thornbury ontario
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Thornbury, ON Lat: 44° 34.013 Long: 080° 27.010 |
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DESCRIPTION Thornbury Ontario is at the northern end of the beautiful Beaver Valley. This spectacular valley is a deep cut in the earth's surface, gouged out by receeding glaciers. The result is one of the most beautiful rural areas in Ontario and an important micro-climate. Originally home to the Petun First Nation people, Thornbury was settled in the first half of the 19th century. The community grew and attracted a variety of local industries beginning with the all-important mill. The micro-climate was perfect for fruit crops and the area today produces one of the largest apple crops in Canada. Today, tourism is a vital economic mainstay. The area is a winter wonderland and major skiing destination. Summertime sees visitors flocking to Georgian bay's shoreline. Thornbury Ontario has prosepered in this and has developed an active artist community and many small boutiques and shops. |
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APPROACHES From the NORTH and EAST The approaches to Thornbury Ontario are generally clear from the north and the west. The usual cautions apply about staying well offshore to avoid inshore rocks and obstructions From the EAST From the east, take care to avoid the Mary Ward Ledges, a notorious reef, named for a ship that foundered there in 1872. The reef lies about 5 nm east of Thornbury and about 2 nm offshore. It is well-marked on charts. Give it a wide berth. A landmark for Thornbury is the 152 ft/49.9 m water tower that is visible about 13 nm offshore. The harbour itself is a man-made harbour with an Oc RED/WHITE/GREEN sector light at the end of the west pier. Several hundred yards/meters north of the entrance are the paired markers "TT1" and "TT2". Entering between them will bring you in on the WHITE sector of the range on a course of 212°T. There is a RED channel marker in the centre of the entrance maked "TT4" on your chart. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Thornbury Harbour has 250 slips with about 2 dozen set aside for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. Water and power are available at slips. There are washrooms and showers available. Other amenities include a small beach and picnic area. The harbour is right downtown and easy walking distance to local shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's Shore Power Services Shore Power can carry out a full range of engine and mechanical maintenance and repairs as well as gel coat and fibreglass repairs. Gyles Sails and Marina Gyles runs a full-service marine repair facility They have licensed engine mechanics and can carry out hull and rigging repairs as well as electronics and canvas work. They also represent major sail lofts. Foodland grocery store can handle reprovisioning requirements. A Toronto-Dominion Bank branch has counter service and ATMs |
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MEDICAL SERVICES Blue Mountain Community Health Clinic (519) 599-2732 is located in the village. The nearest hospital is Meaford General Hospital (519) 538-1311 is the nearest hospital, 8 mi/13 km west. Thornbury Pharmacy (519) 599-2719 is located in the village. |
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PLACES TO EAT Thornbury Ontario has several top-notch restaurants. Top of my list is The Dam Pub. With over 450 whiskies (and rumours of far more) and Innis & Gunn beer (a fabulous beer aged in used whisky barrels!) on tap, The Dam Pub is truely a place to visit and enjoy. Foods pretty good too. Sisi Trattoria is an excellent Italian trattoria and wine bar serving wine from the owern's own estate in Argentina. Simplicity Bistro is an elegant little restaurant located in the former postmaster's home, dating from the 1880's. Bridges Tavern offers a beautiful setting with views overlooking the water. The outdoor patio and gardens are the perfect place to relax with a cool drink or enjoy a good meal from their extensive menu. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Every Sunday evening, Thornbury Ontario hosts Jazz By The Bay with different jazz artists each week. Mid-July is the Peak to Shore Music Festival, a three-day celebration of some of Canada'a top bands. Mid-summer, Thornbury hosts a major sailing regatta. Every July, the village is the site of Blue Mountains Chili Cookoff. There are also lots of small galleries and boutiques to explore in this delightful village. There is also the Thornbury Ontario tourism site that will give you many ideas on getting the most of your visit. Return from Thornbury Ontario to Georgian Bay Return to Home Page |
