Boating Lake St. Clair to Charlevoix: A Great Lakes Loop

Three Days, Two Great Lakes, One Epic Passage

This ~250 nm route traverses Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, Lake Huron (including the North Channel/Georgian Bay option), the Straits of Mackinac, and Lake Michigan to Charlevoix's Pine River mouth.

Day 1: Lake St. Clair → Mackinac Straits

• Depart Lake St. Clair (Anchor Bay, Clinton River, or Belle River).
• North up St. Clair River: pass Algonac, Marine City, St. Clair, Marysville, Port Huron/Sarnia (Blue Water Bridge).
• Enter Lake Huron. Options:
  • Outside route: Lake Huron proper, past Harbor Beach, Thunder Bay, Alpena, Cheboygan. ~160 nm.
  • North Channel (recommended): Up St. Marys River? No—North Channel is north of Manitoulin. From St. Clair, you're on Lake Huron. For North Channel, cut across to DeTour Passage, then east. Better: continue on Lake Huron to Mackinac.
• Target: Mackinac Island or Mackinaw City harbor by evening.

Day 2: Under the Bridge → Lake Michigan

• Transit Straits of Mackinac (strong currents, shipping lanes). Pass under Mackinac Bridge (552 ft clearance).
• Enter Lake Michigan. Head SW along UP shore or cross to LP shore.
• Stop: Mackinac Island (dock, explore), Les Cheneaux Islands (36 islands, sheltered), or Bois Blanc Island.

Day 3: Lake Michigan East Shore → Charlevoix

• Cruise SW: St. Ignace → Naubinway → Epoufette → Manistique (long stretch, few harbors).
• OR cross to LP: Frankfort → Leland → Northport → Grand Traverse Bay → Traverse City → Charlevoix.
• Enter Charlevoix via Pine River Channel (fixed bridge 17 ft clearance — check mast height!). Bascule bridge opens on schedule.
• Dock: Charlevoix Municipal Marina (downtown, shops, restaurants).

Critical Prep

• Charts: NOAA 14840, 14860, 14880, 14900, 14910.
• Weather: Great Lakes forecasts (NOAA Marine). Summer thunderstorms, fog, sudden squalls.
• Fuel: Plan 1.5× range. Services sparse on Lake Michigan NE shore.
• Documents: US/Canada crossing if cutting North Channel (not on this route).
• Safety: EPIRB, life raft, VHF-DSC, AIS. Cold water (hypothermia risk).

Alternative: The Loopers' Favorite

Many Great Loopers take the North Channel (Georgian Bay) for scenery, then re-enter Lake Huron at DeTour, south to Mackinac. Adds 2 days, immense beauty.