How to Provision for Remote Cruising on the Loop
Provisioning for remote cruising is part strategy, part logistics, and part imagination. Even though we haven’t sailed the Canadian stretches yet, planning ahead is important for any extended passage, especially in areas like Georgian Bay or the North Channel, where towns are smaller and marinas more spread out.
Here’s how we’re thinking about provisioning for the Loop’s more remote sections:
1. Know Your Stops (and Your Gaps)
Start with a list of towns, anchorages, and marinas along your route. Identify which ones have full-service stores and which are more limited. This helps you plan bigger grocery runs ahead of longer stretches without services. If you're like me and enjoy data and organization, create a spreadsheet of towns and their offerings, such as marina fuel, grocery stores, fresh produce, or restaurants.
2. Stock Smart Staples
For remote passages, lean on non-perishables and easy-to-store items:
Pasta, rice, canned beans, and sauces
Breakfast staples like oatmeal or granola
Shelf-stable milk or plant-based alternatives
Snacks for quick energy
Freezer-friendly meats or fish, if you have a reliable freezer
Some cruisers also prep “meal kits” in reusable containers, so you can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner without hunting down ingredients in a smaller town.
3. Fresh Produce and Dairy
Even in remote areas, you’ll want fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy. Plan to pick these up when towns have good markets or farmers’ stands. Many Loopers recommend replenishing every 3–5 days, depending on storage and refrigeration capacity.
4. Water & Fuel Management
Know how far you’ll be from potable water and fill up whenever you can. The same goes for fuel: keep tabs on usage so you’re never caught short in a spot with limited options.
5. Medications & Special Items
This is your chance to check prescriptions, allergy meds, or other essentials before a stretch with few stops. Don’t rely on finding a pharmacy in a tiny Georgian Bay town.
6. Think About Work & Tech Needs
If you’re working remotely, you’ll want chargers, spare batteries, and maybe backup internet options. Starlink or cellular boosters are great, but always plan for offline days with tasks that don’t require connectivity.
(You can get more details on working remotely from your boat in my book, Remote Work Afloat)
7. Flexibility is Key
Remote cruising rarely goes exactly as planned. Weather, mechanical issues, or an unexpected detour might extend a leg. Keep a buffer in your food and fuel to accommodate delays.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
What are your favorite meals to make when you’re in a remote location and running low on fresh ingredients?
Share in the comments!
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