Boating

The North Channel of Lake Huron is one of the best sailing, boating areas on the Great Lakes. Explore Lake Huron and the numerous nearby inland Lakes by canoe, boat or kayak.

Sail, boat,or paddle Bruce Bay and the North Channel of Lake Huron. Investigate our islands' shoreline with their reedy bays, sandy coves, and rocky bluffs. Observe the ducks, Canadian geese,  other water birds and land birds in their natural habitat.
- Resort guests may use our complimentary canoes, kayaks and boats or bring your own.
Sail or boat the North Channel, the Town Marina has slips for overnight stays and a boat ramp for launching ( fee is charged )
Canoe or boat the Thessalon River. Rydal Bank is an excellent launching point as there is parking, a ramp and no fee. Rydal Bank is located 10 km (6 miles) north of Bruce Mines. The village of Rydal Bank is located at the confluence of Ottertail Lake and the Thessalon River. That Confluence is controlled by a regulated dam. At the headwaters of the dam the boat launch is located. This takes you right into Ottertail Lake and you can canoe (or boat) west along the river to the Thessalon River at the head of the lake.  The lake has a reedy shore which is a good area for viewing birds and also open water which is suitable for fishing for pike, pickerel and salmon. The gentle river runs along woodland and fields - it meanders and is a great place to see heron, ducks, kingfishers and turtles.

At the end of this stretch of the river you enter Gordon Lake - there are no impediments here and the lake is a good sized one and you can canoe across it to the point where the river continues and you can canoe along it to the mouth of Rock Lake where you do encounter a dam and have to portage around it - but it's not too difficult. Both Gordon Lake and Rock Lake offer spectacular scenery and good fishing opportunities.

So this stretch of the river offers pleasant paddling and nature experiences.

It is not recommended that anyone put in at Rydal Bank below the dam as this stretch of the river contains water falls and rapids that can be treacherous and depending upon the time of year, may be dangerous.

Canoe, kayak, or boat the Desbarats Islands of Lake Huron.Desbarats is located on the Trans-Canada Hightway, just 15km ( 8 miles) west of Bruce Mines.  Launch your canoe, kayak, or boat at the dock in Desbarats. Enjoy the protected bay with its scattered islands.
Bruce Mines Marina is located downtown Bruce Mines, a full service marina including a boat ramp for boat launching ( fee is charged )
The North Channel link offers information for all the marinas including Bruce Mines
Regulations and everything you need to know about boating in Ontario
Some boaters may need the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Non-Canadians who operate a pleasure craft for less than 45 consecutive days are exempt. To find out how to get your Boaters License and other boating information.