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Hamilton Harbour Overview
The launch at Hamilton Harbour is very tricky, due to large concrete blocks arranged in a steplike fashion. The best way to enter is to take your rig first and then your board. This is most important when winds are strong because the concrete "steps" can be slick with algae. The bottom is sand, mixed with sharp stones, so booties are a must. Along the South and North shores, the water is about five feet deep for 150 feet out from shore.
The water warms up fast, and Hamilton Harbour is one of the first to thaw each spring. Because the launch faces straight north, west winds come in perfectly cross-shore and are very steady. During the summer, 15+ mph winds are common. In the spring and fall, winds often reach gale force! This is a great launch for learning how to sail in chop since there are good swells once you make it halfway across. The water seems clean enough to sail in, but avoid swallowing any!
An alternate sailing location is Van Wagners Beach on Lake Ontario not far from Hamilton Harbour. Although the prevailing west winds are offshore, once the winds come more from the north, a steady crowd sails here about a mile from shore. During these conditions, the water is very flat.
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Maps & Directions
Hamilton Harbour (Burlington Bay) is at the extreme west end of Lake Ontario. If you are west of Hamilton Harbour, take the 403 east toward Hamilton. Stay on the 403 (Toronto bound) and take the QEW West exit. Then, follow the directions for coming from Toronto.
From the Toronto area, follow the QEW west toward Hamilton and take the North Shore exit (one past Brant Street). Follow Eastport Drive and at the first set of lights, turn right into the Environment Canada Facilities. Park at the extreme right (north) end of the parking lot.
To get to Van Wagners from the QEW, take the Confederation Drive exit and follow it north. After the wicked turn, turn right onto Nash Road which takes you right to the beach road.
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Sensor Notes
The sensor is located 100 meters west of the launch site at Hamilton Harbour and has a clear view from south through west, north and east. Our thanks to the Wastewaster Technology Centre (WTC) for providing the location.
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