The Island Loop

Begin at North River Road Park.  Get into the Black River easily by using the ADA accessible kayak launch.  Head downriver, and then up the Canal to the left, heading east.  Enter Lake Huron after passing under the Taintor Gate.  Then paddle under the Blue Water Bridges, along the international border with Canada while in the St. Clair River.  Enter the mouth of the Black River to the west, through the City of Port Huron, and back to River Front Park.  You can also begin and end at the new Bakers Field Park in Port Huron Township.  They also have an ADA accessible kayak launch!

The Taintor Gate at the canal closes automatically when there is a strong N-NE wind. It is open 96% of the time!  Closure protects the canal from getting filled up with silt and sand from the lake.  Boaters, check to see if the gate is open before attempting the Island Loop. The only way to check the gate is to drive by it on Gratiot road to see if it is open.

Up the Canal, toward Lake Huron

Most of the waterways along this route are calm and slow, except near the Blue Water Bridges.  This route is best attempted in the morning, before weekend recreational boating traffic creates rough water conditions under the Blue Water Bridges.

Click on the 'Print a Map' link for a detailed map.

Level - Intermediate (due to international shipping traffic)

Length - 10 miles