Baie Fine

From Killarney we headed toward Baie Fine (pron. Bay Finn), a slender bay that extends about 6 miles within the La Cloche range, mountains on both sides and relatively deep. Although locally promoted as a fjord, it’s close, but not as deep nor does it have the geological characteristics (or almost 1000 ft depth!) that make it a true fjord like we visited at Tadoussac and Baie d’Eternite in 2010! Still, it is a beautiful spot. We entered the mouth of the bay and came upon Maryanne Cove. It’s a popular anchorage, a great “hole in the wall” spot that’s very popular, particularly with weekend boaters. Most boats anchor around the perimeter and shore tie to a tree or pin set in the rock. We headed towards the opening, but opted to continue further up the bay since the anchorage was fairly full. We continued a few short miles, and picked an anchor spot that had some protection, but essentially open to the bay. With 6 miles of open water, there’s a lot of fetch! But because the bay is only 3/4 mile at its widest, it provides adequate protection in all but strong E or W component winds.

At the upper end of the bay lies another anchorage known as “The Pool”. It’s completely protected, and is a beautiful spot. We took the dinghy the almost 6 miles to the spot to check it out. It is a lovely spot, with a smaller narrow bay that leads to the opening of the pool. It’s like a scaled-down version of Baie Fine. There are two modest cottages at the entrance to The Pool, and we later learned that one was built by the late Ralph Evinrude, the outboard motor tycoon. He and his wife, the 1940’s Hollywood star Frances Langford, spent time at the cottage, and local stories tell of their 108 ft. Burger yacht, Chanticleer being moored alongside the cottage that would have been dwarfed by the yacht. She died in 2005. Yacht and cottage both have new owners.

Opposite the entrance to the pool is located a small dinghy dock that marks a trail head for “Artists Trail” that leads to Topaz Lake. Located within a Provincial park and nestled high in the mountain, it’s a popular hike of about 45 minutes up granite slopes. We hiked to the lake, a moderate hike, but well worth the effort. Topaz Lake is stunning, blue water as its name implies, and granite cliffs along the shore. It’s a popular spot for hiking and a refreshing swim at the top. There were a number of swimmers when we visited, but the temperatures were in the 70’s and the lake water isn’t frigid, but more refreshing than the air temps warranted! Molly, however was making a beeline for the water after her hike up! There were a number of spots where it took some cooperation to enable her to negotiate the steep rock climbs, but she trooped right along. She loved the swimming!

The following day we dinghied in the opposite direction to Maryanne Cove. We discovered a makeshift dinghy dock that’s tied to shore near a trail head of a marked trail that leads to Casson Peak, about a 1-2 hour hike up to the top of the Killarney Ridge. The hike was a bit more challenging than the Artist’s trail, but not difficult if we did need to stop and take a breather on occasion! Of course, Molly accompanied us, and as before, it took some cooperation to get her up some of the higher rock climbs. Undaunted, she kept with us. She’s a great hiker, staying on the trail and always within a short distance of one or the other of her “pack”. The granite is also great for her toe nails! We reached the summit, and were blessed with spectacularly clear skies and stunning vistas! We spent some time taking in the sights, then made our way back down the trail. There were plenty of wild blueberries to be found, they’re actually quite good, and even Molly loves them!

The following day we were glad we had made our hikes, the weather turned ugly, so we decided to stay put.  We had what we considered fair protection, and despite blowing 20 kts with gusts to 30+, we were secure. Although there was a bit of wave action, it wasn’t bad enough to make us want to move. It rained very hard most of the day, so we were glad to be secure in our cove! Pumped the dinghy out 3 times!  The following day was still overcast and damp, but we decided to move, destination Little Current, gateway to the North Channel.

4 Responses to “Baie Fine”

  1. Dan & Myla on 26 Aug 2017 at 10:25 PM #

    Hey there, thanks for sharing all the gorgeous sights and experiences. We’re enjoying your trip while watching a Broncos preseason football game on a hot August night – still 84 degrees here. Doesn’t seem like football yet!

  2. maerin on 27 Aug 2017 at 8:18 AM #

    Happy to share, glad you’re along for the ride. We’re on our way back at this writing, due to spotty internet, posts are running about 10 days behind our actual location, that gap will close as we move toward civilization. Fall here, mornings are in the 60’s, temps have a hard time getting into the 70’s some day. Coldest winter we ever had was the summer we spent in Canada!

  3. Lisa Emig on 27 Aug 2017 at 9:57 PM #

    Wow some beautiful pictures.Topaz Lake looks very inviting, water temp was?
    Been cooler here the last week

  4. maerin on 27 Aug 2017 at 10:34 PM #

    Not quite sure about Topaz, in the low 70’s there were lots of people swimming. Water temps in south Georgian Bay around 74, northern end about 69, North Channel 67-68. We got in the water at Beausoleil, around 74. Refreshing. Air temps have been struggling to get into the 70’s. Fall in Ontario!