Go back to the Lake Huron bandscan series | Return to the coastal bandscans index 
Blind River, Ontario is a radio site along the North Channel of Lake Huron. Situated about 1½ hours east of Sault Ste. Marie and 1¾ hours west of Sudbury – the two major cities in this region – the town of 3,500 is rather quiet and one of few towns in the vicinity, even fewer right along the water.
The site at the town’s marina is the northernmost bandscan site on Lake Huron. While direct water paths are somewhat blocked by the expansive Manitoulin Island, because the island has lower terrain, typical reception still includes select stations along Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, and Lake Ontario, including Cleveland (345 miles), Toronto (250 miles), Green Bay and Appleton (280 miles), Detroit (265 miles), and Rochester (335 miles). Closer reception is more commonly received from Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, North Bay, Northern Michigan, the Upper Peninsula, and southwestern Ontario. Being at the very top of Lake Huron in an area known to be somewhat sparse on the dial gives Blind River an advantage over other sites.
Three bandscans were taken at this site over the years: a basic bandscan (less detailed and only on the car radio) under high pressure in 2016, and two detailed bandscans on the portable Grundig G8, one of them under low pressure in 2018 and a final scan with favorable conditions in 2019.
BLIND RIVER / NORTH CHANNEL, ONTARIO BANDSCAN (DETAILED)
August 12, 2019 1445-1830
Conditions: 24-23°C, p. cloudy, light then strong SW wind
Location: 46°10’39.8″N 82°57’55.0″W
584 feet (atop rocks at lake level)
155 stations total / Average distance: 159 mi.
* station was received on seek
87.75 –
88.1 CBON-18 ON Sault Ste. Marie / Ici Première Sud. / 3.59kw / 3dBµ, mono (69 mi.)
88.1 WBLW MI Gaylord / The Living Word / 5kw / weak (111 mi.)
88.3 WEJC MI White Star / Smile FM / 55kw / 5dBµ, mono (180 mi.)
88.5 WIAB MI Mackinaw City / Classical IPR //88.7 / 50kw / 15dBµ, mono (108 mi.)
88.5 CKDX ON Newmarket / Jewel 88.5 / 30kw / 5dBµ, mono (225 mi.)
88.7 WIAA MI Interlochen / Classical IPR //88.5 / 100kw / 15dBµ, mono (187 mi.)
88.7 CKAR ON Huntsville / The Bay / 5.7kw / 3dBµ, mono (199 mi.)
88.9 WGZR MI Alpena / Baraga Radio / 1.5kw / 7dBµ, mono (95 mi.)
89.1 WLKB MI Bay City / K-Love / 50kw / 10dBµ, mono (187 mi.)
89.3 WTLI MI Bear Creek Twp. / Smile FM / 50kw / 7dBµ, mono (111 mi.)
89.3 WPNE WI Green Bay / WPR News & Classical / 97kw / 7dBµ, mono (273 mi.)
89.5 CBSM ON Sault Ste. Marie / CBC R. 1 Sudbury / 46kw / 10dBµ, mono (69 mi.)
89.7 WJOJ MI Rust Twp. / Smile FM / 31kw / 10dBµ, mono (105 mi.)
89.7 WHND WI Sister Bay / WPR News & Classical / 22kw / 10dBµ, mono (209 mi.)
89.9 WLJN MI Traverse City / Christian //107.9 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (162 mi.)
90.1 CBBS ON Sudbury / CBC Music Sudbury / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (98 mi.)
90.1 WNMU MI Marquette / Public R. 90 / 100kw / 3dBµ, mono (234 mi.)
*90.3 CBEC ON Elliot Lake / CBC R. 1 Sudbury / 264w / 30dBµ, mono only (22 mi.)
90.5 WPHN MI Gaylord / The Promise FM / 100kw / RDS / 30dBµ, stereo (92 mi.)
90.5 WPFF WI Sturgeon Bay / K-Love / 100kw / 7dBµ, mono in null (230 mi.)
90.7 WNFR MI Sandusky / Hope FM / 42kw / 7dBµ, mono (208 mi.)
90.9 CBBX ON Sudbury / Ici Musique Sudbury / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (98 mi.)
90.9 WTCK MI Charlevoix / Baraga Radio / 5.5kw / 5dBµ, mono (110 mi.)
91.1 CJRT ON Toronto / Jazz.FM91 / 40kw / 3dBµ, mono, faint (247 mi.)
91.3 WJOG MI Good Hart / Smile FM / 6kw / 5dBµ, mono (110 mi.)
91.3 WGJU MI East Tawas / Baraga Radio / 20kw / 5dBµ, mono (136 mi.)
91.5 WJOH MI Raco / Smile FM / 5.5kw / 5dBµ, mono (73 mi.)
91.7 WCML MI Alpena / CMU Public R. / 92kw / 20dBµ, mono (92 mi.)
91.7 WXPR WI Rhinelander / Public R. / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono in null (303 mi.)
91.7 CICS ON Sudbury / Pure Country 91.7 / 50kw / in null (98 mi.)
91.9 –
92.1 WIDL MI Cass City / i-92 / 25kw / 7dBµ, mono (177 mi.)
92.3 CJOS ON Owen Sound / The Dock / 9.4kw / 7dBµ, mono (151 mi.)
92.5 WFDX MI Atlanta / The Fox FM / 100kw / 15dBµ, mono (104 mi.)
92.7 CJRQ ON Sudbury / 92-7 Rock / 100kw / 7dBµ, mono (95 mi.)
92.7 CJBX ON London / Pure Country 93 / 50kw / weak in car (242 mi.)
92.9 WJZQ MI Cadillac / Z93 / 100kw / 15dBµ, mono (154 mi.)
92.9 WBUF NY Buffalo / Jack FM / 76kw / 5dBµ, mono in null (300 mi.)
93.1 CHAY ON Barrie / Fresh Radio 93.1 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (203 mi.)
93.3 WKQZ MI Midland / Z-93 / 39kw / 10dBµ, mono (170 mi.)
93.5 WBCM MI Boyne City / Country //103.5 / 14kw / 10dBµ, mono (109 mi.)
93.5 CIGM ON Sudbury / Hot 93.5 / 100kw / 7dBµ, mono (95 mi.)
93.7 WBCT MI Grand Rapids / B93 / 320kw / 7dBµ, mono, dominant (276 mi.)
93.7 CKYC ON Owen Sound / Country 93 / 22kw / 5dBµ, mono (151 mi.)
93.9 WAVC MI Mio / Strong Tower R. / 50kw / 15dBµ, mono (121 mi.)
93.9 WNBY MI Newberry / Oldies 93 / 50kw / 7dBµ, mono in null (104 mi.)
*94.1 CKNR ON Elliot Lake / Moose FM / 90kw / 35dBµ, stereo (50 mi.)
