Your adventure tour will begin boarding between 9:30am - 9:45am on the main docks of Little Current. After an on-board welcome and safety briefing by our crew, we will depart at 9:45am in time to make the 10:00am opening of Manitoulin Island’s historic Swing Bridge. We will give you a little insight into the history of this gem as we cruise by.
The 42-mile round-trip tour is an experience you won’t soon forget. A close up view of Manitoulin Islands iconic swing bridge and also Strawberry Island Lighthouse are just a few of the sights we will come across while making our way to the mouth of Baie Fine. As we begin to enter into the fjord, we will pass the long-standing and luxurious Okeechobee Lodge. The Grand Heron will sail on down the narrow 10-mile passage, with steep rocky white quartz mountains covered in windswept pines on either side. This is a dramatic and picture-perfect area, you will want to be sure to have your camera in hand.
Once we have arrived at the anchorage known as “The Pool” we will drop anchor for 1.5 hours allowing any who choose to disembark and experience this true summer oasis. You may even recognize the area! It was painted by the Group of Seven’s, Arthur Lismer. You will know why he was inspired to paint at Lake Topaz after you get to the top. Be sure to bring your swimsuit and a towel so you can take a dip at this favourite swim hole. When we will begin our journey back to Little Current you will be able to relax, grab your favourite beverage, try a locally crafted beer from Manitoulin Brewing or Split Rail Brewing Company and enjoy the cruise back taking it all in. We will arrive back in Little Current at approximately 5:15pm.
Food and Beverage Options: Upon departure from Little Current coffee, tea and a baked treat will be available. Before disembarking at Baie Fine, lunch will be served. At the time of booking, passengers will preorder from the following options. All options are available as regular or gluten-free.
Chicken Caesar Wrap, Roast Beef Wrap, Veggie Hummus Wrap (vegan), Ham and Cheese Sandwich, Egg Salad Sandwich. Each option will include a side of chips and a dessert. Drinking water is included. Soda, juices and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. The bar accepts cash, credit card and debit.
***Cautionary note regarding the hike to Lake Topaz: This is a recreational trail that contains uneven ground and a continuous uphill climb (approximately 250 ft of vertical), therefore is not for everyone due to the uneven terrain and elevation change. You must be physically fit, have good balance, agility and ability. Proper footwear is essential. Wearing sandals, flip flops or open toed shoes are strongly discouraged. Staff will provide direction to help you up the trail. Otherwise, this hike is self-guided. This hike can take as little as 15 minutes or up to 40 minutes or beyond in one direction, depending on a persons physical fitness and hiking experience. Some passengers that choose to join this tour do so to see the miraculous splendor of Baie Fine and choose to stay aboard during the 2hr layover, not leaving the boat. If you choose to venture off the boat, you do so willingly and fully at your own risk. For a list of the risks involved by leaving the vessel and hiking ashore, please be sure to thoroughly read the terms and conditions that you are required to agree to when purchasing tickets for this tour
