blind river ontario

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Blind River, ON

Lat: 46° 10.674   Long: 082° 57.976

Quick Reference:

  • Port Type: Town
  • Monitors VHF: 68
  • Charts: CHS 2259, 2268
  • Customs: (888) CANPASS (266-7277)
  • Coast Guard
  • Transient Docking
  • Anchorage
  • Diesel
  • Gasoline
  • Potable Water
  • Pump Out
  • Washrooms
  • Showers
  • Laundry
  • Repair Services
  • Provisions
  • Pharmacy
  • Hospital/Clinic
  • Banks/ATM
  • Restaurants/Pubs
  • Shopping
  • Internet
  • Amenities
  Important Numbers

Area Code705
Emergency911
Police(888) 310-1122
Hospital(705) 356-2265
Pharmacy(705) 356-7512

DISTANCES


Port Distance (nm) Port Distance (nm)
Meldrum Bay, ON 18 S Kilarney, ON 69 E
De Tour Village, MI 44 SW Baie Fine, ON 60 E
Thessalon, ON 30 W Little Current, ON 47 W
Bruce Mines, ON 41 W Gore Bay, ON 28 SE

DESCRIPTION


Blind River Ontario is the largest town on the north coast of the North Channel. Located pretty much at the 1/2 way point, it is a great spot to stop for provisions or to simply enjoy a break in a pleasant small town.

Initially settled by fur traders, Blind River flourished as a lumbering town. At one time, it was the largest producer of milled white pine east of the Rocky Mountains. Blind River Ontario has also benefited over the years from the discoveries of copper and uranium. There is also an active commercial fishery and tourism is an important part of the local economy.

APPROACHES


Blind River Marine Park is located in Dorothy Inlet, on the northeast side of the bay. There is a government dock located up the river. This dock is reserved exclusively for the commercial fishing fleet based out of Blind River Ontario.

Hold a course southwest of Suzanne Island. The grounds north and northeast of the island are shallow and foul. The marked channel into Blind River begins off Comb Point. There is a GREEN can buoy (UP3) and a RED nun buoy (UP4). Passing between them, set a course of approximately 345°T. Ahead will be a bifurcation buoy. Leave that buoy to your starboard, passing between it and the GREEN porthand buoy (UX1).

Note: If you leave the bifurcation buoy on your port, you will enter foul water. Create a clearing line (The page on Course Plotting has an explanation of this easy navigation idea.) from the bifurcation buoy to the south breakwall of the marina and stay west of it.

FROM THE WEST / SOUTHWEST
Comb Point is marked with an ISO WHITE light. The channel entrance buoys lie approximately 700 ft/220 m offshore from the Point. Follow a course of approximately 345°T to the GREEN can buoy (UX1) and the Bifurcation Buoy. It is imperative to leave the Bifurcation buoy on your starboard. Continue on that course to the entrance to the marine park.

MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES


Blind River Marine Park   (705) 356-7026   VHF 68
Blind River Marine Park is operated by the municipality. Built in 1992, the marine has approximately 120 slips. Several dozen are available for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. Water and power are available at dockside. This is a full-service marina where engine, mechanical, electrical and canvas repairs can be obtained. This work is handled through several local marine service businesses. There are washrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Onsite, there is a restaurant and lounge (with fresh coffee served every morning courtesy of the marina). There are recreation areas and tennis courts. The marina also has bicycles available at no charge to explore the area or to go into town (about 1 mi/1.6 km) away.

Anchorage
There is an anchorage area southwest of the marina in Dorothy Inlet. However, the holding ground is very poor and much of the bottom is foul, with debris from decades of lumbering.

REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's


Blind River Marine Park (See above)

Hutton's Valu Mart is located about 1 mi/1.6 km from the marina, on Hwy 17.

The Royal Bank of Canada is a full-service branch with both counter and ATM service. It is located about 3/4 mi/1.2 km from the marina.

MEDICAL SERVICES


Blind River Ontario District Health Centre is the community hospital and includes both an Emergency Dept and and Acute Care Dept. It is located about 2.5 mi/4 km from the marina.

Guardian Drugs is located downtown, about 1 mi/1.6 km from the marina.

PLACES TO EAT


Blind River Marine Park Cafe is located at the marina. It is a popular restaurant. Note that they only accept cash. Auberge Eldo Inn is a popular, local restaurant located on Hwy 17, about 2 minels from the marina. They run a shuttle service to the marina. The Iron Horse Inn is a local pub located downtown and offers standard pub fare. 17 Restaurant has a resputation for serving darn good chinese food.

THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT


Blind River Boom Interpretive Park offers 7 mi/12 km of beautiful trails for those who like to stretch their legs.. Timber Village Museum is a very good lumbering museum located about 2 mi/ 3.2 km from the marina. A visit here lets you get a glimpse of life in the lumbering bppm times. Next door to the museum is the Farmers' Market, open every Saturday. Its a great place to stock up on some fresh produce, fish or maybe a craft item for a gift. The Blind River Ontario information site will give you more ideas on how you can enjoy your time here.


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