Amherstburg
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Amherstburg, ON Lat: 42° 6.00 Long: 083° 6.844 |
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Important Numbers
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DESCRIPTION Amherstburg was established as a British fort and naval base in 1796. Settled by Loyalists who had moved from the American colonies, Amherstburg played an important role in the War of 1812. It was also a northern terminus for the Underground Railroad, the route taken by African-Americans fleeing slavery. Today, it is a quiet town that enjoys all of the benefits of two neighbouring major cities. Its waterfront is an ever-moving tapestry of ships from all over the world passing along the St. Lawrence Seaway. |
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APPROACHES From the SOUTH Amherstburg Channel is the upstream channel for commercial traffic. It splits from the main channel well south of Boblo Island (Bois Blanc Island). Where it splits off is marked with a mid-channel Fl GREEN light mounted on a 46 ft / 14 m tower. Keep to the starboard and follow Amherstburg Channel north 3.75 nm to Duffy's Tavern and Motor Inn marina. From the North Amherstburg Channel splits from the main channel north of Chystal Island. Where it splits off is marked with a mid-channel Fl GREEN light mounted on a 37 ft / 11.28 m tower. Keep to port and follow Amhersburg Channel south approximately 2.5 nm To Duffy's Tavern and Motor Inn marina. NOTE: There is an auto ferry that runs between the mainland and nearby Boblo Island (shown on charts as Bois Blanc Island), a little south of Duffy's. Keep a sharp eye out for it. Be prepared for a great deal of traffic in Amherstburg Channel. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Duffy's Tavern and Motor Inn (519) 736-4301 Duffy's has approximately 75 slips. There are several set aside for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (gasoline only). There is power at docks but no water. There are no warchrooms or showers but there is a very popular tavern on-site as well as a motel. Washroom facilities would be available at the tavern. Boblo Island Marina (519) 730-0194 VHF 68 Note: The charted name name of this island is Bois Blanc Island. It has been known locally as Boblo Island for decades. Boblo Island Marina is located on the west side of the island. To reach it, stay in the main shipping channel until the marina is right on your beam. Then turn and make a straight-in entry. The water on either side of the marina is shallow and you are inviting trouble if you decide to tak an angled approach in. Boblo Island Marina has about 100 slips with 80 set aside for transient sailors. There is water and power dockside. There are washrooms and showers and a ship's store. There is a restaurant on-site. The island has lots of walking trails and picnic areas. There is internet service available. If you are staying as an overnight guest, you can get a pass to use the ferry to Amherstburg at no charge. Anchorage The only anchorage on the Detroit River is located in Chrystal Bay, north of Boblo Island. Watch water deptha as the water gets very skinny in here. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's Clare's Mobile Marine can provide engine and mechanical repairs ar dockside. Offshore Marine provides fiberglass and hull repairs as well as elctrical and canvas repair work. There is a large Sobey's Supermarket north of the downtown/harbour area. It will have everything you need in the way of provisions. You will need a vehicle to get there. There are several banks and ATM's within 3 or 4 blocks of the harbour. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES The nearest hospital is Hotel-Dieu Grace (51-973-4411), minutes away in Windsor. The nearest pharmacy is Emrose Medical Pharmacy (519-736-2223), located about 3 blocks east of Duffy's marina |
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PLACES TO EAT Duffy's Tavern is located on the waterfront. This establishment has been around for about 50 years and is well-known. Ricardo's Italian Restaurant is located along the waterfront and their patoi is a great vantage point from which to relax and watch the passing ships. As you can imagine, the menu is a salute to the best of Italy's cuisine which can be enjoyed in a lovely dining room overlooking the river and parkland or out on their patio, Caldwell's Grant is a restaurant with not only an excellent menu but also a most interesting history. The original land grant was given to a William Caldwell, an officer in the famed Butler's Rangers, that fought in both the American Revolution and the War of 1812. One William Bullock built the building. His son is the Seth Bullock who figures in the TV drama "Deadwood". Leaving his home in Amherstburg, Seth Bullock moved to the American west where he became a sheriff in Montana. He then moved to Deadwood, SD where he became sheriff at the height of its lawlessness. He went on to become a friend of U.S. president Theodore Rooseveldt. The restaurant menu has a nice range of meats, seafood and pasta. These can be enjoyed in a lovely dining room or on a beautiful, secluded patio. The Waterfront Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt, with its 50+ flavours, is definitely the place to go to satisfy a sweet tooth. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Amherstburg is rich in history and there are several sites worth visiting. Fort Malden National Historic Site was originally known as Fort Amherstburg. It was built in 1796 and played a major role in the War of 1812. The North American Black Historical Museum focuses on the Underground Railroad movement and the black settlement that took place in Canada. Voices of Amherstburg is an innovative, self-guided tour through the town using your cell phone to connect with audio. July 1-4 sees the international joint celebrations of the founding of our two great countries. There are fireworks and festivals everywhere along the Canadian and Americansides of the Detroit River. This Amherstburg tourism site will give you some ideas on whats available to see and experience. Return to Home Page Return to Lake St. Clair |
