Directions: Exit 615 (Sir john A Macdonald Blvd) from the 401. South to the very end. (you are at the penitentiary) Turn right(west)  on Front street, and you will see the boat basin. Turn left(south) and find Varuna on Dock "C"

Exciting sailing destination

Lake Ontario is located on the border between Canada and the United States. On the Canadian side, the most heavily urbanized areas in Ontario are located on the west side of the lake, suchas  Hamilton and Toronto. The American side is less urbanized and is not intensively farmed, but also has an large residential and industrial area, particularly along tributaries and the Niagara River.

The lake is utilized as a source of water for municipal and manufacturing purposes as well as power production, transportation, tourism, recreation, and fisheries. Trees characteristic of the  watershed include red pine, white pine, maple and basswood in Canada. Few intact tracts of this forest remain, however, and most of the land is used for residential, industrial, or agricultural purposes.

Lake Ontario is Canada's seventh largest lake, but is the smallest of the five Great Lakes. Within the Great Lakes, water flows from west to east into the Atlantic Ocean. The major inflow to Lake  Ontario is from Lake Erie via the Niagara River. The lake is drained by the St. Lawrence River at the northeast end of the lake. The prevailing westerly summer winds cause a thick epilimnion to develop at the southeastern end of the lake, whereas an absent or thin epilimnion is present in the western end.

Lake Ontario is located at an altitude of 75 m above sea level. Covering some 19 100 km2, it is similar to Lake Erie in length and breadth (193 miles by 53 miles). Yet with its greater average depth (mean : 86 m. maximum : 245 m), Lake Ontario holds almost four times the volume ( 1,640 km3 or 393 miles3) and has a retention time of about 6 years. The drainage basin ( 79 600 km2) covers parts of Ontario and New York, and a small portion of Pennsylvania.

There are relatively few islands in the lake - those present are found in the eastern Kingston basin. Fish species in Lake Ontario include bullhead, yellow perch, eel, white perch, lake whitefish, sunfish, and carp. Pacific salmon were introduced to the lake for the sport fishery. There was a severe decline in the populations of lake trout and lake whitefish between 1930-1950 because of overfishing, the accidental introduction of sea lamprey, and degradation of spawning grounds.

This area is home to the best sailing on Lake Ontario, and has hosted the sailing portion of the
Olympics because of its many diverse areas, and constant stable winds, most notability, the "Kingston Thermal".

Beautiful clear open water, many secluded bays and islands to anchor. Great sailing and fishing, and the ability to sail full days offering every aspect of adventure a person could want.

Sail "Hard and Long" or "Relaxed and Easy", Kingston has it all.

Sample excursions

Late May: Montreal to Kingston. 3 day trip, explore the waterway that opened up Canada to the world. Pass through the major shipping locks used by ships from all over the world, and meet them on their journeys. See the incredible beauty of the 1000 Islands, the spectacular homes and castles. Learn basic navigation skills, or simply relax and enjoy the ride.

Summer: 

1-day Cruise: Perfect for the corporate day outing or to try a sailboat. Use this time for a little R&R, the ability to talk a "little business" in a different setting, while enjoying the great outdoors, and magnificent view of Kingston and the surrounding islands. We usually anchor in a quiet bay for lunch and swimming.

2-3 day Cruises: The most popular cruises! We leave in the early morning, usually sail up protected areas for everyone to get used to life on board, anchoring in some quiet bay for happy hour and supper. The next day is out into the "Great lake", actually considered an Inland Sea by many, navigate our way to arrive at uninhabited islands by the day’s end. And on the third day, as a group we decide on the return passage that provides the most fun for all on board.

7-day cruise: Many routes available, but the most popular is going to Toronto by criss-crossing the lake, spending time at the Toronto islands, then since the predominate winds are westerly, we have a great "downhill run" of 2-3 days, back to our home port. This cruise combines all aspects of navigation, sight seeing, and incredible sailing! For the adventurous, we can also include night crossings (previous sailing experience required.)

Lake crossing trips: Ideal way to practice or learn navigation. Usually a four-day trip from Kingston. However, arrangements can be made to hop on board from various locations thus providing longer crossing distance (up to 75 miles). Please contact us for these arrangements.

1000 Island Trips: Travel among the splendor of this playground. See where the rich and famous of yesteryear used to play. Visit historic sites, one being Boldt Castle. Anchor at the end of the day in a secluded cove. A very popular trip.

Fall: 

Late September: Kingston to Montreal. Basically the same trip as Late May, but usually only two days, since we are going with the current. Three days however, is perfect, since we can take the time to sail more and explore on the way down. The majestic St. Lawrence River in the fall is truly a sight to behold!

Captain Bobby 4560 prom. Paton,  #212 Laval, P.Q. Canada, H7W 4W2

450-686- 9895

robfleury@videotron.ca