Circumnavigation of Lyal Island

by

by Doug Cunningham

The somewhat protected waters of Stokes Bay and Myles Bay on the west side of the Bruce Peninsula provide an excellent area for a single-day loop-trip. The trip is approximately 12 kilometres in length and requires about 4 hours of leisurely paddling not including sightseeing stops or refreshment breaks.

Ten islands dot these two bays and the excursion is attractive to both experienced and novice kayakers alike. In addition to kayaking, the clear, warm waters provide excellent swimming, fishing, sailing, and snorkeling. Lyal Island, the Knife Islands, and Mad Reef provide a variety of paddling attractions from the remains of the Lyal Island Lighthouse through the tern, gull, and cormorant colonies of Mad Reef, to the picturesque lighthouse on the Northwest of the Knife Islands. In addition, the remains of a number of shipwrecks are visible: the Ripple located near Dane Island, the remains of the Goudreau a kilometre past the abandoned heronry on the southwest corner of Lyal Island, and the remains of a cement-hulled tugboat just north of the Lyal Island light. The exposed limestone pavement of these Islands’ shorelines, with their embedded Silurian fossils and pitted dolomite texture, provide a fascinating glimpse into a world almost 425 million years ago. The sunsets are spectacular and when wind/wave conditions permit it is worthwhile to time your trip to finish at the end of the day. Maybe you will be lucky enough to see the famous “green flash” which accompanies the last rays of the setting sun.

Wind and waves can make for hazardous paddling conditions on the West side of Lyal Island, Mad Reef, and Greenough Point. Pay attention to the weather. Poison ivy is prevalent and the Massassauga Rattlesnake is common on Lyal Island.

The best time to make this trip is May to September. There are cottages at Stokes Bay between the Stokes River and Tamarack Island, along Old Woman’s River to North Star Island, and along Look About Bay. During summer weekends it is common for there to be a number of fishing boats and jet skis active in this area but they are not a hazard to navigation and the traffic volume lacks the density that would detract from the quality of the paddling experience.

Sandy Beach on Myles Bay is a good departure point for this trip, and offers free parking. To reach Sandy Beach, turn west off Hwy #6 at the main intersection in Ferndale and proceed until you come to a stop sign. Turn right and continue north for about a kilometre and take the first left turn (before the bridge) and follow the dirt road west to the shores of Lake Huron. Continue on this road until you cross over Old Woman’s River Bridge and the make an immediate left turn and continue for a kilometre further to Sandy Beach.

POINTS OF INTEREST

View GLSKA Lyal Island in a larger map

Lyal Island, Lake Huron

  1. Sandy Beach: A popular swimming beach for the residents and tourists of Eastnor Township and the departure point.
  2. Black Creek Nature Reserve: The ponds and streams of this area provide a magnificent wetland habitat for ducks, geese, and herons.
  3. Dane Island: Also known as Lone Tree Island. Close to the eastern shore of Dane Island is the wreck of the tugboat Ripple which sank in 1905.
  4. Abandoned Heronry: Just a few years ago this southwest extension of Lyal Island was populated with more than 60 Great Blue Heron nests. Today the heronry is abandoned but the evidence of its former presence is readily observed in the dead trees and derelict nests. On a calm day this area is a nice spot to stop for lunch.
  5. Wreck of the Goudreau: To find this wreck you will have to paddle out into Lake Huron about one kilometre keeping the Southwest point of the Lyal Island heronry in line with the tip of McMaster Point and Black Point light. The Goudreau sank during a November blizzard in 1917.
  6. Limestone Pavement: On the Western parts of Lyal Island there are sections of exposed pitted limestone pavement.
  7. Lyal Island Navigation Light: A fascinating place to explore! Take care not to contact the poison ivy but search for the remains of the old lighthouse and lighthouse keeper’s house. Explore the exposed beach for numerous Silurian fossils or simply climb to the top of the automated navigation light for a fine view of the Western shore of Lyal Island. A pleasant place to stop for lunch or supper and a refreshing swim.
  8. Cement-Hulled Wreck: An interesting wreck of a cement-hulled tugboat is located just north of the Lyal Island navigation light at the shoreline.
  9. Mad Reef: During late spring this low-lying island and reef complex is home to many nesting gulls and terns. Take great care not to disturb these nesting sites.
  10. Greenough Point: Sometimes westerly winds will produce plunging waves over the ledge just west of Greenough Point and these conditions will make for challenging paddling. During an 1883 November storm the barge Iowa struck this ledge and sank.
  11. Knife Islands Lighthouse: The lighthouse is located on the northwestern end of the largest of the Knife islands. Paddling between these islands and in front of the Lighthouse will provide opportunities for kayak photography.
  12. Black Point Light: This navigation light is located at the southeastern entrance to a narrow inlet called Irish Harbour.
Returning to Sandy Beach
Returning to Sandy Beach

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Map: 1: 50,000 Cape Croker (41A/14)

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.