Great Loop #8 Orillia to Swift Rapids

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

Hello folks. I'm binging the series right now and loving it. I recently retired early for medical reasons, and have been eyeing the loop for a while. Funny thing, I started watching to learn about the American side of the loop, but I am loving the Canadian leg. The lakes of Muskoka and the like, are regions I have been deeply in love with since I was a small child.

[@staycool123]

We have loved seeing all the parts of the loop, but have to admit that our favourite parts are in the clear, freshwater lakes in Canada. Such a fantastic, unspoiled natural environment. Thanks for following along!😎

[@frankcarl2469]

Amazing, all the beautiful water front homes & cottages in some of the most beautiful scenic places! Luck people!

[@staycool123]

Hi Frank, thanks for your comment and for watching! We agree and feel very lucky! Canada is a beautiful country!

[@buckpowers4837]

Lock 43 is a site to behold and the speed in which the water rises is amazing. Beautiful country and trip. Enjoy

[@staycool123]

Thanks for your comment Buck! Glad you enjoyed it!😎

[@iantoft9536]

Terrific episode! I love the swinging bridges. I don't think I've ever actually seen one before !?! The scenery is fantastic - it takes me back to wonderful memories of the cottage. You must be meeting some cool peeps along the way who are also doing the loop. Keep the awesome videos coming!

[@staycool123]

Glad you’re enjoying the videos Ian! 😎

[@lauren__rose]

What a cool lock #43! The dam looks like big water slides🤣

[@staycool123]

It’s a pretty cool place and we didn’t mind being “stuck” there for 3 nights!😎

[@tmac709]

Lock 43 seemed to be a deep lock but short in length. Looked like it couldn't handle many boats at one time. Canada is so so so beautiful seeing all of the homes, trees, rocks, and all of the calm water that you're going through!

[@staycool123]

Thanks for your comment! Lock 43 is the only conventional lock that runs that quickly due to its honeycomb system on the lock floor that lets water in quickly but dispersed evenly. Really neat that it comes up in less than 8 minutes! It can handle more boats, but it depends on how many boats show up at one time. Canada is a beautiful place. We are lucky to call Canada home!

[@robmills7453]

Had a transmission failure at Swift Rapids (lower side). While there we got a severe thunderstorm, lightning hit one of the hydro towers which automatically opened the dam, causing our boat to bounce pretty violently. We also had dinner at the Waubec (sp?) it was an awesome stop.

[@staycool123]

Thanks for your comment Rob! So unfortunate for you about the lightening and dam opening. Glad you enjoyed the lock… great spot to stay!😎

[@610boating5]

We are 5 years behind you guys waiting for retirement to start our loop. I enjoy the style of the videos you post, good luck

[@staycool123]

Thanks for your kind comment and for watching! In 5 years, I hope we’ll be watching YOUR journey!😎

[@MrJockoDundee]

We are on the same schedule. Will be looking for you in '27!

[@farleyschapira5351]

Us too, just purchased a 33' cruiser to learn. We are on simcoe. It's nice to watch a canadian couple start this journey.

[@thomasmassey1074]

Great video but two questions what's your fuel burn at cruising speed & and do you have to pay to use the locks? (feel free to answer in the Q&A video) Thank you.

[@staycool123]

Thanks for your questions Thomas. We will answer as well in the Q&A but we burn about 3 gallons of diesel per hour at about 7.5 knots. Yes we have to pay to use the locks. Parks Canada has locking passes and mooring passes that cover many of the waterways, including Rideau Canal, St. Lawrence Thousand Island docks, Trent-Severn Waterway, Beausoleil Island docks, so it's worth getting the pass for this trip. The cost depends on the length of your boat.

[@FlyingChief1101]

Who has the right of way through the narrow channels?

[@staycool123]

Thanks for your question Bill. Technically the boat going downstream has the right of way, however, in very narrow waterways, it is common practice for boaters to make a securité call by VHF radio to ensure the waterway is clear before proceeding. If no boat replies (that they are already in the waterway) then it is safe to proceed. In this case, the boat in the waterway did not have his radio on the correct channel or even make a call. It all worked out in the end but it was a bit unnerving to meet a boat half-way! Thanks for watching!

[@FlyingChief1101]

Thanks for taking the time to share your journey with us! You’re doing a wonderful job of sharing the adventure.