We Love Bobcaygeon

We love Bobcaygeon.  (Yes, the same Bobcaygeon that’s the subject of the Tragically Hip song.)  It sits in a pivotal location between Pigeon and Sturgeon lakes on the beautiful Trent-Severn water system.  The “Trent’ as we called it was a series of interconnected lakes, canals and locks that join Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay.  Bobcaygeon is home to one of the busiest locks on the Trent located in the heart of town effectively cutting it in half.  Businesses aligned on both sides of the canal.

Gordon's 'Bunkies' on the left, the Marina on the right

The lock is like a magnet to boaters of all kinds, tourists and cottagers.  The upper and lower reaches offer temporary docking on a first come first served basis.  The busy comings and goings provide endless entertainment to anyone perched on a park bench located along the canal embankment.  On a hot summer day, with a Kawartha Dairy ice cream in hand it was kind of magical.

Our first time in Bobcaygeon was aboard a rental houseboat.  After some minor docking issues due to weather and inexperience, we ultimately found a suitable place to tie up on the lower reach.  After a couple of nights there, we were smitten.  Virtually every summer after that we made our way back for at least a night or two.

The lower reach of the lock. The channel divides the town in two.

Eventually, we moved closer to the area.  Purchased our own ‘real’ boat and continued our journeys there.  Our perspective changed on houseboats, however.  Now that we were in a real boat, we chose to avoid them as much as possible.  To boaters, houseboats were like uncontrolled battering rams in the hands of inexperienced captain intent on showing their newfound skills at the helm.  We were constantly looking out for one to impale our boat while performing some boneheaded maneuver.  

Looking from the bridge leading to downtown. Buckeye Sports is on the right.

To avoid them, we chose to park our boat in a proper marina.  That was the first step which led us to a long acquaintance with Gordon’s Yacht Harbour (the name at the time).  Located close to the action downtown, but far enough away from the main channel that any stray houseboat could be redirected without harm.

Gordon’s as we affectionately called it was a great stop for us on an extended Trent vacation trip.  Most of the boat slips at Gordon’s were covered.  It had a gas bar and a modest convenience store. 

The place was home to a tight knit group of seasonal boaters.  Consequently, it had a convenient laundromat, showers, and a picnic table at each slip.  Jody, the marina manager always had a few slips available for transient boaters like us.  Over the years we got to know Jody and Gordon’s very well.  In many ways it was like our second home.  Even though it was only for a few nights each summer the number of nights piled up over the years.

While we wish they would, things never stay the same.

The channel leading to Sturgeon Lake from the upper reach of the lock.

We sold our boat.  But we continued our regular trips to Bobcaygeon, nonetheless.  As we inched closer to retirement, we were drawn to familiar places. One year we noticed that the line of covered slips that bordered the channel to the Bobcaygeon Inn had something new in them.  Instead of a boat, two of the slips contained what looked like floating two storey tiny homes.   They had a ‘New England Fishing Village’ vibe.  Colourful siding with white trim.  Each one had a combination of swim deck and patio looking on to the water.   They were charmingly unique.

Over the next few years, they started to multiply.  Each year, two more would appear replacing the boats that once occupied the slips.  Eventually, they occupied the entire dock.  A total of 11.  Our curiosity was piqued.  We decided to rent one the next summer.

Affectionately called Gordon’s Bunkies, you can find them online.  We booked #11, which happens to be the last one built.

Looking down 'Jellybean Row'.

That summer we met up with Charles, the owner.  While he sat at our picnic table, he was happy to tell us the story of how they came to be.

A few years before, he contemplated removing the row of docks to build condominium units.  The location offered lots of natural potential with a unique view of the water combined with a short walk to downtown.  Charles thought it was ideal.

On his first visit to the town council, he shared his vision for the development.  He said that before long it became very evident that his project was going to be bogged down by development fees, bureaucracy and needless red tape.  He decided to pack up his presentation materials and leave the meeting early.  He was disappointed and frustrated.

Looking at the row of docks with fresh eyes, he decided utilizing them in a different way was the answer.  First, he could keep the covered docks the way they were originally built.  No need to seek permission from the local council.  He wasn’t building anything new nor was he making any significant alternations to the structure.

The political body that has jurisdiction over the area’s waterways was much more cooperative.  He proposed building floating structures that could be considered boats.  Each one would float in the same dock where regular boats had been.  In effect, floating, one bedroom loft apartments. 

He contracted a marine architect to begin the design phase.  To qualify for approval, the units had to meet all standards for marine vessels.  When complete, you could tow one of these units behind a boat to move it to the other side of the lake.  The structure could not contain any drywall or plaster. Just real wood.

His business vision was to build a rental unit that offered enough space to handle a family of 4 or 5.  It had to take advantage of the natural beauty of the location with easy assess to swim in shallow bay.  It had to offer the amenities of home with a feel of a small cottage.  The units would have lots of windows to allow for cross ventilation and bright, inviting interiors.

Charles developed a clever structure supported by foam filled floats as the base. He laid out plans for a two-storey structure which featured a loft bedroom overlooking the main living area. In the bedroom upstairs is a second bathroom.

Each unit is decorated with a unique style that leans heavily into cottage life.  You will find all the comforts of home, including a flat screen TV, propane fireplace, full size fridge, microwave, and stove. You will also find a fully equipped kitchen with quality cookware, plates, cutlery, glasses and utensils.  Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi.

You will find a large patio door on the main level and opening windows front and back. Upstairs you will also find opening windows for lots of cross ventilation. 

At the back along the water through the patio door, you will find a beautiful patio deck, that includes a retractable swim ladder.  Between the units is a retractable screen for privacy.  It is a wonderful place to sip on a coffee to watch the sun come up each morning.

On the shoreside, there is a barbecue and picnic table included.  Take advantage of convenient wagons to quickly transport all your stuff to and from your vehicle. 

In addition, there are several sitting areas overlooking the water for communal time with other residents.  Relax with a cold beverage, put your feet up and watch the world drift by.

When you look down the dock and see all eleven ‘bunkies’ you can’t help but reflect on the accomplishment.  Charles’ vision of floating loft apartments for couples and families to enjoy a quality vacation in unique accommodations in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in Ontario is remarkable and inspiring.  When you know the history, you know it could have been another batch of condos. But that direction was abandoned purely because of a bureaucratic local government seeking to wrap everything in red tape and endless rules. 

For us, the village has been a favourite destination for decades.  When you know some of the back stories, it is even more interesting.  A trip there never gets old.  You can be sure there is always something new to see there.  We love Bobcaygeon.