Pilotage Plan from Orillia, ON to Barrie, ON
Embarking on a boat trip from Orillia to Barrie promises a delightful experience, rich with stunning landscapes and interesting landmarks. However, safe navigation is key to ensuring an enjoyable journey. This guide will cover expected routes, notable points of interest, potential hazards, and useful bays for shelter, as well as navigational considerations to keep your trip safe and smooth.
Route Overview
Starting from Orillia (coordinates: 44.6078° N, -79.3704° W), you'll begin your journey on the pristine waters of Lake Couchiching. The route will take you through the scenic connections of Lake Simcoe, leading you to Barrie (coordinates: 44.3871° N, -79.6883° W). The total distance is approximately 22 nautical miles, making it a manageable trip for a leisurely day on the water.
Section 1: Departure from Orillia
As you leave Orillia, take a moment to enjoy the views of the beautiful waterfront parks, historic buildings, and bustling marina. You’ll want to navigate towards the southern end of Lake Couchiching. Keep a close eye on the buoy markers; they guide you safely through the depths while helping you avoid any shallow areas.
Notable Navigation Aids:
Couchiching Lighthouse: Located at the southern tip, this landmark is a useful reference point as you head out.
Buoys: Follow the navigational markers that delineate safe passage on Lake Couchiching.
Section 2: Crossing Lake Simcoe
Once you exit Lake Couchiching into Lake Simcoe, watch for changes in wind patterns and waves, as this body of water can become choppy during sudden weather shifts.
Points of Interest:
Guardian Angels Shrine at Big Cedar: This is a lovely spot to make a short stop, enjoy some quiet time, and take in the stunning views back towards Orillia.
Sparrow Lake: As you navigate to your south-west toward Barrie, consider making a brief detour into Sparrow Lake for a peaceful retreat. This sheltered bay can provide excellent protection if the weather starts to turn.
Shelter Options:
Bear Point: Just south of Big Cedar, this area offers a sheltered cove perfect for waiting out rough conditions.
Kempenfelt Bay: Near Barrie, Kempenfelt Bay is well-protected with easy access to nearby facilities and amenities, making it an ideal refuge before completing your journey.
Section 3: Approaching Barrie
As you near Barrie, be cautious of boat traffic, particularly during weekends and holidays when locals and visitors frequent the water. The entrance to Barrie features an active harbor where you will want to maintain a slow speed to avoid congestion.
Key Navigation Aids:
Barrie Marina: This prominent marina is a turning point and offers dockage if you wish to anchor and explore Barrie's waterfront.
Navigational Markers: As you enter the bay, keep watch for the yellow marker signaling the entrance to the marina.
Safety Considerations and Local Regulations
Your navigation experience can be enhanced with several handy apps. I highly suggest using Savvy Navvy, a robust tool that provides invasive routing, charts, and real-time weather updates. Other good options include:
Navionics: Great for detailed maps and community updates.
Windy: Excellent for precise weather forecasting.
Conclusion
The trip from Orillia to Barrie encapsulates the essence of Ontario's natural beauty and recreational boating. By keeping safety at the forefront, being aware of your surroundings, and respecting local navigation guidelines, you will create cherished memories on this aquatic adventure. Happy boating!