August 26 – 28, 2022

Britt and Byng Inlet are two small communities on the rocky shores of Byng Inlet (the body of water) which is the outlet of the Magnetawan River – about three miles up from the “Small Craft Route.” The channel is well marked on the charts and takes you directly to Britt.

Because the inlet offers deep-water access from Georgian Bay, both communities were settled as logging towns with many sawmills. The towns then became busy shipment ports for first coal and then oil.

Oil-carrying lakers still use the harbour every year – you’ll know if one is coming by the security calls it makes on VHF 16 when entering the narrows at Clark Island.

Although the commercial boom is over and the marina in Byng Inlet closed in 2010, the marinas in Britt are fortunate to be on the shipping channel and therefore are not affected by the recent low-water levels of Georgian Bay.

With a well-sheltered natural harbour, this is the last place for Loopers to stock up before Killarney for those heading North and Point au Baril Station for those heading south.

We stayed two nights at the Wright Marina in Britt. AGLCA members received free pump outs – that’s a plus. This is a family-owned marina that recently sold to the owner of Hindson Marina in Penetanguishene. We met him – his name is Kelly, the owner of this beautiful Chris Craft, and other boats!

The marina and the town took a hit with COVID. The local restaurants closed due to lack of business. There used to be a loaner car for Loopers but no longer. I did appreciate the laundry facilities and the grocery store that was a golf cart ride away.

The boat just next to ours hailed from Toronto. Victoria and Patrick spend get-away weekends on their boat here at Wright’s Marina. Victoria and Patrick say they have met many Loopers this summer! Victoria was so kind, offering us fresh watermelon, cherry tomatoes, and lemons. Both Victoria and Patrick spent an hour with Captain Patrick reviewing charts and offering suggestions for anchorages. Yes, Patrick is Irish like Captain Patrick and just as gregarious!

Saturday morning we took the golf cart to the next marina – St. Amant’s – as they have a grocery. It is only a mile away and an interesting ride, with colorful lodges and trailer setups along the way. Everyone is friendly, sitting outside and enjoying the waterfront view.

We later stopped at the local Kawartha ice cream stand and received some more Georgian Bay visiting tips from the locals. Kawartha and Chapman’s are well known Canadian ice cream brands – you have to try them.

We bought steaks and pork chops and Patrick cooked them up on one of the many grills available. Nice to have dinner meats cooked up for the week.

Saturday evening we attended Mass at the local church – just about two miles away. This was a first – we went to Mass by golf cart! There was a lovely priest there from Scotland – Father Neil Campbell.

He showed us around and shared stories about the parish. He showed us photos of the many bears that visit his campus! We heard many stories of bears visiting the marina as well. I wish I could have seen a big black bear. Be careful what you wish for!

Father Campbell is 63 and has been at this parish for 26 years. Ten more years and he retires. We invited him to visit us in Boca Raton!

We had a fun and relaxing stay in Britt. Sure hope to return some day!