94.3 CBLU ON Huntsville / CBC R. 1 Toronto / 70kw / 10dBµ, mono (186 mi.)
94.3 CKSY ON Chatham / Adult Contemp. / 50kw / good in car (262 mi.)
94.5 CIBU ON Wingham / Cl. Rock 94-5 / 75kw / 20dBµ, mono (168 mi.)
94.5 WCEN MI Hemlock / The Moose / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (187 mi.)
94.7 CHKX ON Hamilton / KX 94.7 / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (259 mi.)
94.9 WKJZ MI Hillman / Hits FM //103.3 / 50kw / 20dBµ, mono (92 mi.)
95.1 CBON-17 ON North Bay / Ici Première Sudbury / 100kw / 5dBµ, m. (170 mi.)
95.1 WUPN MI Paradise / Eagle 95.1 / 25kw / 5dBµ, mono (86 mi.)
95.1 WFBE MI Flint / Nash FM / 34kw / 3dBµ, mono (224 mi.)
95.3 CING ON Hamilton / Energy 95-3 / 100kw / 7dBµ, mono (258 mi.)
95.3 WWSS MI Tuscarora Twp. / The Bear //98.1 / 17kw / 5dBµ, mono (97 mi.)
95.5 WKQI MI Detroit / Channel 955 / 100kw / 15dBµ, mono (256 mi.)
95.5 CJTK ON Sudbury / KFM / 8.1kw / 10dBµ, mono (97 mi.)
95.5 WGFE MI Glen Arbor / Rock 105 & 95.5 //105.1 / 21kw / 10dBµ, m. (174 mi.)
95.7 WCMB MI Oscoda / CMU Public R. / 25kw / 15dBµ, mono (107 mi.)
95.7 CFJB ON Barrie / Rock 95 / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono in null (203 mi.)
95.9 CFPL ON London / FM96 / 300kw / 15dBµ, mono (238 mi.)
95.9 WLJW MI Fife Lake / Fuel FM / 19kw / 7dBµ, mono (154 mi.)
96.1 WHNN MI Bay City / My 96.1 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (185 mi.)
96.1 CBCN ON North Bay / CBC R. 1 Sudbury / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (170 mi.)
96.1 WMSX NY Buffalo / The Breeze / 47kw / 5dBµ, mono (304 mi.)
96.3 WLXT MI Petoskey / Lite 96.3 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (109 mi.)
96.3 CFMZ ON Toronto / New Classical 96.3 FM / 60kw / 5dBµ, mono (247 mi.)
96.5 CJBC-3 ON Penetanguishene / Ici Première Tor. / 15.3kw / 7dBµ, m. (174 mi.)
96.5 WAKS OH Akron / Kiss FM / 31kw / 5dBµ, mono (345 mi.)
96.5 WCMF NY Rochester / Classic Rock / 48kw / weak (337 mi.)
*96.7 WRGZ MI Rogers City / Country //99.3 / 42kw / 25dBµ, stereo (69 mi.)
96.7 CHYM ON Kitchener / Adult Contemp. / 80kw / 5dBµ, m. in null (223 mi.)
96.9 –
97.1 WGLQ MI Escanaba / Magic 97 GLQ / 100kw / 7dBµ, mono (190 mi.)
97.1 CBL-4 ON Owen Sound / CBC Music Toronto / 20.22kw / 5dBµ, mono (141 mi.)
97.3 CHBM ON Toronto / Boom 97.3 / 28.9kw / 5dBµ, mono (247 mi.)
*97.5 CBCE ON Little Current / CBC R. 1 Sudbury / 21kw / 40dBµ, m. only (50 mi.)
97.7 WCHY MI Cheboygan / Straits Country / 3.4kw / 3dBµ, mono (76 mi.)
97.9 WIHC MI Newberry / Strong Tower R. / 50kw / 10dBµ, mono (104 mi.)
97.9 CFPS ON Port Elgin / The Beach / 8.95kw / very good in car (147 mi.)
98.1 WGFN MI Glen Arbor / The Bear //95.3 / 21kw / 5dBµ, mono (174 mi.)
98.1 CBON ON Sudbury / Ici Première Sudbury / 50kw / 3dBµ, mono (98 mi.)
98.3 WCMZ MI Sault Ste. Marie / CMU Public R. / 25kw / 7dBµ, mono (64 mi.)
98.5 WQLH WI Green Bay / Star 98 / 100kw / 7dBµ, mono, dominant (272 mi.)
98.5 WUPS MI Harrison / UPS 98.5 / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (156 mi.)
98.7 CBCB ON Owen Sound / CBC R. 1 Toronto / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (141 mi.)
98.9 WKLZ MI Petoskey / KLT The Rock Sta. / 100kw / RDS / 20dBµ, st. (107 mi.)
99.1 CBLA ON Toronto / CBC R. 1 Toronto / 98kw / 5dBµ, mono (247 mi.)
99.3 WATZ MI Alpena / Country //96.7 / 17kw / 5dBµ, mono (95 mi.)
99.5 CFBG ON Bracebridge / Moose FM / 12kw / 5dBµ, mono (196 mi.)
99.5 WYSS MI Sault Ste. Marie / Yes FM / 1.3kw / 3dBµ, mono (64 mi.)
99.7 WUGN MI Midland / Family Life R. / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (199 mi.)
*99.9 WHAK MI Rogers City / The Wave / 50kw / 20dBµ, stereo (71 mi.)
