marina watch
Port Whitby Marina
Enjoy whitby Harbour Days from this prime spot. by colle e n h . trou pi s
Port Whitby Marina 301 watson st. west whitby, ON L1N 9G3 905-668-1900 whitby.ca
Amenities Transient slips: y Pump-out: y Gas: y Diesel: y Lifts: y Launch ramp: y engine repair: y Hull repair: y Marine store: Nearby Restaurant: Nearby Showers: y Laundromat: y
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ooking for something to do in late July? Look no further than Whitby, Ontario. Located near the western tip of Lake Ontario, less than an hour east of Toronto, Whitby is known for its annual festival, Whitby Harbour Days. The two-day festival, which in 2011 kicks off Friday, July 22, has been held for some 15 years, making it an institution for those in the community. From tall ship cruises and a nautical parade of lights to fireworks, food and face painting, this free event is filled with fun for the whole family. It takes place throughout the Whitby Harbour area, including Port Whitby Marina, Sunrise Park and the Whitby Yacht Club. If you want to be in the middle of all of the action, reserve space at the 420-slip Port Whitby Marina, which typically has 30 transient slips available. “We fill up quickly, so slips should be reserved ahead of time,” recommends Keenan Watters, marina supervisor. It’s a great spot not only to access Whitby Harbour Days, but also to embrace the nautical history of the area. “Whitby Harbour has a long history as a commercial port going back to the 1800s,” Watters says. “It once rivaled Toronto in terms of grain and other shipments.”
Today it’s a strictly recreational harbor, but has benefited from its commercial past. “We have a huge harbor entrance and turning basin for ships. The harbor is natural, spacious and surrounded by parkland and trails,” Watters adds. The marina itself dates back to 1978. It underwent a renovation in 2004 that included the addition of a new 6,100-square-foot clubhouse, complete with seven three-piece washrooms, laundry, vending machines and a barbecue area. The Avalon Lounge, a multi-use room with a covered patio and panoramic view of the harbor, also is part of the clubhouse. It transforms into a restaurant for dinner on Friday nights in the summer. The marina grants free use of mountain bikes, propane barbecues, kayaks, paddleboats and WiFi. Using third-party vendors, the marina likewise offers engine and hull repair on site. Also onsite are two public launch ramps. “It’s one of the best boating facilities on Lake Ontario, with great facilities and docks and friendly staff,” Watters says. “We have all the amenities of a large urban center with a small-town, friendly feel.” r PHOTOs COurTEsy Of POrT wHITBy MArINA