The Benjamins
Another popular destination after leaving Little Current is the Benjamin Islands. In this beautiful group of islands, you will see pink granite with unsurpassed views. Hike up to the top of the island, being sure to take along your camera for a picture that you will cherish for years after.
Generally boats anchor on the north side of South Benjamin Island, many tying to shore. Experienced boaters can be found anchored on the south side of South Benjamin, but we would not recommend it on your first trip or without exploring by dinghy first. If the anchorage is 
busy or the wind is from the east or northeast, you may be able to tuck into the south side of North Benjamin. In high water years, there is an inlet between North and South Benjamin that we have seen large vessels transit, but in low water years only try it with a dinghy. If an easterly wind comes up during the night and the anchorage is busy, there have been exciting anchoring challenges in the dark!
Spanish
Instead of heading to Gore Bay, you can also go into Spanish. Just after leaving Little Detroit,we turn north between Landry point and Green Island.As you get the marina in sight, you can proceed directly to the entrance buoys with seven feet of water.
Spanish has an excellent marina with fuel, ice and pump out facilities.There is provisioning in town with an assortment of options. Spanish is also an excellent place to swap crew and is a reasonable drive from Sudbury.
As you transit north you enter the Whalesback Channel.All the land on the north side is part of the Serpent River Indian Reserve.
Bear Drop Harbour is located to starboard toward the end of the Whalesback. It is a large harbour that will accommodate dozens of boats. To enter, follow the track to about 100 yards west of turtle rock – there are a couple of shoals here, but they are clearly marked.As you go east, you will see a sheer break between the islands to the west. The drop off is how Bear Drop got its name.According to local legend, this is where the Indians ran the bears off the island.
This is a really great place to explore by taking your small vessel or dinghy up to the end through shallow water and marsh.You will find an aboriginal residence at the end and you can cut through to the outside.A number of islands have blueberries, but pick your timing carefully – too early and they aren’t ripe, too late and they will be gone. Just a bit farther north, it is also possible to explore Tachereau Bay by dingy.
Moving farther northwest, Blind River is the next natural stop for provisioning and is a place to charge your batteries – both literally and figuratively.
The North Shore
From Blind River to St. Joseph’s Channel the western end of the North Channel is wide open water with few refuges. Before heading out make sure you have the latest weather updates and that you and your vessel can handle the current conditions.
The passage from Turnbull Island to Blind River is across nine nautical miles of open water. Once past the inside of Gibson Island, the water levels drop to between seven and 11 feet across the North Passage and Blind River Bank, all the way into Blind River.
The Blind River Municipal Marina offers well-protected transient floating docks equipped with water and 30- and 50-amp power.The landscaped grounds are ideal for a picnic or BBQ, and a marina centre boasts showers,washrooms, laundry, internet access and a café.
While getting to town for provisions is a hike, the marina provides grocery carts and bicycles and many businesses offer a shuttle service.