Circumnavigation of Cove Island

by

by Doug Cunningham

Cove Island Lighthouse
Cove Island Lighthouse

This trip can be done either as a 20 kilometre round trip, (which would include the circumnavigation of Cove Island), or a shorter day-trip involving visits to the island’s picturesque west coast, or as one component of a multi-day excursion involving camping on Flowerpot Island.

This special 20 kilometre tour of Cove Island, the largest island in Canada’s first National Marine Park, Fathom Five National Marine Park, will take a day to complete. Rewards for the kayaker are many: small sea caves on North Otter Island, the picturesque inner-island waterway between Williscroft Island and Cove Island, a number of shipwrecks, rare flora, an Imperial Lighthouse with its support buildings dating back more than 140 years, and, as always, the fascinating Escarpment dolomite and limestone geology. Note that the interior of Cove Island around the large inland lake visible on topographic maps is zoned “preserved” and access to the area may be restricted.

There are reasons for the numerous shipwrecks to be found within the boundaries of Fathom Five National Marine Park; in particular, the boating hazards posed by barely submerged reefs and an exposed western shore with a long wind fetch across Lake Huron. Caution should be exercised at all times, but particularly in the Spring and Fall when large broaching and surfing waves combined with cold waters can produce a tragedy for the inexperienced. The largest crossing, from Russel Island to Cove Island is approximately 2 kilometres. Make sure you obtain the latest marine weather forecast before venturing out and remember to wear immersion protection, i.e. dry suits or wet suits, for spring and fall paddling. Poison ivy is prevalent on Cove Island as well as the protected and endangered Massassauga Rattlesnake. Wear boots when exploring inland and watch your step.

Heavy boat traffic from Tobermory – sail boats, commercial fishing boats, pleasure yachts and Ontario Northland’s car ferry, the Chi Cheemaun – all present navigation concerns. Take particular caution if you are crossing MacGregor Channel between Cove Island and Big Tub Harbour in the fog!

The best time to make this trip is May through September. There are cottages and commercial developments within Little Tub and Big Tub Harbours, but no development on Cove Island. Camping is not permitted on Cove Island due to its unique conservation and preservation status. Camping is available within Fathom Five Park only on Flowerpot Island; there are only 6 sites and they must be reserved in advance.

Infant Sea Cave
Infant Sea Cave

POINTS OF INTEREST
(See Map Below)

  1. Big Tub Lighthouse: Departure and return point, parking and washrooms.
  2. Shipwrecks: Worthy of a diversion, or as a short trip in its own right, is a visit to two shipwrecks, the City of Grand Rapids and the Sweepstakes, both located at the head of Big Tub Harbour. Only part of the Grand Rapids still remains but the Sweepstakes wreck is almost complete and can be readily glimpsed from your kayak.
  3. Griffon Cove: This half kilometre cove is located on the eastern side of Russel Island. A Tobermory resident, Orrie Vail, claims to have found timbers from LaSalle’s ship, the Griffon, within the shallow waters of the cove.
  4. The Gut: This entrance to Cove Island Harbour, or Larondes Harbour, is quite picturesque and best experienced from the seat of a kayak. A building and small wharf identify the harbour.
  5. Boat Passage Harbour: A pleasant location to paddle and, although older topographic maps show an exit onto the eastern edge of Cove Island, the passage of time and frequent storms have closed the eastern end.
  6. Islands of Bass Bay: On the northwest section of Cove Island is Bass Bay, a small, exposed bay about three kilometres long, located between Gat Point and Stag Island, and containing a number of small dolomite islands that provide a frame for scenic paddling. About halfway between Stag Island and Ed’s Harbour and nestled on the Cove Island side of a number of small dolomite islands, search for a short portage into Cove Island’s second largest lake. At one time this lake was attached to Lake Huron.
  7. Cove Island Light: This Imperial Lighthouse, one of only six on the Great Lakes, was built in 1854. It is now automated but if weather conditions permit, it would make an enjoyable stopover for a picnic. Lots of maritime history is associated with this area.
  8. Wreck of the P Minch: On the southeastern side of Tecumseh Cove and lying in 5 to 15 metres of water lies the wreck of the three-masted American schooner the P. Minch.
  9. Sea Caves in Infancy: Paddling the Otter Island Channel between Cove Island and Otter Island you will pass sections of undercut dolomite, sea caves in the making. Interesting to paddle underneath, but be careful of boat wakes.

covemap.gif

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Map: 1:50,000 Flowerpot Island (41H/5)

CanMatrix – Print Ready – 041H05 – Flowerpot Island, Ontario
Park Information: For further information and campsite reservations, contact Fathom Five Park at (519) 596-2233.

This is one in a series of trip descriptions collected by the Georgian Bay Committee for a paddling guide to the Bay.

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GLSKA Waiver

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

DEFINITION

In this Release Agreement, the term Sea Kayaking Activities shall include but is not limited to: all activities, events or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall including moving water, still water, lake and ocean kayaking; loan or rental of kayaks (hereinafter "the boats") and other equipment; orientational and instructional courses, seminars and sessions; all travel, transportation, and accommodation; food, beverage including water supply, use of equipment, and multi-day camping or overnight stays in the outdoors.

In this Release Agreement, the term "Negligence" includes the failure by the Releasees to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful guide, instructor, trip organizer or sea kayaking operator would use under similar circumstances, or breach of any other duty of care imposed by law.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

Participation in Sea Kayaking Activities involves various risks, dangers and hazards including the risk of serious injury, paralysis or death. Sea Kayaking Activities often take place in remote wilderness locations, where assistance, medical and first aid services and evacuation may not be readily available, and communication may be difficult or not possible. The risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered include, but are not limited to: accidents which occur during transportation or travel to and from the departure point; slips and falls while getting into or out of the boats; overturning of the boats; loss of balance; impact or collision with objects; cold water immersion; repetitive strain injuries; dislocated shoulders; hypothermia; drowning; changing and inclement weather conditions including storms, high wind, high waves, and lightning; encounters with domestic or wild animals; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; negligence on the part of other participants; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES.

Please refer to the GLSKA Risk Management Strategy section of their website for further information regarding the risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered during Sea Kayaking Activities.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of the Releasees allowing me to participate in Sea Kayaking Activities as defined in this Release Agreement, I hereby agree as follows:

  1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against the Releasees and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expenseor injury including death that I may suffer, or that my next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES REFERRED TO ABOVE;
  1. TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any property damage or personal injury to any third party resulting from my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities;
  2. This Release Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity;
  3. This Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and no other jurisdiction; and
  4. Any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within the Province of Ontario and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

In entering into this Release Agreement I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of Sea Kayaking Activities, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.

I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY ACCEPTING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES.