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Ice blocks, daily happy hours, and world-famous fish and chips. This is what you’ll get if you head over to the northern side of Georgian Bay next time you’re roaming Lake Huron and dock your boat at Roque’s Marina.
“We are probably best known for our ice,” says Mary Roque, describing her family-owned marina. “We’ve had people come back and say their blocks last anywhere between five and seven days,” Mary remarks on the long-lasting nature of their ice blocks. The blocks are also nice and big – a great size to fit in any cooler.
Happy Hour
Mary and her husband Pat have owned Roque’s Marina for 22 years now and have built a reputation not only for their ice blocks, but also for their social atmosphere. Everyone who stays enjoys the fun and relaxing environment, especially out on the deck during happy hour.
“It’s very social,” describes Mary. “We have a big building at the waterfront which is our office, and in front of that we have very large decks. We have happy hour on the deck every afternoon between 4 and 6 p.m., and people just mingle and chat. They bring their own cocktail if they want and some people bring appetizers. It’s nice to just sit around and have a nice visit.”
Everything You Need
Roque’s Marina offers full-service docking for boats up to 50 feet long. Take a day or two, set up some temporary roots at Roque’s Marina and explore all the surrounding area has to offer at the marina that also hosts an occasional event or two throughout the year.
There is also a four-bedroom cottage that stands on the property that is available to rent and comes completely outfitted with towels, linens, and a kitchen setup ready to go with all the basics.
If you’re looking to scratch a camping itch, feel free to set up camp at their campground that includes 15 or 30 amp hookups, potable water and a laundromat with coin-operated washers, dryers and showers.
Herbert Fisheries
Nestled on the south side of Killarney, Ontario, Roque’s Marina is just footsteps away from world-famous Herbert Fisheries Fish and Chips.
“People literally come from all over the world,” recalls Mary. “It’s been written up in magazines and articles all over Europe.” Mary remembers people specifically coming and staying at their campgrounds and telling her that they read about Herbert Fisheries’ Fish and Chips from magazines.
If the cottage isn’t available, and you’re not a fan of camping, two hotels occupy the waterfront close to Roque’s Marina where fine dining and pub food are within walking distance.
You can quench your thirst for hiking by exploring one of the many trails around Killarney. One of the favorite trails of those who explore Killarney is the Tar Vat trail that leads to the Killarney East Lighthouse.
“Killarney Mountain Lodge is becoming very well-known,” observes Mary, speaking of another resort in Killarney. “It’s very unique; it’s got some really unique features people like to visit and see.”
A couple of the features worthy of mention are their main bar, the Carousel Lounge with its circular building with glass windows, and the big lighthouse entrance way, imitating a real lighthouse.
After you’re done venturing out in Killarney, head back to the marina, grab a drink of your choice and enjoy the social happy hour on the deck.
Stop On By
Next time you’re navigating the waters of Lake Huron, think about stopping by Roque’s Marina and taking a few days to relax and discover Killarney. Whether you’re in the mood for a family-owned marina offering a social happy hour or dreaming of world-famous fish and chips or even if you’re low on ice in the cooler, Roque’s Marina and Killarney have what you’re looking for.
For More Information
Roque’s Marina
www.roquesmarina.homestead.com
