North Channel Benjamin Islands

Lono · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:44 pm Post subject: North Channel Benjamin Islands

I'm interested to know if anyone has cruised around the Benjamin Island's in the North Channel off Manitoulin Island. I'm thinking about launching from Spanish, Ontario and going to the islands for a day or two.

Is this a do-able trip in my 16 Cruiser??? How far is it from Spanish to the Islands??? Thanks Brian

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:50 pm Post subject:

Hi, what country and body of water is this in? If I have to ask I know that you dont want my advice Wink

Just interested in where you talking about.

Lono · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:52 pm Post subject:

It's in Canada in Ontario. Georgian Bay area

SouthLake · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 8:36 pm Post subject:

Check out this site. You can contact them via email and they'll respond. If you look on their site you'll see that hey launched from Spanish last summer and did the trip you're talking about. Lots of photos.

http://trailertrawlerlife.com/

bcassal · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 9:25 pm Post subject:

That is a beautiful area. I was up there in 2009 with a friend in his 25. We launched at Blind River, (friendly marina). We cruised east through Little Current and on to Baie Fine. A very beautiful Fiord, Go back to "the pool". We had some weather that was uncomfortably rough in the 25, but there are plenty of protected areas you can lay by in. It can be very busy in season. We went the week after labor day and everything was deserted. The weather was perfect. I highly recomend going there.

Carpy

Robert H. Wilkinson · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 9:38 pm Post subject:

Hi Brian, congrats on the new boat! Did you get it in time to use it yet?

Manitoulin and The North Channel are awsome. Never boated there myself, but have gone across on the Cheecheman and spent some time there on my way out west.

If your heading into Tobermory towards the ferry there is a hippy looking coffee shop on the left side - forget the name but they have excellent coffee and food.

Regards, Rob

Lono · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 10:21 pm Post subject:

Thanks a lot....no I got a really good late season deal on the boat and its still at the dealers. Going to have it sent this way in the spring.

BRAZO · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:05 pm Post subject:

We have done the North Channel a few times, once with our 32' Sundowner Tug and the last two times on our CD22. Spanish is a great place to launch as they have a nice ramp and plenty of parking. Also, it gets you out of any open water and the trip to the Benjamin's is fast and easy. A CD16 would be great. We love looking for the spots that no one else can get into. One spot is Porcupine Island in the Benjamin's - opens up into your own little lake with complete protection.

We are heading up to the North Channel this summer and can't wait.

Have fun.

Lono · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:19 pm Post subject:

How long would it take to get from Spanish to some of the good spots you mentioned??

BRAZO · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 6:03 pm Post subject:

journey on · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 8:09 pm Post subject:

Judy and I took Journey On through the Great Lakes a couple of years ago. Stayed at Spanish, cruised the area, it was great. Here's the story: The North Channel. Launched at Vance’s Marina, which was a lot more accommodating that the municipal marina. Don't know if they're still there, but do say hello for us. BTW, the municipal marina is spiffy, but Vance's was more down to earth and was willing to share local knowledge.

Great time, wonderful people, everything is near (including the Benny Isles,), compact, weather was a bit iffy. SoCal has calmer weather is all I can say.

And, please, if you ever find out why Spanish is named Spanish, let me know. The people in Spanish didn't know.

Boris

Robert H. Wilkinson · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 8:54 pm Post subject:

Hi Boris, it was named The Town of Spanish in 2004. Prior to that it was the Township of Shedden. It is at the mouth of the Spanish River - legend has it that in the mid 1750's the Ojibway Indians raided a Spanish held area to the south-west. When they returned to The North Channel they brought with them a very beautifull Spanish girl who named the River and area after her homeland.

The North Channel is on my bucket list. I have travelled through northern Ontario many times on my way out west, and while driving around lakes on the hard is beautifull - it only makes a true boater wish he had his other ride!! Mr. Green

Regards, Rob