### Pilotage Plan: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada to Scarborough, Ontario, US#### OverviewThis trip offers a wonderful blend of scenic beauty and interesting stopovers while maintaining a focus on safety. The route from St. Catharines to Scarborough is particularly well-suited for leisure boaters and seasoned sailors alike. Expect stunning views of the Lake Ontario shoreline and a variety of bays for shelter should the weather unexpectedly deteriorate.#### Starting Point: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada**Coordinates:** -79.2628166667, 43.2033166667 St. Catharines boasts a vibrant waterfront with easy access to local facilities. Before you set sail, check your boat’s supplies and safety equipment.**Notable Local Points:**- **Welland Canal:** Before heading into open water, consider a brief excursion onto the canal, which is rich with history and activity.- **Port Dalhousie:** Great spot to relax, enjoy cafes, and historic sites, including the iconic Lighthouse.#### Route Description1. **Heading East from St. Catharines:** - Depart St. Catharines and navigate toward the Welland Canal’s eastern exit. Carefully follow the navigation markers as you exit the canal and enter Lake Ontario.2. **Approaching the Lake:** - As you exit the canal, pay attention to navigational aids, specifically buoys indicating safe navigation channels. Tidal currents can be strong in this area, so consistent monitoring of your navigation equipment is essential.3. **Key Navigational Aids:** - **Lighthouse at Niagara-on-the-Lake:** A picturesque sight and a good reference point as you make your initial turn to the east. - **Red and Green Channel Markers:** These are essential to maintain your course, particularly as you proceed toward Toronto.4. **Shelter Bays:** - **Jordan Harbour:** This small bay is perfect for seeking refuge in case of sudden weather changes. With nearby amenities, it's an ideal rest stop. - **Port Credit:** Another excellent stopping point, it offers marina facilities, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. 5. **As you approach Toronto:** - Maintain a lookout for larger vessels. Toronto’s waterfront can be busy, and the shipping lanes need careful navigation.6. **Final Approach to Scarborough:** - As you near Scarborough, prepare for potentially busy waters. The area has recreational boats, and you’ll also encounter commercial shipping traffic. - **Scarborough Bluffs:** A beautiful natural feature that stretches along the coast, it's a fantastic landmark to recognize as you make your final approach.#### Important Considerations- **Weather Monitoring:** Always check reliable weather forecasts before and during your trip. Sudden storms can develop on the waters of Lake Ontario.- **Local Regulations:** Be aware of the regulations regarding boat traffic, especially around Toronto, where commercial and recreational boating coexist. Familiarize yourself with any local speed limits and buoy placements.- **Navigation Apps:** Stay updated with reliable navigation tools. I recommend **Savvy Navvy**, along with other popular boating apps like **Navionics** and **Google Maps** for shoreline activities.#### Safety RemindersSafety should always come first. Carry proper safety gear, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. Additionally, ensure your radio communication equipment is functional for emergency alerts.#### ConclusionThis carefully planned route from St. Catharines to Scarborough not only guarantees a safe passage filled with breathtaking sights and enjoyable stops but is also perfectly ideal for boaters who appreciate both tranquility and excitement on the water. Whether you're an experienced sailor or a recreational boater, you'll find this trip both rewarding and safe. Enjoy your journey across the waters of Lake Ontario!