We decided to head west from Spanish along the beautiful Whaleback Channel, 12 miles to Beardrop Harbour. It is a mile long stretch framed by 2 unnamed islands to the south and the Ontario mainland to the north. It is entered along a course of rocky island outcroppings but with depths of 8-12 feet. Beardrop is a fully protected anchorage with a mud bottom, depths of 8-15’ and room for a dozen+ boats. The mainland is owned by the Serpent River First Nation and going ashore is okay as long as the land is respected and kept clean.This is an island paradise complete with a loon soundtrack and eagles soaring above. There are pink bluffs and tiny coves to explore by dinghy. I need to get a 10-11 foot kayak to explore here next year so I can quietly thread through the lily pads. There is a small sandy beach to go ashore. There are dozens of small deserted islands nearby so if the weather is good, you can find a place to go ashore and explore.
We spent 4 wonderful days here filled with exploring, swimming, aqua jogging, reading, and visiting with neighboring boaters. We even had a visit from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, not on a horse, but a Titan dinghy, launched from their 74 foot mother ship in Whaleback Channel. RCMP does homeland security for Canada. We were not boarded as we had all the required Canadian CBSA Report numbers. It also helps to have a cute dog onboard.
I can report that this anchorage is solid, having been tested by a 2 a.m. t-storm, another day of 20 knot winds, and one day of solid rain. We are switching to island time as we notice ourselves unwinding and attuning to a more natural clock.
I can report that this anchorage is solid, having been tested by a 2 a.m. t-storm, another day of 20 knot winds, and one day of solid rain. We are switching to island time as we notice ourselves unwinding and attuning to a more natural clock.
