LOCAL AMENITIES AND 'WHAT TO BRING'
Groceries and Supplies:
In Britt you will find St. Amant's Store and Buisson's Food Market (on the Still River). Both stores are accessible by road and by water, and both stores are small but they do have in store butchers, and Buisson's offers fresh baked bread and buns. St. Amant's is closer to the Loraine, but Buisson's carries a limited selection of wine, beer and spirits. Ice, limited snack foods and drinks are available at Wright's Marina (which is closest to the Loraine by boat) along with spring water in the large 'water cooler' size--but bring the empty from the Loraine to avoid a $10.00 deposit.
In Parry Sound (1 hour south) there is a large Sobeys food store that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, located just off highway #69 using the Bowes Street exit (25 Pine Dr., Tel. # 705-746-7511). There is also a Farmer's Market for fresh fruit and vegetables located in the big tent further along Bowes Street (west) on the left.
Sudbury is larger than Parry Sound and it is located approximately one hour north of Britt.
Non-breakable containers are encouraged for drinks. For those hot days when only the coldest drinks will do, there is a large 'Igloo' cooler (quite efficient) to fill with ice cubes and your favourite drinks, so stock up!
Laundry:
A coin laundry is available at Wright's Marina (2 washers and 2 dryers).
Restaurants:
Jim & Teri at the Little Britt Inn offer what they call 'regional cuisine', as described in Where to Eat in Canada, 2002-2003. Reservations are usually required for 'The Upper Deck', although a limited menu is available in the 'Oyster Bar' (Lower Deck). They do not serve breakfast.
St. Amant's Waterfront Inn (above St. Amant's Store) offers good hearty food, and they are open for breakfast as well. Pizza is also available at the take out window next to the store.
Essentials:
Bedding/Linen is not provided (pillows are), so please bring your own sheets and blankets or sleeping bags if you prefer. The beds are all 'single' size, but when pushed together they approximate a 'king' or 'queen' size.
Children (and teenagers) must bring their own life jackets, and 'water shoes' or similar protection is recommended.
Flashlights are also very important for everyone to carry at night.
For safety and convenience, analog cell phones (not digital) and of course marine band (VHF) radios do work in the area (just don't let the 'office' know). Phones and radios not provided.
Kids can often catch bass right off the dock, so don't forget their fishing rods!
Of course, don't forget sunscreen and sun hats, as well as bug repellant and rain gear just in case.
Binoculars are great for star gazing. Northern lights are also common (usually after midnight), and you may even experience an explosive green flash (if the conditions are just right).
Lastly, we recommend polarized sun glasses for spotting rocks and shoals while out on the water on sunny days (these are available at Canadian Tire, Walmart, and other stores where they sell fishing rods, equipment and supplies). Please boat and swim safely!
Check this link for boating license requirements!
'Tea light' lanterns are supplied (please bring extra tea lights). For safety, please do not use open flame candles.
Parking is available at Wright's Marina for approx. $4 - $5.00 per car per day (please register upon arrival).
Day Trips:
We have a slip at Wright's Marina for one of the steel boats if you have to leave the Loraine Club.
Water Taxi:
Let Wright's Marina know when you expect to arrive so that they might have a water taxi available (approx. $40.00 one way). We recommnend that you ask your guests to also arrive by water taxi rather than offering to pick them up at the marina, or you may spend a good part of your day away from the Loraine waiting for late arrivals, and the water taxi is much faster and larger than the Loraine's steel boats.
Emergency / Medical:
For your peace of mind, a full time nurse is available in Britt if necessary. There is also an emergency response team that may be contacted through the Britt Fire Department. In addition, the Coast Guard rescue station is located by the lighthouse just across the small bay from the Loraine (perhaps 5-10 minutes by boat), complete with a helicopter landing pad in case of a medical emergency.
Ontario Provincial Police: 1-888-310-1122
Britt FIre / Rescue: (705) 383-2411
Ambulance: (705) 746-6262
Coast Guard Station on Gereaux Island (near Loraine): (705) 383-2241
Canadian Coast Guard general contact: 1-800-267-7270, or Channel 16 on VHF (marine) radio
Britt Nursing Station: (705) 383-2375
Hospital in Parry Sound: (705) 746-9321
Poison Control Centre: 1-800-268-9017
General Assistance:
If you have any questions or require any assistance after you arrive and are unable to contact us, you should know that some of the friendliest and most helpful people on the bay are at Wright's Marina and the Little Britt Inn. Just tell them that you are from the Loraine Club and that you have a question or request assistance, and you will be pleasantly surprised by their response!