the people we met were just as lovely as the scenery was beautiful. We can’t wait to return.
