AN EXCELLENT SOURCE FOR DESTINATIONS: ONTARIO

Ontario is a pleasure boater's paradise. Boasting a quarter million lakes, and countless rivers and bays, there is almost no end to the number of beautiful and different places that one can visit either by boat or with a boat. In so doing, each trip or vacation can be an exciting new experience and provide families with memories to be shared and cherished for a lifetime.

As boaters, we are often quite familiar with our own local area. Local navigators  are familiar with the winds for sailing, the beaches for swimming and watersports, the locations of hazzards such as rock bars and fishnets, and those quiet out of the way places just to relax and wile away a summer day or evening. But are you as familiar with locations and facilities further afield that could also afford you many wonderful hours of boating pleasure?

The Ontario Marine Operators Association free booklet for boaters entitled "Marinas and Destination Guide" highlights numerous locations and places for boaters to travel in Ontario. Sectored into 14 superb boating regions and highlighting 6 major waterways, maps complete with marina locations are included.

The Ontario Marine Operators Association (OMOA), is an association some 500 marinas, marine dealers, yacht clubs and trade member companies working together with the common goal of promoting recreational boating in Ontario. Its members are engaged in boat sales, services and amenities for  recreational boaters and their families. Boatcan is one of the member companies proud to be associated with the OMOA and like the other members it is committed to making boating Fun, Affordable and Safe. There are numerous activities taken on behind the scenes for the boating public by OMOA,and the publication "Marinas and Destination Guide" is one of these.

"Marinas" is full of interesting information. There is an extensive list of things you should think about when searching for or talking with a marina operator. For example what are the services provided by the marina? Is the marina Eco-Rated? Do you know the laws, safety regulations and are you aware of the law which requires each vessel operator to have a Pleasure Craft Operator's Card? There are no exceptions since September 2009... In short, there is a wealth of information in the booklet "Marinas" and on the OMOA website which is easily accessible through www.boatcan.com by clicking on the Boat Links button on the home page and selecting "Marinas Ontario".

A n excellent example of what you might find, can be found when you look at the Sarnia - Lambton area. It is located in Region 9 of the booklet. Sarnia Bay Marina for example is listed and the chart identifies the facilities and services available at Sarnia Bay Marina. Were you aware that Sarnia Bay can handle a boat up to 120 feet long? The chart in "Marinas" will tell all that you need to know. You can also access more information about marinas such as Sarnia Bay by going to the Products and Services area of www.boatcan.com and looking for Marinas.

Another area marina also an OMOA member is Bridgeview in Point Edward. This marina is a complete marina. With accommodation right next door in several different places you also have a pool, full sales and service, lift out services, storage, deep water, and more. This is all easily found by reading "Marinas", or checking on Boatcan.

Maybe you're going further afield. To Lake Erie for fishing or Bayfield for shopping. Erieau Marina on Lake Erie a listed member has plenty of water and total services to give you while you are there. Harbour Lights Marina in Bayfield, also boasts a complete list of marina services including a completely stocked store. Here while you relax away the hours you can purchase those needed boating items and gifts that will be welcome reminders of your time on the water or in Bayfield.

Whether it be the 1000 Islands, the Rideau or Trent Canal Systems, Southern Ontario, Georgian Bay / North Channel, or the extreme areas of the beautiful Province of Ontario, north, both east and west, OMOA's booklet is a handy free resource to have onboard.  It will help you to plan and enjoy a fun, affordable and safe holiday on the water.

The Ontario Marine Operators Association "Marinas and destination Guide" is available at the mentioned marinas, the Ontario Travel Information Centers or directly from the OMOA in Penetanguishene, Ontario.

When you read the OMOA Booklet, and plan for your next Boating Holiday, please remember to..... BE A RESPONSIBLE BOATER.

THINK ABOUT THIS... Without a BOAT, 75% of the Earth’s Surface is Wasted!!!!

AUTHOR Dave McPHail, President of Boatcan