100.1 –
100.3 WUPT MI Gwinn / The Point / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono, dominant (216 mi.)
100.3 WQON MI Grayling / Q100 / 60kw / 3dBµ, mono (139 mi.)
100.5 CHAS ON Sault Ste. Marie / KiSS 100.5 / 13.9kw / 10dBµ, mono (72 mi.)
*100.7 CFRM ON Little Current / Hits 100 / 27.5kw / RDS / 40dBµ, st. (51 mi.)
100.9 WQHN MI East Jordan / The Promise FM / 2.8kw / 3dBµ, m., weak (124 mi.)
100.9 WLUN MI Pinconning / ESPN 100.9 / 2.6kw / weak (170 mi.)
101.1 WIXX WI Green Bay / 101 WIXX / 96kw / 5dBµ, mono (273 mi.)
101.1 WGRY MI Roscommon / Y101 Sports / 3.4kw / weak in car (139 mi.)
101.3 WSUE MI Sault Ste. Marie / Rock 101 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (70 mi.)
101.5 WMJZ MI Gaylord / Eagle 101.5 / 50kw / 10dBµ, mono (106 mi.)
*101.7 CBON-5 ON Elliot Lake / Ici Première Sud. / 2.6kw / 35dBµ, m. only (22 mi.)
101.7 CKNX ON Wingham / The One / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono in null (168 mi.)
101.9 WLDR MI Traverse City / Adult Contemp. / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (164 mi.)
101.9 CKFX ON North Bay / 101-9 Rock / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (170 mi.)
102.1 CJTK-2 ON Little Current / KFM / 1.3kw / 10dBµ, mono (51 mi.)
102.1 WLEW MI Bad Axe / Cruise 102.1 / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (158 mi.)
102.3 WTHN MI Sault Ste. Marie / The Promise FM / 22.5kw / 3dBµ, mono (64 mi.)
*102.5 CJTK-3 ON Elliot Lake / KFM / 117w / 30dBµ, mono only (22 mi.)
102.5 WIOG MI Bay City / CHR / 86kw / 5dBµ, mono in null (192 mi.)
102.7 –
102.9 WMKC MI Indian River / Big Country Hits / 100kw / RDS / 15dBµ, m. (110 mi.)
102.9 CFMO ON Collingwood / Classical 102.9 / 23kw / 5dBµ, mono (174 mi.)
*103.1 CHAW ON Manitoulin Is. / Country 103.1 / 27.5kw / RDS / 45dBµ, st. (51 mi.)
