Although it may be chilly right now, spring is right around the corner in the Great Lakes, so start planning your getaway to this region, where you can visit 7 US states and even a whole new country! Travelers note: make sure to bring your passport if visiting Canada 🙂
Lake Ontario
Harbourview Marina Cafe
We’re finally in Canada! Harbourview Marina Cafe is located in the small town of Brighton on the North shore of Lake Ontario. This marina is particularly notable for the amazing diner onsite. While docked, go grab a bite to eat – their home cooked food and scenic views from the patio are enough to make you want to stay a while. Boaters also have access to WiFi, restrooms, showers, laundry and more. Once you’re done eating, watch the sunset from the docks are your boat refuels for a brand new day of Great Lake boating!
Newport Yacht Club
Proudly built as a “boaters dream” in the late 80s, Newport Yacht Club – Stoney Creek Inc. in Hamilton, Ontario is a must visit for power and sailboats up to 50 ft. Combined with the natural beauty of the area, visitors will have plenty to do and see. Hamilton has a rich history and culture. With such close proximity to downtown Hamilton, we recommend visiting Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area or Dundurn Castle. The marina has a ton of great amenities and wake-free protected dockage while you’re tied up. Great Lakes boating has never been easier with dockage at Newport Yacht Club.
Bluffers Park Marina
Ah, to visit the beautiful Toronto! Now, Bluffers Park Marina is not in downtown Toronto, but rather South Toronto near Cliffside. This marina is the perfect place to tie up for a few days, or for a quick stop along your way into the city. While tied up, visit Scarborough Crescent Park for some seriously great views of Lake Ontario from the cliffside. Enjoy the sun and sand at the many beaches surrounding the marina. Don’t feel like leaving? That’s cool too! Bluffers Park Marina has a delicious onsite restaurant and picnic area! Let your vessel get the tune up it needs while you get the tune up you need.
Lake Erie
Kettle Creek Marina Ltd.
If you find yourself on the northern shores of Lake Erie, head to Kettle Creek Marina Ltd. for some much needed RnR at this 30 year family-owned marina! Onsite, you will have access to great amenities that will make you feel at home, but if you’re looking to explore, downtown Port Stanley is just a short walk away.
Pier 53 Marina
Pier 53 Marina is the only private, gated marina on Catawba Island. With 100 floating docks in the scenic west harbor of Clinton, Ohio, guests will have access to a variety of comforts such as high speed WiFi, bath house, full service maintenance and much more. With close proximity to Cleveland, Detroit, and Toledo areas, this is a must stop destination on your trip through Lake Erie.
Harbour Place Marine
Harbour Place Marine is located in Buffalo, New York along the beautiful Niagara River. With scenic views of Canada, guests are invited to host a barbeque in the picnic area, or if you’re not feeling up to cooking, grab a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant, Acqua. If your boat is in need of repair, rest assured the team at Harbor Place Marine will have your ship sailing in top top shape.
Lake Huron
Port Sanilac Marina
This family owned and operated marina is along Lake Huron in Port Sanilac, Michigan. The town boasts “the best sunrise on the East side” and it is definitely the truth! The marina is the perfect destination along the Lake to enjoy some cool breezes off the water and find peace listening to the waves. Stay for the weekend and enjoy some serious family fun – or family competition. Spend some time on the tennis courts, rent kayaks, or hit the golf course. Port Sanilac Marina is a short walk to shopping, beaches and more in the downtown area. End the day by grabbing some ice cream at First Mate by the marina office. Port Sanilac is full of fun and the perfect stop for a weekend getaway on the Great Lakes.
Lake Michigan
Portage Point Marina
Portage Point Marina offers boaters resort style luxuries on the banks of Lake Michigan. The marina can currently accommodate vessels up to 100’ and with great amenities, you’ll never have to leave the grounds. The snack shop is perfect for a quick bite, or enjoy a cookout in the picnic area with friends and families. Head into town for delicious restaurants and neat shops. Onekama is so full of charm, you won’t want to miss out.
Hammond Marina
Hammond Marina is proud to be called the first clean marina in Indiana, and this 918 deep water slip marina won’t disappoint. The marina is 12 nautical miles from downtown Chicago, so boaters can enjoy some quiet outside the city or go on an adventure. Try your hand at poker at the Horseshoe Casino adjacent to the marina. With great amenities, you won’t need to leave the property – though we definitely recommend some exploration!
Prairie Harbor Yacht Club
It’s time to add Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin to your next cruising guide. Prairie Harbor Yacht Club is just minutes from the Illinois state line, offering boaters the unique experience of a quick boat ride to a whole other state. The marina offers a full list of amenities including 40’, 60’ and 80’ slips, fuel services, and dockside pump out service. There are a ton of awesome amenities for you to enjoy your stay, whether it be volleyball down at the court or enjoying the toasty bonfire. Pleasant Prairie may be small, but the town has a lot to offer – it’s time to make some memories.
Lake Superior
Pike’s Bay Marina
Pike’s Bay Marina is situated along the scenic shores of Lake Superior. This Clean Marina in Wisconsin is the perfect destination for those looking to explore the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. In the summer, visitors can hike, camp, and boat along the islands – and in the winter, you can see the ice caves! Pike’s Bay Marina is a full service marina that offers major and minor repairs. The town of Bayfield is full of natural beauty and historical sites. From sunken wrecks, historic lighthouses, crystal waters, and sandy beaches, boaters will get to experience some of the most beautiful natural wonders that the Great Lakes have to offer.
