Brakey Bay paves the way to explore eastern Lake Ontario

By Rear Commodore and Port Captain Eric Sunstrum

Situated on the northeast end of Wolfe Island where Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River meet, Brakey Bay has everything you would want when looking for a place to drop your hook. 

It’s a large bay with good holding in about 20 feet of water and provides good protection from the prevailing southwest winds that make their way from northern New York state. While there are some homes and cottages on the shore, there’s plenty of room to place yourself somewhere that respects their privacy.

If you’re planning a trip to the area, Brakey is a great spot to stop while considering your cruising options. no matter what your preferences are. Sitting in your cockpit with the GLCC Harbor Reports and a chart in front of you, you’ll find any number of destinations all within a day’s reach.

Let’s start with the Lake Ontario north shore. The city of Kingston is approximately 8 miles west of Brakey and is likely the most popular destination on the eastern end of the lake. If a lively downtown with plenty of options for restaurants and provisioning is what you’re looking for, Confederation Basin Marina can’t be missed, Quieter options include Kingston Marina or anchoring out in Navy Bay, tucked in under the imposing structure that is Old Fort Henry and the Royal Military College.

Still on the north shore but a little closer to your location in Brakey, you’ll find Cedar Island and Milton Island, two of the westernmost islands that make up the Thousand Islands National Park. 

These islands offer dockage and facilities catering to boaters for a fee payable upon arrival. Spots are available on all of the Park Islands on a first come, first served basis, so plan accordingly and be aware that during the peak summer months of July and August the park can be very busy.

About 5 miles due north of Brakey is the National Park’s Admiralty and Lake Fleet Island groups. Aubrey, McDonald, Mermaid and Beau Rivage are named after British War of 1812 sea captains and sailing ships that patrolled these waters in that period. 

If you can’t find a spot on these islands, tuck yourself in behind Beau Rivage or Lindsay and drop anchor or carry on to the town of Gananoque where you will find a modern Municipal Marina within a short walk to shopping, dining and an amazing summer theatre program at the Thousand Islands Playhouse.

The marina provides a day dock on the east side of the harbour where you can tie up for up to three hours for free, just enough time to pick up a few things in town.

To finish off your Brakey Bay Canadian tour, look eastward 5 miles or so to Endymion and Camelot islands. Both of these locations offer mooring buoys for boats under 40 feet LOA as well as dock space.

Your Brakey Bay voyage planning is not restricted to the Canadian coast by any means. Just a few miles south of you are many terrific stops on the New York side that are just as inviting as those of their northern neighbour.

After using the ROAM app to clear US Customs, make your way through the Wolfe Island cut just to your east and make your way to the town of Clayton, home of the must-see Clayton Antique Boat Museum. 

The town offers overnight dockage at two separate locations on either the east or west end as well as great day docks smack dab in the middle of town. Clayton is a great place to stretch your legs and treat yourself to a wide variety of local restaurants.

While navigating eastward along the St. Lawrence Seaway, take in the spectacular summer homes along the shore that date from the late 19th century and early 1900s when the area was the go-to destination for the rich and famous.

The most popular and beautiful example of architecture from this golden era is Boldt Castle, a must-see masterpiece across from the bustling town of Alexandria Bay. A-Bay is a great stop for boaters who enjoy a festive time and a river rat vibe.

If your intention is to explore further west along the US shore to destinations such as Sackets Harbor, Sodus Bay or Rochester, make a stop in Cape Vincent before getting on the big water. You’ll be glad you did.

So we return to Brakey Bay, sitting at anchor and trying to decide where to go. The choices are endless and all within a few-hour cruise. All it takes is deciding what your definition of a good day is and to go from there.