103.3 WQLB MI Tawas City / Hits FM //94.9 / 15kw / 10dBµ, mono (126 mi.)
103.3 WFXD MI Marquette / 103-FXD / 100kw / 7dBµ, mono (224 mi.)
103.3 CKLP ON Parry Sound / Moose FM / 46.6kw / 5dBµ, mono (151 mi.)
103.5 WTCM MI Traverse City / Country //93.5 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (178 mi.)
103.5 WMUZ MI Detroit / The Light / 50kw / 3dBµ, mono (263 mi.)
103.7 WCZE MI Harbor Beach / Positive Country / 43kw / 7dBµ, mono (172 mi.)
103.9 WCMW MI Harbor Springs / CMU Public R. / 12kw / 10dBµ, mono (110 mi.)
103.9 CHNO ON Sudbury / Rewind 103.9 / 100kw / 3dBµ, mono (95 mi.)
104.1 CICZ ON Midland / The Dock / 20kw / 5dBµ, mono (196 mi.)
104.1 WVGR MI Grand Rapids / Michigan Radio / 96kw / 5dBµ, mono (274 mi.)
104.3 CJQM ON Sault Ste. Marie / Country 104.3 / 100kw / 15dBµ, mono (72 mi.)
104.3 WOMC MI Detroit / Classic Hits / 190kw / 5dBµ, mono (256 mi.)
104.5 CHUM ON Toronto / Hot AC / 40kw / 3dBµ, mono (247 mi.)
104.7 WKJC MI Tawas City / Country / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (126 mi.)
104.7 WYKX MI Escanaba / KX Country / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (207 mi.)
104.9 CHWC ON Goderich / Country 104.9 / 12.55kw / 3dBµ, mono (183 mi.)
105.1 WGFM MI Cheboygan / Rock 105 & 95.5 //95.5 / 43kw / 15dBµ, mono (111 mi.)
105.3 CFCA ON Kitchener / Virgin Radio / 100kw / 7dBµ, mono (223 mi.)
105.3 CJMX ON Sudbury / KiSS 105.3 / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (95 mi.)
105.5 CFBK ON Huntsville / Moose FM / 43.4kw / 5dBµ, mono (201 mi.)
105.5 WSRJ MI Honor / ESPN N. Michigan //106.7 / 17kw / 5dBµ, mono (173 mi.)
105.7 WZTK MI Alpena / News Talk Sports / 4.5kw / 10dBµ, mono (81 mi.)
105.7 WAPL WI Appleton / Rock / 100kw / 3dBµ, mono (274 mi.)
105.9 WKHQ MI Charlevoix / Hits 106 KHQ / 100kw / 15dBµ, mono (124 mi.)
105.9 CICX ON Orillia / Pure Country 106 / 20kw / 5dBµ, mono (196 mi.)
106.1 WTZM MI Tawas City / The Point / 25kw / 5dBµ, mono (136 mi.)
106.1 CIMJ ON Guelph / Magic 106 / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (229 mi.)
106.3 WWMK MI Onaway / Mac FM / 31kw / 10dBµ, mono (76 mi.)
106.5 CIXK ON Owen Sound / Mix 106.5 / 28kw / 10dBµ, mono (151 mi.)
106.7 WSRT MI Gaylord / ESPN N. Michigan //105.5 / 100kw / 10dBµ, m. (120 mi.)
106.9 WOOD MI Muskegon / NewsRadio 106.9 & 1300 / 50kw / 7dBµ, mono (255 mi.)
106.9 CBL-1 ON Huntsville / CBC Music Toronto / 70kw / weak (186 mi.)
107.1 CILQ ON Toronto / Q107 / 40kw / 7dBµ, mono (247 mi.)
107.3 WUPF MI Powers / Eagle 107.3 / 50kw / 3dBµ, mono, faint (213 mi.)
107.5 WCCW MI Traverse City / The 70s Station / 50kw / 10dBµ, mono (164 mi.)
107.5 CKMB ON Barrie / Kool FM / 50kw / 7dBµ, mono in null (203 mi.)
107.7 WHSB MI Alpena / The Bay / 100kw / 20dBµ, stereo (85 mi.)
107.9 WCRZ MI Flint / Cars 108 / 50kw / 10dBµ, mono (223 mi.)
107.9 WLJD MI Charlevoix / Christian //89.9 / 5kw / 5dBµ, mono (124 mi.)
Inconclusive signals: 91.7, 94.9, 102.7
Ms pings audible on 91.5 (KNMU) and 101.1
Station notes:
99.5 WYSS MI Sault Ste. Marie is at 1.3kw from a backup tower instead of 100kw
105.5 WMKD MI Pickford is at 700w from a backup tower instead of 100kw
Stations with RDS west of Espanola: 90.5 WPHN, 91.7 WCMU, 92.5 WFDX, 95.7 WCMB, 98.9 WKLZ, 99.3 WATZ, 105.9 WKHQ, 106.5 CIXK, 106.7 WSRT, 107.5 WCCW
Station reception west of Espanola: 88.5 WIAB (good), 88.7 WIAA (good), 91.3 WJOG (good), 92.9 WJZQ (very good), 93.1 CHAY (very good), 93.5 WBCM (very good), 93.9 WAVC (very good), 94.5 CIBU (good), 94.9 WKJZ (very good), 95.1 WFBE (good), 95.9 WLJW (good), 96.1 WHNN (perfect), 96.3 WLXT (perfect), 96.7 WRGZ (perfect), 98.5 WUPS (very good), 98.7 CBCB (good), 99.3 WATZ (good), 99.7 WUGN (good), 99.9 WHAK (perfect), 102.3 CJMU (good), 103.5 WTCM (very good), 103.9 WCMW (very good), 105.1 WGFM (perfect), 105.7 WZTK (perfect), 106.1 WTZM (good), 106.3 WWMK (very good), 107.5 CKMB (good)
BLIND RIVER / NORTH CHANNEL, ONTARIO BANDSCAN (DETAILED)
August 21, 2018 1445-1645 / 23°C, overcast, east wind
Location: 46°10’39.8″N 82°57’55.0″W
584 feet (atop rocks at lake level)
121 stations total / Average distance: 149 mi.
* station was received on seek
87.75 –
88.1 CBON-18 ON Sault Ste. Marie / Ici Première Sud. / 3.59kw / 3dBµ, mono (69 mi.)
88.3 –
88.5 WIAB MI Mackinaw City / Classical IPR //88.7 / 50kw / 10dBµ, mono (108 mi.)
88.7 WIAA MI Interlochen / Classical IPR //88.5 / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (187 mi.)
88.9 WGZR MI Alpena / Baraga R. //91.3 / 1.5kw / 3dBµ, mono (95 mi.)
89.1 –
89.3 WTLI MI Bear Creek Twp. / Smile FM / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (111 mi.)
89.5 CBSM ON Sault Ste. Marie / CBC R. 1 Sudbury / 46kw / 10dBµ, mono (69 mi.)
89.7 WJOJ MI Rust Twp. / Smile FM / 31kw / 10dBµ, mono (105 mi.)
89.9 WLJN MI Traverse City / Christian //107.9 / 100kw / weak (162 mi.)
90.1 CBBS ON Sudbury / CBC Music Sudbury / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (98 mi.)
90.1 WNMU MI Marquette / Public R. 90 / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (234 mi.)
*90.3 CBEC ON Elliot Lake / CBC R. 1 Sudbury / 264w / 20dBµ, mono (22 mi.)
*90.5 WPHN MI Gaylord / The Promise FM / 100kw / 20dBµ, stereo (92 mi.)
90.7 –
90.9 CBBX ON Sudbury / Ici Musique Sudbury / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (98 mi.)
91.1 WFUM MI Flint / Michigan Radio / 17.5kw / 3dBµ, mono (228 mi.)
91.3 WGJU MI East Tawas / Baraga R. //88.9 / 20kw / faint (136 mi.)
91.5 WJOH MI Raco / Smile FM / 5.5kw / 5dBµ, mono (73 mi.)
91.7 WCML MI Alpena / CMU Public R. / 92kw / 10dBµ, mono (92 mi.)
91.7 CICS ON Sudbury / KICX Country / 50kw / good in car (98 mi.)
91.7 WQQA WI Forestville / R. 74 Internationale / 12kw / in null + WCML (247 mi.)
91.9 –
92.1 –
92.3 WJPD MI Ishpeming / Big Country / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (217 mi.)
92.3 WMXD MI Detroit / Mix 92.3 / 45kw / weak (266 mi.)
92.5 WFDX MI Atlanta / The Fox FM //94.3 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (104 mi.)
92.7 CJRQ ON Sudbury / 92.7 Rock / 100kw / perfect in car (95 mi.)
92.7 CJBX ON London / BX93 / 50kw / weak in car (242 mi.)
92.9 WJZQ MI Cadillac / Z93 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (154 mi.)
93.1 CHAY ON Barrie / Fresh Radio 93.1 / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (203 mi.)
93.3 WKQZ MI Midland / Z-93 / 39kw / 5dBµ, mono (170 mi.)
93.5 CIGM ON Sudbury / Hot 93.5 / 100kw / 15dBµ, mono (95 mi.)
93.5 WBCM MI Boyne City / Country //103.5 / 14kw / 5dBµ, mono in null (109 mi.)
93.7 CKYC ON Owen Sound / Country 93 / 22kw / faint (151 mi.)
93.9 WNBY MI Newberry / Oldies 93 / 50kw / 10dBµ, mono (104 mi.)
93.9 WAVC MI Mio / Strong Tower R. / 50kw / 10dBµ, mono (121 mi.)
*94.1 CKNR ON Elliot Lake / The Moose / 90kw / 30dBµ, stereo (50 mi.)
