Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Captain JW wrote:http://www.norgoma.org/history2.html

Having read this, it would seem the route used today is a "mis-nomer," though this is the term used when a vessel enters or exits the main river using this passage. Guess the term has been adapted to this use of said passage.

The Turkey Trail is more than just the route between St. Joseph and Drummond Island. it represents the North Channel route to the Soo. originating with the package freighters that left Owen Sound and traveled up to the Soo and back in the 1920's through to the 1960's with all the stops in between.

It is; it starts between Big Trout Island and Little Trout Island, then turns north between Maple Island and Bacon Island, then turns northwest and then makes a right-hand turn east to go around Burnt Island in Tenby Bay, and then makes a left-hand turn between Koshkawong Point and Salt Island, and then makes a final right-hand turn between Beef Island and Salt Island to enter the North Channel just past between North Seine Island and Perrique Island.

I thought the Turkey Trail was thee route taken between the main river and the North Channel, between St. Joseph and Drummond Islands?

Route from North Channel (above Manitoulin Island) into St. Mary's River. In the glory days of package freighters (passengers, cars, supplies), vessels such as the Normac, Caribou, Manitoulin, and others made this route weekly to service the many towns along the route, many went up to the Soo and then back down. Cattle, food, supplies for the stores, passengers, etc. were all carried. The last passenger vessel on this route was the Norgoma before switching to the the South Baymouth - Tobermory dedicated ferrry run. The Turkey Trail is named for the many courses and routes which zigzagged through the islands, shoals and ports, much like the zig zag trail that the wild turkeys take.

Trust this helps.

I'm sort of new to boat watching, and I know where a lot of stuff is, but I've never heard of the Turkey Trail near Detour, MI.
Is that the name of the route to Bruce Mines?

Thank you. Tess