What to bring with you

NECESSITIES

• Passports - if you are coming from the US, a passport may be required to get into Canada but is definitely required to get back in to the US.
  
  

• Cellphone - while much of our communication will be by VHF radio, we do also use cellphones when prudent.  Check with your carrier and plan ahead for cell phone usage (both data and calling) in Canada.
  
  

• Clothing for the hottest days and coldest nights - You can just never predict the weather.  Plan for 45 - 95 F (7 - 35 C).
  
  

• Rabies Certificate - obviously only needed if you are bringing a pet.
  
  

• Proof of Automobile Insurance in Canada - check with your car/trailer/boat insurance and obtain some sort of assurance that your insurance is good in Canada.
  
  

• Boat Registration and Title
  
  

• Food and Groceries

• When entering Canada from the US, you may bring in a reasonable amount of food and groceries. Grocery stores in Little Current and Gore Bay are very well-stocked.  If there are items you can’t live without, bring them. There are larger stores in Espanola, but it’s a 30-minute drive from Little Current.
  
  

• Easily portable snacks to share (Think dinghy cocktail parties, onboard get-togethers)  Nobody expects elaborate hors d'oeuvres, but sometimes people surprise us!
  
  

• Pancake mix if you would like to participate in the pancake supper. If you don’t want a mess to clean up, mix it up in a disposable container.
  
  

• Enough water/non-alcoholic beverages to keep hydrated. Dehydration causes fatigue and mistakes. Bring reusable water bottles and keep them on deck. Think about 2.5-5 gallon jugs of drinking water.

RECOMMENDED 

• Rain gear/foulies - Especially if you do not have a bimini and dodger.
  
  

• Bug spray - for hiking, paddling or just sitting outside in some places.
  
  

• Bear spray - In recent years there have been a few isolated incidents of a bear invading a few boats at anchor. The bear at issue was killed, but it might be prudent to bring along some bear repellent, just in case. Bear repellents are allowed to be brought into Canada, but the specifications state that bear spray must have USEPA on the label.
  
  

• Sun Protection - The sun is very intense on the water, so use sunscreen or long sleeves and have a wide brim hat.
  
  

• First Aid Kit -  You never know when you or someone else will need a band-aid.
  
  

• Camera/Cell Phone Camera - Especially if this is your first trip, you’ll want to save the memories.
  
  

• WhatsApp Phone App -  free - download and install from your app store so you are prepared to communicate with others on the cruise.  When not using VHF radio, we use WhatsApp group messaging.  This app requires cell phone data, so make sure your cell phone can use data in Canada without incurring a large cost.  Every phone company is different, so just read the fine print.

• Walking/Hiking Shoes -  Make sure to have good shoes for climbing on the rocks or hiking into town.
  
  

• Dinghy Bingo Prizes - This is always a fun group activity.  The host boat calls the numbers, while everyone else sits in their dinghies with their markers and bingo cards.  If you wish to participate, we ask that you bring 1 bingo prize per person playing on your boat (Prizes should be worth ~$5-8 and a little humor is OK).
  
  

• Charts - Paper Charts are recommended for planning and are available at Turner’s store in Little Current and here: https://www.charts.gc.ca/index-eng.html

Electronic Charts are a necessity in North Channel - if you don't have a chart plotter on your boat, you will want to get Navionics Boating app for your smart phone or tablet. It is only ~$50 for a subscription.  You should also get some sort of mounting device so you can use your hands for sailing the boat instead of holding the device.  

Other optional resources:

• Richardson’s Chart book and Cruising Guide – Lake Huron (If you only have one resource along this is your best choice.)

• Lakeland Boating – Lake Huron Ports O’ Call

• The Cruising Guides Ports – Georgian Bay, North Channel & Lake Huron

• Well-Favored Passage, by Trailer Sailors Pixie Haughwout & Ralph Folsom.
  
  

• Flat pancake grills - If you have a Blackstone or similar flat grill and you have room, consider bringing it along to help out with our pancake breakfast (or dinner) on the rocks.
  
  

• Musical instruments - If you play an instrument and love to share your music, please consider bringing it along to contribute some music to our social events.