94.3 WFCX MI Leland / The Fox FM //92.5 / 20.5kw / weak (163 mi.)
94.5 WCEN MI Hemlock / The Moose / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (187 mi.)
94.5 CIBU ON Wingham / Cl. Rock 94-5 / 75kw / 10dBµ, mono (196 mi.)
94.5 WYPV MI Mackinaw City / Patriot Voice R. / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (88 mi.)
94.7 CHKX ON Hamilton / KX 94.7 / 100kw / 2dBµ, mono (259 mi.)
94.7 WCSX MI Birmingham / Classic Rock / 13.5kw / 5dBµ, mono (257 mi.)
94.9 WKJZ MI Hillman / Hits FM //103.3 / 50kw / 20dBµ, mono (92 mi.)
94.9 CBON-7 ON Espanola / Ici Première Sudbury / 520w / 5dBµ, m. in null (57 mi.)
95.1 WFBE MI Flint / Nash FM / 34kw / 3dBµ, mono (224 mi.)
95.3 WWSS MI Tuscarora Twp. / The Bear / 17kw / 3dBµ, mono (97 mi.)
95.5 WGFE MI Glen Arbor / Rock 105 & 95.5 //105.1 / 21kw / 5dBµ, m., dom. (174 mi.)
95.5 CJTK ON Sudbury / KFM / 8.1kw / 5dBµ, mono (97 mi.)
95.7 WCMB MI Oscoda / CMU Public R. / 25kw / 15dBµ, mono (107 mi.)
95.7 CFJB ON Barrie / Rock 95 / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (203 mi.)
95.9 CFPL ON London / FM96 / 300kw / 5dBµ, mono (238 mi.)
96.1 WHNN MI Bay City / My 96.1 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (185 mi.)
96.1 CBCN ON North Bay / CBC R. 1 Sudbury / 100kw / 3dBµ, mono (170 mi.)
96.3 WLXT MI Petoskey / Lite 96.3 / 100kw / 20dBµ, mono (109 mi.)
96.3 CFMZ ON Toronto / New Classical 96.3 FM / 60kw / 5dBµ, mono (247 mi.)
96.5 WAKS OH Akron / Kiss FM / 31kw / 5dBµ, mono (345 mi.)
96.5 CJBC-3 ON Penetanguishene / Ici Première Tor. / 15.3kw / 5dBµ, mono (174 mi.)
*96.7 WRGZ MI Rogers City / Country //99.3 / 42kw / 25dBµ, stereo (69 mi.)
96.9 –
97.1 CBL-4 ON Owen Sound / CBC Music Toronto / 20.22kw / 5dBµ, mono (141 mi.)
97.1 WGLQ MI Escanaba / Magic 97 GLQ / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (190 mi.)
97.3 CHBM ON Toronto / Boom 97.3 / 28.9kw / 3dBµ, mono (247 mi.)
*97.5 CBCE ON Little Current / CBC R. 1 Sudbury / 21kw / 30dBµ, mono (50 mi.)
97.7 WCHY MI Cheboygan / Straits Country / 3.4kw / 10dBµ, mono (76 mi.)
97.9 WIHC MI Newberry / Strong Tower R. / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (104 mi.)
98.1 WGFN MI Glen Arbor / The Bear / 21kw / 5dBµ, mono (174 mi.)
98.1 CBON ON Sudbury / Ici Première Sudbury / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (98 mi.)
98.3 WCMZ MI Sault Ste. Marie / CMU Public R. / 25kw / 5dBµ, mono (64 mi.)
98.5 WQLH WI Green Bay / Star 98 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (272 mi.)
98.5 WUPS MI Harrison / UPS 98.5 / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (156 mi.)
98.7 CBCB ON Owen Sound / CBC R. 1 Toronto / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (141 mi.)
98.9 WKLZ MI Petoskey / KLT The Rock Sta. / 100kw / RDS / 10dBµ, mono (107 mi.)
99.1 CBLA ON Toronto / CBC R. 1 Toronto / 98kw / 5dBµ, mono (247 mi.)
*99.3 WATZ MI Alpena / Country //96.7 / 17kw / RDS / 10dBµ, mono (95 mi.)
99.5 WNGE MI Negaunee / Oldies 99.5 / 3.6kw / weak in car (217 mi.)
99.7 WUGN MI Midland / Family Life R. / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (199 mi.)
*99.9 WHAK MI Rogers City / The Wave / 50kw / 20dBµ, mono (71 mi.)
99.9 CBCS ON Sudbury / CBC R. 1 Sudbury / 50kw / 5dBµ, talk in null (98 mi.)
100.1 –
100.3 WNCY WI Neenah-Menasha / Y100 / 45kw / 5dBµ, mono (287 mi.)
100.3 WUPT MI Gwinn / The Point / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (216 mi.)
100.5 CHAS ON Sault Ste. Marie / KiSS 100.5 / 13.9kw / 10dBµ, mono (72 mi.)
*100.7 CFRM ON Little Current / Glow 100 / 27.5kw / RDS / 30dBµ, stereo (51 mi.)
100.9 –
101.1 WIXX WI Green Bay / 101 WIXX / 96kw / 5dBµ, mono (273 mi.)
101.1 WGRY MI Roscommon / Y101 Sports / 3.4kw / weak (139 mi.)
101.3 WSUE MI Sault Ste. Marie / Rock 101 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (70 mi.)
101.5 WMJZ MI Gaylord / Eagle 101.5 / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (106 mi.)
*101.7 CBON-5 ON Elliot Lake / Ici Première Sudbury / 2.6kw / 30dBµ, mono (22 mi.)
