Lake Erie cruising

Ditto that. Nexus is a good program and helps by granting trusted traveler status with marine crossings and also expedites vehicle bridge crossings and airport arrivals. The Nexus # for entry into Canada is different than the general number which is 1-888-CAN-PASS, although Nexus members can call either.
 
As for longer trips, try a weekend at the Rock and Dock Marina in Cleveland. That’s a easy straight run and there’s a ton to do downtown.

If you do head down this way and are looking for stuff to do, shoot my a PM, I'd be happy to list out some stuff off the beaten track along with the big stuff. As Z-Worthy said, lots of stuff to do in and around downtown for a weekend. If you do plan a trip down, book early at the Rock & Dock especially for a holiday weekend. There are some other marinas close to downtown but the Rock and Dock puts it all right in front of you. Whiskey Island marina is not a bad alternative and it's just a quick Uber to downtown.

The Lake Erie islands are great and we make at at least a couple runs up there each year. Of the three major islands they each have a unique personality. Put-in-Bay was where my liver and I used to go to often when we were on speaking terms :p. It's a party island - more bars and restaurants than you can possibly hit in one weekend. At Kelly's you can also really have a great time at if you head downtown and stay at Portside marina. A more relaxed time can be had if you stay down the road at Seaway marina and you can always rent a golf cart and head downtown and tour the island. On the far west side of Kelly's is the West Bay Inn, another good place to hit. Middle Bass Island is probably the most relaxed of the three. The marina is brand new and done up very nice but is run by the state so you just need to be a bit more discreet with the adult beverages if you get off your boat with them. The bar/restaurant scene is thin but very good for casual dining. JF Walleys is a cool, small restaurant with a little pool / lagoon area in back. Down the road is Saint Hazards resort also with a casual pool/restaurant. Both of these places are within a short walk of the marina - Enjoy!

-Mike
 
Last edited:
We are now thinking of heading back to Lake Erie this year instead of north. We're familiar with P.I.B., Kelley's, Cedar Point, but it's been a while since we have traveled to Vermilion or Sawmill Creek. Any changes there?
Also considering Cleveland and it's been 21 years since we were last there by boat. Any recommendations on marinas? (Whisky Island was our dockage then, not sure if that's still around?) Can you dock at the Rock 'n Roll H of F.?
Thanks for any info. Will be heading there end of June, first week of July.
 
See post above...

The Rock and Dock is right at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Whiskey Island is still there with the restaurant (the old Sunset Grill) now called Whiskey Island Still and Eatery.
There was a time when no one knew about the Sunset Grill, those days are gone. Good crowd every night during the summer and pretty well packed on weekends. Good time and live music every weekend night during the summer.
 
Downtown Sandusky is also quickly becoming a great boating destination. The new Paper District Marina is home to Dockside Cafe, which serves fantastic fish tacos and other options with an unbeatable view of the bay. It's just a block or two walk to at least 9 other great dining options. They close the streets on a lot of Fridays during the summer for classic car shows and other events. If you're boating in the area, you really have to spend a night in Sandusky and check it out.
 
We are now thinking of heading back to Lake Erie this year instead of north. We're familiar with P.I.B., Kelley's, Cedar Point, but it's been a while since we have traveled to Vermilion or Sawmill Creek. Any changes there?
Also considering Cleveland and it's been 21 years since we were last there by boat. Any recommendations on marinas? (Whisky Island was our dockage then, not sure if that's still around?) Can you dock at the Rock 'n Roll H of F.?
Thanks for any info. Will be heading there end of June, first week of July.

Jamie, friends from MacRay ignored my advice about skipping Sawmill and went last summer anyway. They had a great time. I don't know how or why they had a such a time, but I'm willing to admit when I'm wrong. :D

Yes, like Sandusky and Cleveland, Vermilion is on the up-swing. There is substantially more to do in town than there was during your last visit. I still think it's some of the best dinghying around... I know that you didn't care much for the up-stream Port Auth docks, but I put Jay & Chrissy's 480DB there a few years ago for several days and we had no issues. Make reservations for the patio at Chez Francois. It's casual (maybe biz casual).

Don't limit yourselves to walking distance in Cleveland. There's just too much to see and do if you jump into an Uber. The Marble Room for example is incredible. I haven't eaten there. I enjoyed a cocktail while watching/listening to the roaming violinist playing contemporary music while plates of oysters were carried past me... wow.
 
No need to contact the American Embassy, but you do need to contact Canada Border Services and let them know of your arrival. They will ask questions about your boat, how long you are staying, where you are staying, the purpose of your trip and if you have anything to declare. If stopping at a Marina, they will have land lines where you can call in along with the toll free number to call. Once back in the US you have to call Customs and Border Protection via video phone, unless you have an I-68 or other trusted traveler program ID. The video phones in the Islands area are at Put-in-Bay, Sandusky and Port Clinton.

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html

And if you have weapons on board, ensure you check if what you have are permitted in Canada and find out what the rules are for bringing them across the border. We have a problem with illegal guns coming in to Canada from the US and CBS takes their role in policing that very seriously. (quite frankly, guns are not necessary on our side of the border)
 
Jamie, friends from MacRay ignored my advice about skipping Sawmill and went last summer anyway. They had a great time. I don't know how or why they had a such a time, but I'm willing to admit when I'm wrong. :D

Yes, like Sandusky and Cleveland, Vermilion is on the up-swing. There is substantially more to do in town than there was during your last visit. I still think it's some of the best dinghying around... I know that you didn't care much for the up-stream Port Auth docks, but I put Jay & Chrissy's 480DB there a few years ago for several days and we had no issues. Make reservations for the patio at Chez Francois. It's casual (maybe biz casual).

Don't limit yourselves to walking distance in Cleveland. There's just too much to see and do if you jump into an Uber. The Marble Room for example is incredible. I haven't eaten there. I enjoyed a cocktail while watching/listening to the roaming violinist playing contemporary music while plates of oysters were carried past me... wow.
Thank you my friend. Good to hear from you. I will be in touch as the plans firm up and hopefully we can all get together for Bloody Caesars again, but just one this time.... I've learned, haha.
 
And if you have weapons on board, ensure you check if what you have are permitted in Canada and find out what the rules are for bringing them across the border. We have a problem with illegal guns coming in to Canada from the US and CBS takes their role in policing that very seriously. (quite frankly, guns are not necessary on our side of the border)
No guns on board. I’ve heard the Great Lakes are now pirate free.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,950
Messages
1,422,900
Members
60,933
Latest member
juliediane
Back
Top