America's Great Loop on Emilie B

Lately I've been pinching myself - hardly believing that we are in this place. It might not be the perfect place for everyone, but we are in awe. The weather has been great, the water so clear and refreshing, the landscape so beautiful and also reminiscent of home in NH.  If you have been on Squam Lake, you can get a sense of this place, but here the area is so vast.  We understand why boaters come back summer after summer. There are endless islands and bays to explore. Locals are interested in our boat, our trip and happy to share their knowledge of favorite restaurants, stops or where to pick the best wild blueberries. We'll be sad to leave. We've explored the north coast of Georgian Bay (called the 30,000 Islands) and the start of the North Channel (Manitoulin Island - largest freshwater island in the world). We have loved following the "small craft" route in the area (small is less than 70ft) which winds between islands and rocks and over some skinny water (5f...

While we have enjoyed the challenge and variety of 114 locks, we are very glad to be in the open waters of Georgian Bay. The water is pristine, relatively warm (even by my standards) and the views are awesome. We are excited to be anchoring again (last time was in Lake Champlain) and meandering among the 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay. On the Trent Severn Waterway we experienced some of the most unique locks in the world and they have been around for more than 100 years. We spent a couple of nights in Peterborough, ON and most other nights tied up to the lock walls.  We can't say enough about the staff of Parks Canada and what a great job they do. We are continuing to get the most out of our Parks Canada mooring pass - tonight at a dock on Beausoleil Island. Meeting other loopers and locals enjoying this remarkable area. At the city marina Emilie B among the many View from our stern of the highest (250ft) jet fountain in Canada Entering the Peterborough Lift Lock - highest lift loc...