101.9 WLDR MI Traverse City / The Bay / ↓100kw / 5dBµ, mono (164 mi.)
102.1 CJTK-2 ON Little Current / KFM //102.5 / 1.3kw / 10dBµ, mono (51 mi.)
102.1 WLEW MI Bad Axe / Cruise 102.1 / 50kw / 3dBµ, mono (158 mi.)
102.3 WTHN MI Sault Ste. Marie / The Promise FM / 22.5kw / 15dBµ, mono (64 mi.)
*102.5 CJTK-3 ON Elliot Lake / KFM / 865w / 30dBµ, mono only (22 mi.)
102.7 WRVM WI Suring / Voice of the Master / 98kw / 3dBµ, mono (27 mi.)
102.9 WMKC MI Indian River / Big Country Hits / 100kw / RDS / 20dBµ, m. (110 mi.)
*103.1 CHAW ON Manitoulin Is. / Country 103.1 / 27.5kw / RDS / 30dBµ, s. (51 mi.)
103.3 WQLB MI Tawas City / Hits FM //94.9 / 15kw / 10dBµ, mono (126 mi.)
103.5 WTCM MI Traverse City / Country //93.5 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (178 mi.)
103.7 WRTS PA Erie / Star 104 / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono (319 mi.)
103.7 WCZE MI Harbor Beach / Positive Country / 43kw / faint (172 mi.)
103.9 CHNO ON Sudbury / Rewind 103.9 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (95 mi.)
103.9 WCMW MI Harbor Springs / CMU Public R. / 12kw / 5dBµ, mono (110 mi.)
104.1 WRLU WI Algoma / Cl. Country / 2.4kw / weak (238 mi.)
*104.3 CJQM ON Sault Ste. Marie / Country 104.3 / 100kw / 20dBµ, stereo (72 mi.)
104.5 CHUM ON Toronto / Hot AC / 40kw / 3dBµ, mono (247 mi.)
104.7 WKJC MI Tawas City / Country / 50kw / 15dBµ, mono (126 mi.)
104.7 WYKX MI Escanaba / KX Country / 100kw / 2dBµ, mono (207 mi.)
104.9 –
105.1 WGFM MI Cheboygan / Rock 105 & 95.5 / 43kw / 15dBµ, mono (111 mi.)
105.3 CJMX ON Sudbury / KiSS 105.3 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (95 mi.)
105.3 WRLO WI Antigo / Rock 105.3 / 100kw / 10dBµ, mono (302 mi.)
105.5 WSRJ MI Honor / ESPN N. Michigan //106.7 / 17kw / 5dBµ, mono (173 mi.)
105.7 WZTK MI Alpena / News Talk Sports / 4.5kw / 10dBµ, mono (81 mi.)
105.7 WAPL WI Appleton / Rock / 100kw / 5dBµ, mono (274 mi.)
105.9 WKHQ MI Charlevoix / 106 KHQ / 100kw / RDS / 10dBµ, mono (124 mi.)
106.1 WTZM MI Tawas City / The Point / 25kw / 10dBµ, mono (136 mi.)
106.3 WWMK MI Onaway / Mac FM / 31kw / 15dBµ, mono (76 mi.)
106.3 CFXN ON North Bay / Moose FM / 10kw / 3dBµ, mono in null (170 mi.)
106.5 CIXK ON Owen Sound / Mix 106.5 / 28kw (151 mi.)
106.7 WSRT MI Gaylord / ESPN N. Michigan //105.5 / 100kw (120 mi.)
106.9 WLGE WI Baileys Harbor / The Lodge / 6kw (216 mi.)
107.1 CILQ ON Toronto / Q107 / 40kw / 3dBµ, mono (247 mi.)
107.3 WUPF MI Powers / Eagle 107.3 / 50kw / 3dBµ, mono (213 mi.)
107.5 WCCW MI Traverse City / The 70s Station / 50kw / 10dBµ, mono (164 mi.)
107.5 CKMB ON Barrie / Kool FM / 50kw / 5dBµ, mono in null (203 mi.)
*107.7 WHSB MI Alpena / The Bay / 100kw / 25dBµ, stereo (85 mi.)
107.9 WLJD MI Charlevoix / Christian //89.9 / 5kw / weak (124 mi.)
Inconclusive signals: 90.7, 99.5
Station notes:
99.5 WYSS MI Sault Ste. Marie is at 1.3kw from a backup tower instead of 100kw
105.5 WMKD MI Pickford is at 700w from a backup tower instead of 100kw
BLIND RIVER / NORTH CHANNEL, ONTARIO BANDSCAN (BASIC)
September 5, 2016 (Labour Day) 1300-1415 / 25°C
Location: 46°10’42.4″N 82°57’51.9″W
(Blind River Marine Park, 96 mi. WSW of Sudbury)
584 feet (public marina jutting into lake)
93 stations total / Average distance: 144 mi.
* station was received on seek
87.75 –
88.1 –
88.3 –
88.5 –
88.7 –
88.9 –
89.1 WLKB MI Bay City / K-Love / 50kw / in (187 mi.)
89.3 –
89.5 –
89.7 WJOJ MI Rust Township / Smile FM / 31kw / very good (105 mi.)
89.9 CBLR ON Parry Sound / CBC R. 1 Toronto / 180w / in (151 mi.)
90.1 CBBS ON Sudbury / CBC R. 2 Sudbury / 50kw / very good (98 mi.)
90.3 CBEC ON Elliot Lake / CBC R. 1 Sudbury / 264w / perfect (22 mi.)
*90.5 WPHN MI Gaylord / The Promise FM / 100kw / RDS / perfect (92 mi.)
