wiarton ontario

Great-Lakes-Sailing.com

Wiarton, ON

Lat: 44° 44.927   Long: 081° 8.150

Quick Reference:

  • Port Type: Town
  • Monitors VHF: 68
  • Charts: CHS 2201, 2282, 2283
  • 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 Code519
Emergency911
Police(888) 310-1122
Hospital(519) 534-1260
Pharmacy(519) 534-0230

DISTANCES


Port Distance (nm) Port Distance (nm)
Tobermory, ON 73 N Collingwood, ON 51 SE
Killarney, ON 94 N Penetanguishene, ON 72 E
Port Elgin, ON 133 W Parry Sound, ON 69 N

DESCRIPTION


Wiarton Ontario sits at the head of the beautiful Colpoy's Bay, a long, well-protected inlet from Georgian Bay. Established in the mid-1800's, Wiarton became a lumbering centre with 7 mills lining its waterfront. With the arrival of the railroad, Wiarton became a busy transhipment point.

Today, Wiarton Ontario is a popular tourist destination and the scenery as you sail down Colpoy's Bay, bordered by the magnificent Bruce Peninsula, is simply outstanding.

APPROACHES


The approaches to Wiarton Ontario are clear from all directions. Enter Colpoy's Bay on either side of White Cloud Island. The town is right at the head of the bay, about 7 nm to the SW. As you approach the town, the marina is to the north, on your starboard side. It is marked with a Fl RED light visible 6.3 NM.

MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES


Wiarton Marina   (519)534-1301   VHF 68
Wiarton Marina has 250 slips and keeps a 1/2 dozen available for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. There are water and power hookups at each slip This is a full-service marina and they can carry out engine, mechanical, electrical, structural and rigging repairs. There are washrooms and showers. There is a laundromat in town about a 20 minute walk away. There is a ship's store on-site and a picnic area.

Government Dock      
The Government Dock is located at the southwest end of the harbour. You can tie up there. There are no hook-ups or any services here.

Anchorage      
Anchoring is permitted in the harbour.

REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's


Wiarton Marina (See above)

Wiarton Foodland grocery store is located about .3 mi/.5 km from the marina.

TD Bank is located downtown, about .3 mi/.5 nm from the marina. There is counter service and ATM machines.

MEDICAL SERVICES


Wiarton Hospital (519) 534-1260 is a small hospital with a 24-hour emergency department and an acute care facility. It is located about 1 mi/1.6 km from the marina.

IDA Drugs (519) 534-0230 is located about .8 mi/1.3 km from the marina.

PLACES TO EAT


Wiarton Ontario has a number of small restaurants that you can enjoy. The Green Door Cafe is popular with both local residents and visiting boaters. Coal Shed Willies serves a great whitefish dinner. For a pub experience, visit the Wiarton Inn. They have a good menu and a patio where you can dine outdoors.

THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT


Wiarton Ontario is nestled in the heart of some of the most spectacular countryside. On the one hand, there is the beautiful Colpoy's Bay, named after Sir John Colpoy, an Admiral in the Royal Navy in the 1800's. Inland, lies the Bruce Peninsula with its magnificent views from the escarpment. Bluewater Park is located along Colpoy's Bay and has childrens' play areas, walking trails and a long dock for fishing. There is a beautiful Victorian train station and a statute to that famous weather forcaster - Wiarton Willie. Wiarton Willie is an albino groundhog who, for over 55 years, every February 2nd (Groundhog Day), has been predicting when Spring will arrive. Crowds of up to 10,000 come to witness the event and share in the festivities.

If you want to get out and stretch your legs, the Wiarton area is perfect for this. Bruce Caves Conservation Area protects caves carved out of the rugged shoreline and is a significant geological feature. Colpoy's Bluff, Spirit Rock Conservation Area, Colpoy's Lookout and Skinner's Bluff all offer excellent hiking and stunning views - bring your camera!

Through the town runs the world-famous Bruce Trail. The Bruce Peninsula is home to 13 distinct escarpment parks and they are a delight to explore. The Wiarton Ontario information site will give you more ideas on how you can enjoy your time here.


Return from Wiarton Ontario to Georgian Bay

Return to Home Page

Something To Add To This Port Review?

Do you have a great story about this port? Met some memorable people? Found a great bar or restaurant? Is there something about this port that other sailors should know? Here's your chance to add your voice!

Please reference the Port you are writing about (makes it easier to keep track). Small changes or updates will be done as I receive them.

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. I cannot post anonymous submissions or reply to questions without it. It will never be included in your submission.

Commercial submissions will be replied to separately.

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Amenities Update Not rated yet
Great Web Site! I have sailed out of Wiarton for about a decade and there have been changes. The Wiarton Inn is now primarily a Chinese food place with …

Click here to write your own.


Enter Your E-mail Address
to subscribe to Rhumb Line for updates and new port reviews
Enter Your First Name (optional)
Then

Your e-mail address is totally secure.
It is used only to send you
Rhumb Line.
You may unsubscribe at anytime


Click here for details.