Generally your course crossing the north east section of the Lake Simcoe should be on a heading of 308°T up bound for Orillia and 128°T down bound for the Trent Severn entrance. Above all you want to remain at least one mile offshore to avoid the shoals. There are 4 major shoal areas that require caution and a deviation from a direct course. Near the entrance to the canal lies Mara Shoal and further north are a series of 3 beginning with Maynards Shoal 15' marked by STB, Whiskey Shoal with a 6' depth over a rock, and Trout Shoal S323 off Strawberry Island with a depth of 3'. |
Beaverton to Atherley NarrowsThe picture is the Lake Simcoe shore north of the Trent Severn entrance at mile 182. The Trent-Severn Waterway passes through Lake Simcoe from the mouth of the canal outside of Gamebridge lock to the Atherley Narrows a distance of about 16 miles. The shore of the lake tends to be fairly flat and wooded with cottages lining the shore. Coming out of the canal you want to head pretty much straight out on a heading of about 315°T toward Thorah Island where you may be able to see the light on the end of the public dock. Thorah Island is heavily wooded with an interesting history before the current cottager's including a period of white lightning stills and a male religions group. There is a public landing on the east side facing the canal entrance, however CAUTION should be used as there is a shoal extending from the SE point to red buoy SG2. The Island has several areas visiting boats can anchor two on the west side have sandy beaches but are exposed to the prevailing winds making overnight stays a bit too dicey. THe anchorages are popular due to their easy distance from shore Marinas so you may have trouble finding a spot with swing room. You want to stay a fair bit off as the water shoals gradually to the beach. The best places are between South Point and Eagle Point, or to the north on the other side of Woodman Shoal (6') between Eagle Point and Woodman Point. You want to continue for roughly one mile before beginning a wide arc northward leaving at least 1.3 miles distance to Mara Point to avoid a 1 foot shoal that extends offshore from the point. As you make your turn watch for the fairway marker STD which shows an occluding light with a "dash dot dash" sequence. If this is your first crossing of lake Simcoe a good guideline for determining your course is the water tower astern in Beaverton and ahead beyond Shingle Bay. On this course roughly 5 miles from the Trent Severn entrance your next fairway marker is STC with a light occluding light from Morse code which is about half way. Lagoon City is found on the east shore with a private light (FL) marking the entrance to the harbour. |
Lagoon CityLagoon City is an expansive development with a well established boating community and lifestyle facilities. Located just north of Brecken Point most of the water offshore has adequate deep for and cruising boat plying the Trent Severn System. Approaching from the lake there are substantial concrete break walls that extend out wards for roughly 666 feet. The entrance is well lit with a red daymarker of the south break walls end and a green daymarker of the north breakwater with a flashing white light on the north break wall. Entrance depth is maintained by dredging to roughly 6 feet. There are several facilities within the Lagoon City complex. As you clear the break walls there is a wide channel that leads into the entire Lagoon City complex The channel is wide often flanked by condos and facilities. Lagoon City Marina
150 Laguna Parkway, Site 2, Box 9 Lagoon City Marina is the first marina located close to the end of the Generally on the south side. For transients it is possible to dock on the wall, however it is not free and you will often find it busy so call ahead on VHF 68 or by cellular. The fuel dock is a little further along and well marked and where you pay for mooring. The marina its self has 277 slips that are both covered and open and able to accommodate up to 60' vessels within a well sheltered "H" shaped inner harbour. Facilities are extensive with storage for 500 Boats, Fresh water, Hydro, Laundry facilities, Security, Cable TV, Sauna, Swimming pool and a Whirlpools. For the kids there is a Wading Pool, sandy beach and Playground, while adults can enjoy Tennis Courts or enjoy Casual Dining. If you require service you will find a 3,600 sq. ft. Service Shop, a 25 ton Travelift or 10 ton Hydraulic Trailer/Forklift. Licensed & Mercury Trained Technicians with the Mercury Specialty Tools for 40' boats. There is also a Ship wright on premises. |
Three miles north watch for STB with a occluding light Morse code A that marks a series of shoals to the east. Roughly one mile beyond STB (R W) watch for the three buoys to the east marking McGinnis Reef SM5, Whiskey Shoal SM3 and SM1 at Dry Shoal Island for your reference point altering course to 293°T. This up bound heading will angle offshore toward the Trout Shoal structure buoy S323 (FIG) which marking a 3' shoal between the buoy and Strawberry Island. North bound at Trout Shoal S323 alter course to 342°T and Atherley Narrows. Is is usually possible to see the fairway marker STA with its light occluding Morse code A. To the east is McRae Provincial park on McRae Point and the entrance to McPhee Bay. McPhee Bay has two Marinas. On the north side of McRae Point is Marina Del Ray, while further east sheltered by Plumb Point is Starport Landing Northbound for Atherley Narrows you continue north past McPhee Bay on the 342°T heading to marker ST which again is an occluding light flashing Morse code A. At buoy ST select a new course of 18°T towards the Atherley Narrows.
You may return to either version of the Trent Severn Cruising Guide below |