90.7 –
90.9 CBBX ON Sudbury / Ici Musique Sudbury / 50kw / good (98 mi.)
91.1 –
91.3 –
91.5 WXXI NY Rochester / Classical 91.5 / 45kw / in (337 mi.)
91.5 WJOH MI Raco / Smile FM / 5.5kw / in (73 mi.)
91.7 WCML MI Alpena / CMU Public R. / 92kw / very good (92 mi.)
91.7 CICS ON Sudbury / KICX Country 917 / 50kw / very good (98 mi.)
91.9 –
92.1 WIDL MI Cass City / Mix 92.1 / 25kw / good (177 mi.)
92.3 CJOS ON Owen Sound / The Dock / 9.4kw / perfect (151 mi.)
92.5 WFDX MI Atlanta / The Fox FM / 100kw / perfect (105 mi.)
92.7 CJRQ ON Sudbury / 92.7 Rock / 100kw / very good (96 mi.)
92.9 WJZQ MI Cadillac / Z93 / 100kw / good (154 mi.)
93.1 CHAY ON Barrie / Fresh Radio 93.1 / 100kw / very good (203 mi.)
93.3 –
93.5 CIGM ON Sudbury / Hot 93.5 / 100kw / very good (95 mi.)
93.5 CBCL ON London / CBC R. 1 London / 100kw / good (236 mi.)
93.7 CKYC ON Owen Sound / Country 93 / 22kw / RDS / perfect (151 mi.)
93.9 WNBY MI Newberry / Oldies 93 / 50kw / very good (104 mi.)
93.9 WAVC MI Mio / Strong Tower R. / 50kw / good (121 mi.)
94.1 CKNR ON Elliot Lake / Moose FM / 90kw / perfect (50 mi.)
94.3 CBLU ON Huntsville / CBC R. 1 Toronto / 70kw / in (186 mi.)
94.5 CIBU ON Wingham / Cl. Rock 94.5 / 75kw / RDS / perfect (168 mi.)
94.7 –
94.9 WKJZ MI Hillman / Hits FM //103.3 / 50kw / perfect (92 mi.)
95.1 CBON-17 ON North Bay / Ici Première Sudbury / 100kw / in (170 mi.)
95.1 CKCB ON Collingwood / The Peak FM / 350w / very good (174 mi.)
95.3 CING ON Hamilton / Fresh Radio 95.3 / 100kw / very good (258 mi.)
95.5 CIYN ON Kincardine / myFM //99.7 / 5.66kw / good (153 mi.)
95.5 CJTK ON Sudbury / KFM / 1.4kw / in (97 mi.)
95.7 CFJB ON Barrie / Rock 95 / 100kw / perfect (203 mi.)
95.7 WCMB MI Oscoda / CMU Public R. / 25kw / very good (107 mi.)
95.9 CFPL ON London / FM96 / 300kw / perfect (238 mi.)
96.1 CBCN ON North Bay / CBC R. 1 Sudbury / 100kw / in + in-town noise (170 mi.)
96.3 WLXT MI Petoskey / Lite 96.3 / 100kw / RDS / very good (110 mi.)
96.5 CJBC-3 ON Penetanguishene / Ici Première Tor. / 15.3kw / in (174 mi.)
96.5 WAKS OH Akron / Kiss-FM / 31kw / in (345 mi.)
*96.7 WRGZ MI Rogers City / Country //99.3 / 42kw / perfect +96.9 (69 mi.)
96.9 –
97.1 CBL-4 ON Owen Sound / CBC R. 2 Toronto / 17.5kw / good (141 mi.)
97.3 –
*97.5 CBCE ON Little Current / CBC R. 1 Sudbury / 21kw / perfect (50 mi.)
97.7 WCHY MI Cheboygan / The Bear / 3.4kw / RDS / very good (76 mi.)
97.9 CFPS ON Port Elgin / 98 The Beach / 8.95kw / RDS / perfect (147 mi.)
97.9 WIHC MI Newberry / Strong Tower R. / 50kw / very good (104 mi.)
98.1 CBON ON Sudbury / Ici Première Sudbury / 50kw / in (98 mi.)
98.3 WCMZ MI Sault Ste. Marie / CMU Public R. / 25kw / good (64 mi.)
98.5 WUPS MI Harrison / UPS 98.5 / 100kw / good (157 mi.)
98.7 CBCB ON Owen Sound / CBC R. 1 Toronto / 100kw / perfect (141 mi.)
98.9 WKLZ ON Petoskey / KLT The Rock Sta. / 100kw / RDS / perfect (107 mi.)
99.1 CBLA ON Toronto / CBC R. 1 Toronto / 98kw / in (247 mi.)
99.1 CKXS ON Wallaceburg / 99.1 FM / 3kw / in (247 mi.)
99.3 WATZ MI Alpena / Country //96.7 / 17kw / RDS / perfect (95 mi.)
99.5 WYSS MI Sault Ste. Marie / Yes FM / 100kw / perfect (70 mi.)
99.7 WUGN MI Midland / Family Life Radio / 100kw / good (200 mi.)
99.7 CIYN-1 ON Goderich / myFM //95.5 / 750w / good (181 mi.)
99.7 WDKF WI Sturgeon Bay / Duke FM / 46kw / good (250 mi.)
*99.9 WHAK MI Rogers City / The Wave / 50kw / perfect (71 mi.)
100.1 –
100.3 CJLF ON Barrie / Life 100.3 / 32.8kw / in (196 mi.)
100.3 WQON MI Grayling / Q100.3 / 60kw / good (139 mi.)
100.5 CHAS ON Sault Ste. Marie / KiSS 100.5 / 13.9kw / in (72 mi.)
*100.7 CFRM ON Little Current / Glow 100 / 27.5kw / RDS / perfect (51 mi.)
100.9 CBLA-3 ON Wingham / CBC R. 1 Toronto / 30kw / in (172 mi.)
101.1 –
101.3 WSUE MI Sault Ste. Marie / Rock 101 / 100kw / perfect (70 mi.)
101.5 WMJZ MI Gaylord / Eagle 101.5 / 50kw / very good (106 mi.)
101.7 CBON-5 ON Elliot Lake / Ici Première Sudbury / 2.64kw / perfect (22 mi.)
101.7 CKNX ON Wingham / The One / 100kw / RDS / perfect (168 mi.)
101.9 WDEZ WI Wausau / Country / 98.5kw / in (337 mi.)
102.1 WLEW MI Bad Axe / Cruise 102.1 / 50kw / very good (158 mi.)
102.3 CHST ON London / Jack FM / 100kw / good (238 mi.)
*102.5 CJTK-3 ON Elliot Lake / KFM / 865w / perfect (22 mi.)
