Sailing and boating enthusiasts can find everything they need at the municipal Port Franks Marina, Grand Bend Harbour and Bayfield Marina, which are open from Victoria Day Weekend to Thanksgiving Weekend. Boaters can take the “Safe Boater Get Certified Test” at either the Grand Bend or Port Franks marina office. There are also a number of private marinas in the area.
Since 2009, Grand Bend, Port Franks and Bayfield marinas have boasted Blue Flag status. Blue Flag marinas adhere to a code of conduct concerning environmental responsibility, clean water and established and well-practiced marina management.
Bade Mobile Marine Services
We have more than 20 years of experience in marine repairs and a store stocked for all your boating needs.
Blue Line Fishing Charters
Grand Bend's ONLY Full Time Fishing Charter ! I do 75-100 fishing charters per season and have over 35 years of fishing experience on Lake Huron.
Grand Bend Sailing School
Ken is a Sail Canada certified Basic Cruising Instructor and avid sailor. He acquired his RYA Yacht Masters Offshore Certificate of Competency in the Solent in England.
Southwest Marine & Powersports
Contact Southwest Marine & Powersports for all your Marine and Powersports needs in South Huron, Bluewater, London & Kitchener.
Xtreme Water Sports
For more than 15 years, Xtreme Watersports has provided fun in the Bend! Top quality seadoos and waverunners, jet boat charter service, flyboarding and 20-foot water trampoline. Full-licensed.
| Municipal Marinas | Grand Bend 91 River Rd., May to Oct: 519-238-2000, Oct to May: 519-243-1400 press 3, [email protected], | Port Franks 7574 Biddulph St., May to Oct: 519-243-2354, Oct to May: 519-243-1400 press 3, [email protected], | Bayfield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operational | April - October 8am-8pm daily | April - October 8am-8pm daily | April - October |
| Coordinates | 43°18’83”N 81°46’09”W | 43°14’75”N 81°55’59”W | 43°34’53”N 81°42’16”W |
| Channel Depth | 6ft | 4 - 10ft | 8 - 10ft |
| Dock Depth | 6ft | 3 - 4ft | 9ft |
| VHF Channel | 68 | 68 | 68 |
| Seasonal Slips | 30 | 70 | 60 |
| Transient Slips | 35 | 0 | 20 |
| Gas & Diesel | ? | ? | ? |
| Washrooms / Showers | ? | ? | ? |
| Pump Out | ? | ? | ? |
| Electrical | 30 & 50 amp | 20, 30 & 50 amp | |
| WiFi | ? | ? | ? |
| Public Boat Launch | ? | ? | ? |
| Laundry Facilities | ? | ||
| Amenities | Picnic area, Oil, Marine toilet paper, AquaKem | Pavilion, Picnic area, Volleyball Court | Public phone, Shuttle, Picnic area, Canoe & Kayak rentals |
| Ice | ? | ? | ? |
| Visa, M/C, Debit, Cash | ? | ? |
Life Jacket Facts
Over 90% of people who drowned in recreational boating incidents were not wearing a lifejacket
Most people who drown never intended to be in the water
Many boaters who drown had considered themselves good swimmers
Most drowning happens unexpectedly when small boats capsize or someone falls overboard – leaving your lifejacket behind in the boat or event worse tucked under the bow.
RENTALS
Canoes, hydro bikes, paddleboats and single or double kayaks available for rent and use within Pinery Provincial Park Victoria Day Weekend to Thanksgiving Weekend (519-243-2220). Canoes, tandem kayaks, standup paddleboards or kayaks and dinghy available for rent from River Adventures Grand Bend (519-868-RAGB) for use on the river or lake.
GRAND BEND HARBOUR/MARINA (BLUE FLAG)
The marina is walking distance to Grand Bend’s stores and restaurants. Two-hour paid parking is available on River Road. Free daytime and paid overnight boat trailer parking is available in the Ontario Street and Municipal Drive parking lots.
PORT FRANKS HARBOUR/MARINA (BLUE FLAG)
BAYFIELD HARBOUR/MARINA (BLUE FLAG)
PRIVATE MARINAS
- Bayfield River Cottage Colony & Marina, 19 Fisherman’s Rd. Wharf, 519-565-2632
- Harbour Lights Marina, 27 Chart House Hill, Bayfield, 519-565-5150
- R&R Marina, 9346 Lake Rd., Kettle Point, 519-786-5604
- Seven Winds Marina, 10009 Superior St., Port Franks, 519-243-2900
- South Shore Marina, 1 Lakeshore Lane, 519-565-2110
YACHT CLUBS
- Bayfield Yacht Club: bayfieldyachtclub.com, 647-667-9056
- Grand Bend Yacht Club: gbyc.ca, 519-238-6676
- Port Franks Yacht Club: portfranksyachtclub.ca, 519-333-8673
The Wexford Wreck
The Wexford wreck is a 250-foot steam freighter, located 11-kilometres northwest of Grand Bend (GPS: 43° 24? 3.6? N, 81° 53? 17.9988? W). Bound for the Port of Goderich in November 1913, The Wexford was one of eight ships lost with all hands in the worst storm in the Great Lakes recorded history and dubbed the “White Hurricane”. In 2013, a copper wreath created by Goderich blacksmith James Wallace was affixed permanently to the shipwreck’s bow to commemorate 100 years since the tragedy.
Learn More
The Linda Hindman Wreck
Retired steamboat tug, the Linda Hindman, was scuttled in 1973 to create a break wall in an effort to protect the shoreline against high water and erosion. Since that time, the stern was visible sitting in about 11 feet of water just offshore near Pioneer Park, Bayfield. With the return of high water beginning around 2018, the stern is no longer visible. The site has become an artificial habitat for marine life.