Little Current

45.7313° N, 81.3836° W

The gateway to Manitoulin Island. 

The only land access to Manitoulin is the Little Current Swing Bridge, located on Highway 6, crossing the North Channel of Lake Huron to the mainland, where the highway continues northward to Espanola. In summer, the swing bridge opens to marine traffic on the hour for 15 minutes from sunrise to sunset, delaying road traffic. Road traffic can only cross in one direction at a time.

It is a safe haven from the ravages of Lake Huron. The community may be found on Canadian Hydrographic Chart #2205. The channel is well marked from the east by Strawberry Island Lighthouse. We cruised in; lining up the green lights on the approach then turning into the channel.

The municipal docks are a perfect place to re-provision as the grocery store, pharmacy, liquor and beer store is just up the hill. The docks are right downtown located in a beautiful waterfront park. A good spot for people watching and going out for a bite to eat. Also, a good place to boat watch as they come and go from anchorages to re-provision or to escape pending weather.

Do watch the weather though and beware that the “current” changes direction and speed with the wind. I am sure there are slips in the marina where the current isn’t as strong when it is running. However, docking stern in will make it easier to leave no matter which direction the current is flowing.

Spider Bay offers a little more protection but is a significantly longer hike to the grocery store. And you will want to provision up so you can try out the numerous anchorages in the surround area. McGregor Bay, The Benjamin’s Crocker, Claperton Channel, Whaleback Channel can offer a whole summer of possibilities.

We have been here several times now and it is a favourite stop. It is a picturesque village that bustles in the summer months. Like most places in Georgian Bay and the North Channel everything slows down after Labour Day.