102.5 WIOG MI Bay City / CHR / 86kw / good (192 mi.)
102.7 WRVM WI Suring / Voice of the Master / 98kw / very good (275 mi.)
102.9 WMKC MI Indian River / Big Country Hits / 100kw / RDS / perfect (110 mi.)
102.9 CFMO ON Collingwood / Classical 102.9 / 23kw / good (174 mi.)
*103.1 CHAW ON Manitoulin Is. / Country 103 / 35.2kw / RDS / perfect (50 mi.)
103.3 WQLB MI Tawas City / Hits FM //94.9 / 15kw / good (126 mi.)
103.5 WTCM MI Traverse City / Country / 100kw / very good (178 mi.)
103.7 –
103.9 CHNO ON Sudbury / Rewind 103.9 / 100kw / very good (95 mi.)
104.1 CICZ ON Midland / The Dock / 20kw / good (196 mi.)
104.3 CJQM ON Sault Ste. Marie / Country 104.3 / 100kw / very good (72 mi.)
104.5 CHUM ON Toronto / Hot AC / 40kw / in (247 mi.)
104.7 –
104.9 CHWC ON Goderich / The Beach / 12.55kw / good (183 mi.)
105.1 WGFM MI Cheboygan / Rock 105 / 43kw / good (105 mi.)
105.3 CJMX ON Sudbury / KiSS 105.3 / 100kw / good (96 mi.)
105.5 WMKD MI Pickford / Country 105 / 20kw / RDS / perfect (70 mi.)
105.7 WZTK MI Alpena / News Talk Sports / 4.5kw / perfect (81 mi.)
105.9 WKHQ MI Charlevoix / 106 KHQ / 100kw / good (124 mi.)
105.9 CICX ON Orillia / KICX 106 / 20kw / in (196 mi.)
106.1 –
106.3 WOEZ MI Onaway / Easy 106-3 / 31kw / perfect (76 mi.)
106.5 CIXK ON Owen Sound / Mix 106.5 / 28kw / perfect (151 mi.)
106.7 –
106.9 WOOD MI Muskegon / NewsRadio 106.9 & 1300 / 50kw / in (255 mi.)
107.1 –
107.3 –
107.5 CKMB ON Barrie / Kool FM / 50kw / very good (203 mi.)
*107.7 WHSB MI Alpena / The Bay / 100kw / perfect (85 mi.)
107.9 –
Inconclusive signals: None
Note: Some stations that were weaker at the shore were drastically stronger and in with RDS along the road in and out of town. Those logs have been revised to reflect that. Of those, 95.7 WCMB (likely buried behind Rock 95) and 101.7 CKNX (caught behind the local Ici Première signal) were not heard on the shore but were very strong elsewhere. 101.7 was in solid with RDS along most of the drive along the north shore. Some stations (90.5, 96.7, 99.9, and 107.7) were not received on seek at the shore but have been added as such due to being on seek along the road in and around town.
Recommendations for this radio site: Blind River isn’t the most conveniently located town, though many of the Great Lakes radio sites in northern Ontario would also qualify as such. While it is easy to reach, Highway 17 can be frustratingly slow at times, especially in the summer as roadway and bridge construction is commonplace most years with long delays.
The town has basic services such as restaurants, a grocery store, a small selection of motels, and a small and quiet downtown district along Woodward Avenue. For those passing through town, there isn’t much to see or do, but the overall location of this site between major markets and with near-direct water line of sight across Lake Huron to the south, across Georgian Bay toward Barrie, and across Lake Michigan to the Green Bay and Door Peninsula areas, makes Blind River worth visiting if passing through the region. In fact, if you’re visiting the region, it’s nearly impossible to avoid passing through the town.
The main radio site in town is the Blind River Marine Park, the town’s marina at the end of Hagger Road, accessible from Highway 17 by both Hanes St. and Birch St. The marina is the best access to the waterfront in town as most other shoreline sites are surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The marina is a public site with both east-west and north-south parking available, is typically quiet and somewhat private, and includes a rocky barrier along the water that adds a little extra elevation. In the three years I used this site, nobody ever gave me trouble. The site has bathrooms, though they are strictly for patrons of the marina with an access code required. Bathrooms are also available throughout town at usual locations such as Tim Horton’s as well as the town’s visitor center on the east side of town along Highway 17, also a nice spot to relax for a while.
For those with some extra time, there are additional sites for radio monitoring in town. A basic gravel parking lot – the Small Crafts Harbour – is available along the water at the end of Jetty Street alongside the mouth of the river right in town. It can be either more or less private than the marina depending on who is present. Another potential site, Fourth Sand Beach, is on the far east side of town. It is a rather isolated sandy beach without signage that is more difficult to access, but can be found at the end of Huron Beach Rd. and just across the railroad tracks via a trail. It lies in a more favorable position than the marina, which has some blocking land to the west, is scenic, and private enough to be worthwhile. Alternatively, the conveniently-located visitor’s center just down the road from the beach has bathrooms, travel information, and a large parking lot. The center has a little added elevation where reception tends to often be better than any of the locations immediately on the waterfront and is great for hearing additional signals that may have been missed or weaker at the marina or beach.
Location rating: Because of its location, Blind River’s reception can be somewhat unpredictable. Tropo scatter conditions, which are common all along Lake Huron’s shores, are very common here and it is typical for stronger signals from southwestern Ontario to be heard with slight elevation along Highway 17 but be near-absent at the marina and other sites right along the water. While there are a few sites around town to at which to monitor, including the visitor center with a bit of added elevation, the unpredictability and weaker signals that are almost expected in Blind River make it a risky location to monitor from if your only purpose in town is radio.
The marina has ample and free parking, is quiet, and there are bathroom facilities and restaurants within minutes of the site. If visiting this site, keep in mind that reception could go either way depending on the day and conditions and is best monitored with a portable radio.
Plus, best of all: keep an eye out for the adorable otters that frequent the shores around the marina, popping their heads out of the water to say hello!