On beautiful Lake Simcoe, boating isn’t just a way to go from point A to point B. It’s where you gather to escape the city, leave the stress of 9-to-5 behind, and embrace summer with friends and family.
Which is why so many boaters enjoy making resort-style marinas, like Lefroy Harbour, their summer home away from home.
Traditional marinas offer basic amenities like boat slips, ramps, fuel docks and parking, or they may specialize in boat sales alone. Lefroy Harbour has it all: boat sales, slips, fuel, service and parts, storage, and a resort-style experience.
The resort consists of two sister marinas – Lefroy and Kon Tiki – that are just minutes apart on the shores of Lake Simcoe. While each offers its own spin on weekend boating, both sites offer a “cottage on the water” experience that’s unique from the other 18 marinas owned by Maple Leaf Marinas (MLM), Canada’s largest owner and operator of freshwater marinas and boat dealerships.
At Lefroy, you can relax in a luxurious, heated saltwater pool, complete with large sundeck and lounge chairs, or hang out by the big sandy beach on the shore of Lake Simcoe, surrounded by loads of parkland. You can also enjoy dinner and live music at the Harbour House Grill.
Of course, the marinas are an ideal spot to access Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching, or explore the Trent-Severn Waterway. But there’s also plenty to enjoy without ever casting off.
“Resort-style marinas like Lefroy are more than a home base for boaters; they’re a boating community for boaters to come to each weekend,” says Charlie Ward, Lefroy Harbour’s new manager.
Buy where you boatIn addition to being 100-percent Canadian-owned and operated, MLM has an inventory advantage as Canada’s largest dealer network for new boat sales. Steve Tait, MLM’s Vice President of Sales, says the selection available at each marina is curated to offer the ultimate boating lifestyle for that lake’s boaters.
In fact, Lefroy is the exclusive dealer of some of the best boat brands for Lake Simcoe boating, including Rossiter, Cobalt, and Ranger tugs.
“We’re the source for brands you won’t find anywhere else,” says Steve, “with advice that is tailored to boating here on Lake Simcoe.”
As one of the larger bodies of water in Ontario outside of the Great Lakes, Lake Simcoe boating requires a durable watercraft that can stand up to the wind and waves, without feeling too cumbersome for smaller day trips.
Rossiter
For a comfortable ride with greater displacement, look for a boat that’s a minimum of 20ft in length, Steve notes. “The longer the boat, the less motion you’ll feel, especially on windy days.”
The Rossiter R23 Open model is a great example. In addition to its oversized windshield and high freeboard, which shield your guests from the wind and the waves, this comfortable Ontario-made boat combines nostalgic styling with practicality and comfort.
The newly released R23 Open model is a classic picnic boat featuring an added insulated cooler/storage option, ideal for day trips.
“This plumbed bin can be easily drained by removing the bait well plug, making it perfect for keeping drinks and snacks cold with ice while on the water,” he says. “They’re built for entertaining friends and family, and designed to withstand rough waters, from Florida to New England and the Great Lakes.”
While not as large as some dedicated cruisers, Rossiter’s attention to detail and comfortable layouts can create a charming and sophisticated platform for weekend relaxation and socializing on Lake Simcoe.
CobaltFor an all-in-one day cruiser that can be enjoyed by all, Steve suggests Cobalt. Their larger models, ranging up to 35 feet and beyond, offer spacious layouts, abundant seating, and a host of upscale amenities perfect for extended stays on the lake.
Engineered for unwavering stability that cuts effortlessly through the waves, Cobalt’s innovative hull design provides a comfortable cruising experience. If your group enjoys scenic cruising with a side of adrenaline-pumping fun, Cobalt’s Surf System and Surf Gate technology will keep them entertained. Available on the Cobalt R8, the Surf System allows each rider to customize their wave, ensuring an exhilarating ride regardless of skill level.
When it’s time to climb aboard and unwind, the Surf Gate will help your wake surfers climb into the boat from the water with ease.
Lefroy’s boat sales and resort amenities make it easy to enjoy summer, but MLM President Derek Lubert notes their aim goes much further: “We want every boater to enjoy the ultimate boating lifestyle, from finding the perfect boat, to offering a variety of marina options, and helping our boaters gain confidence on the water through rendezvous boat trips.”
This year, MLM will be leading a one-day raft-up rendezvous outside Lefroy Harbour. This event, which includes a complimentary BBQ and activities, is perfect for families and friends looking to make unforgettable memories beyond the dock.
“The best memories are made on the water,” says Derek. “We’d love to see you there.”
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
