A conversation among cruising friends at last January’s Toronto Boat Show planted a seed that has grown into a brand-new cruising group, the Great Canadian Loop Association (GCLA). Gary J. Brickell is the founder and the association’s first commodore.
Most North American cruisers know of the 6,000-mile Great American Loop that circles the eastern third of the U.S. and ventures into Canadian Waters in the Great Lakes. But these cruising friends were looking a route that would stay entirely in Canadian waters.
Without much trouble, Brickell and his pals found what they were looking for. Incorporating a section of the Sat. Lawrence Seaway and two of the five great lakes, they have mapped out a route that stretches 3,000 kilometers or 1,864 miles.
Brickell posted a map of the route to several boating groups with the question “Is anyone interested?” Within 24 hours, 1,000 enthusiastic boaters had replied. Brickell posted back, “Let’s make it happen.” And, so, the GCLA was born.
By staying entirely in Canadian waters, Canadian skippers can avoid dealing with Customs and Immigration officials. Brickell estimates that a trawler steaming at 8 knots can make the full loop in 90 days, while a sport cruiser could do it in 50 or less.
A website was launched last winter and the association started accepting members. As of June, the membership roll is growing rapidly and several member rendezvous are being planned for this summer.
The Loop takes cruisers to some of North America’s best cruising areas, including Lake Huron’s North Channel, the Trent-Severn Waterway and the St, Lawrence River. Plus, the Quebec, Montreal and Toronto offer interesting urban stops along the way.
The idea of a Canadian-only loop seems so natural that one wonders why it hadn’t been established years ago. Still, here it is and looks like a wonderful way to spend a summer.
