Lakeland_Boating_-_September_2016

Port Elgin Harbour

Stay for the sunsets on Lake Huron’s eastern shore.

W

hen the day winds down, both boaters and pedestrians

alike gather at Port Elgin Harbour in the town of

Saugeen Shores, Ontario. The federally owned marina run

by the local government is perched on the eastern shore of

Lake Huron, facing west, bestowing the marina with some

truly spectacular sunset views.

“The sunsets here are world renowned,” says Mark McElroy,

Port Elgin’s harbormaster. “This could be an oceanfront location.”

This deep, easily accessible marina sits about halfway between

the southern edge of Lake Huron and the North Channel,

making it an ideal spot for boaters to spend a day or two as they

hop the coast for a North Channel or Georgian Bay adventure.

Boaters approaching the marina from the water should look for

Logie’s Rock, marked by a light buoy 2 miles northwest of the

marina, which leads to a buoyed channel. Be sure to stick within

the marked channel as you make your way to Port Elgin Harbour;

outside it, the depth quickly tapers off to a shallow 2 feet.

Boaters stopping by for a day or two should call ahead

to reserve one of the marina’s 10-15 transient slips. Total,

the marina can accommodate approximately 240 vessels

with its floating docks and several hundred-foot concrete

pier. Many boaters — including those from the nearby Port

Elgin Yacht Club — store their boats in the marina’s north

parking lot during the off-season. Although there are no

on-site repair services, McElroy says Port Elgin Harbour

employees are more than happy to call local businesses,

including a traveling mechanic, if boaters run into trouble.

For those with a few hours to kill before sunset, there are

two nearby beaches (perfect for picnicking) and an on-site

restaurant, The Harbor Light, where you can grab a bite

to eat. The little town of Port Elgin is also a short walk or

bike ride away, McElroy says.

Boaters who can’t make it up to Saugeen Shores and the

North Channel until next year may be in luck: The Canadian

government has pledged $1.2 million to replace Port Elgin

Harbour’s main pier and provide new fuel-supplying

equipment. The renovation will begin in November and is

scheduled to be completed in March 2017.

“It will really give the harbor a new look,” McElroy says.

“We’re excited about that.” ★

MORE

INFORMATION

Port Elgin Harbour

163 Elgin St.

Saugeen Shores, ON

519-832-6535

VISITSAUGEENSHORES.CA

Amenities

Transient slips: Y

Pump-out: Y

Gas: Y

Diesel: Y

Lifts: Y

Launch ramp: Y

Engine repair: N

Hull repair: N

Marine store: Y

Restaurant: Y

Showers: Y

Laundromat: N

by Sarah Kollmorgen

MARINA WATCH

52 SEPTEMBER 2016 | LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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