Reviews: Big Sound Marina

Reviews Summary

The reviews for the marina highlight several positive aspects, including friendly and attentive staff, sturdy floating docks, and a convenient location within walking distance to downtown and various restaurants. Many guests appreciated the clean bathrooms and the availability of laundry facilities, although the showers received mixed feedback, with some describing them as outdated or "campy."

The marina is noted for its spacious slips and fairways, making docking easy. While there is no security on-site, guests felt safe. WiFi is reported to be slow, and there are limited 50 amp power plugs available, so guests needing that service should communicate their needs in advance.

Several reviews mention the proximity to grocery stores, with some noting that the nearest major grocery store is a bit far for walking. However, there are smaller stores nearby for basic supplies. Overall, the marina is described as a quiet and welcoming place, particularly favored by seasonal boaters and Loopers, with a good vibe and reasonable pricing. Many guests expressed a desire to return.

Reviewed by: Dean Erlandson on Aug 15, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 4

Floating docks, friendly service and easy walk to downtown. A bit too far to walk to major grocery store and Canadian Tire. Bathrooms are clean while the showers were marginal. Decent stop before crossing Parry Sound.

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Reviewed by: Tim Gibbs , Table Six, on Aug 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Sturdy wood floating docks and strong cleats. Staff are ambitious to make sure you are taken care of. Two paid washers and dryers worked well. Shore power worked well. Showers and restrooms need updating. No security but appears to be no need for it. WiFi is slow. Five minute walk to several restaurants. Grocery is further. Great town vibe. Seasonal dock holders are really nice and welcoming. Reasonably priced. Would stop back.

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Reviewed by: Chris Ensing , Pau Hana, on Aug 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.4'

Rating: 4

Great location, staff is super friendly. Easy to get into & quiet. My only negative would be the showers are not great, a little campy and rough, but good stop.

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Reviewed by: Lance Williamson on Aug 1, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

The marina has wide fairways and slips. The staff were great. The small store in the office had a decent supply of items. They had a GREAT selection of marine charts!! Washrooms and showers were fine. We provisioned at Walmart ($12 each way but well worth it). The only downside is the wakes from boats leaving the marina near the town cruise ship dock.

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Reviewed by: Anne Hartley , Nautical Gypsy, on Jun 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed 2 nights. Staff were awesome. Floating docks in good condition. Laundry, showers all very nice. Great area to BBQ. Close enough to town for an easy walk.

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Reviewed by: Brian Chapin , Tug Life, on Aug 11, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 25'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

Convenient 5-10 min walk to several restaurants. Walmart Superstore 1.5 mi. A shorter distance and over the bridge is a meat store and a grocery store called Farmers Market on Bowes St. There is a walking/bike path that starts on the main street and crosses a pedestrian bridge. Restrooms/showers in marina are worn, but adequate. Two washers & dryers. Quiet marina and seasonal boaters very friendly. Seems to be a favorite with Loopers. Green space with lots of picnic tables, BBQ's and chairs to gather.

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Reviewed by: Howard Entman on Aug 11, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

The slips are very wide, making docking easy.
The location is perfect--immediately near the events arena, where they have a month-long music festival every year. You should try to attend one of these performance. The super-market no longer has a pick-up service, so if you need a full provisioning, you either take a $10 taxi ride, or walk the roughly 2 miles to the big store. Downtown is half-mile away, where there are some convenient stores fore milk, bread, and a few staples.

For each four slips, they have only 2 50 amp plugs, but plenty of 30 plugs, so if you need a 50 amp, be sure to let them know so they can put you in the right place.

Therea re two propane barbecues. The bathrooms are okay, but not like some of the newer marinas.

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