Down East Loop

On 3/14/24 I published a Generic Talk post, “The Great Loop”. In summary, the “Great Loop” is a continuous waterway passage of the eastern USA and part of Canada. The waterway route encompasses the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), Canadian Canals, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, New York State Canals, Canadian Canals, and inland rivers.

Down East Loop (aka: Down East Circle Route) a 2,400 mile loop around New England and the Canadian maritime area.

• Achievable within 60 days if traveling on average 5 hours daily (7 knots).
• Anticipate delays due to current, fog, high seas, weather and winds.
• Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine earned its reputation as difficult cruising due to fog and tides.
• Beachgoers enjoy New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
• Clockwise direction is recommended due to currents.
• Clockwise route offers favourable westerly winds.
• Cruisers usually commence the route by mid May during peak summer season.
• Fog is reduced mid to late August (Nova Scotia) and late September (Gulf of Maine).
• Majority of the loop is in Canadian waters.
• Minimum of 6 knots cruising speed recommended for a summer season completion.
• Most remote areas: Gaspe Peninsula, Nova Scotia (northeastern) and St Laurence.
• Nearest anchorage or port is always within a day’s distance.
• New York Canal Corporate publishes clearance requirements.
• Route is well charted.
• Route wildlife: Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, seabirds and white beluga whales.
• Village of Tadoussac is known for shore side whale watching.
• September tends to be windy in Maine and Nova Scotia.
• St Lawrence Seaway has 7 commercial locks used by vessels under 75′.