Top Places to Go Boating in Ontario

Five Best Places You Absolutely Need To See

Over 2 million people visited Ontario in 2021. If you saw pictures or photos from these visits, you may be itching to get to Ontario as well. More specifically, you may want to go boating in Ontario this summer!

But, what is the best place to go boating in Ontario? What should you know about these place? With so many questions, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about boating in Ontario! But before we get to the fun list of places, let's cover the basics first, eh?

Do You Need A Boating Licence?

If you are planning to go boating in Ontario this summer, you do not need a boating license. However, you do need a Canadian PCOC that shows you have successfully completed a safety course to be out on the water operating a boat.

When Can You Start Boating in Ontario?

There are no regulations about boating in Ontario other than your age. You must be at least 16 years old to operate a boat.

Safety Tips For Boating

When you are out on a boat, you always want to consider safety first. You should have several things while you are out there as well as have the knowledge to operate the motor vehicle. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Take Your Equipment

There is a lot of boating equipment you do not want to forget out in the water! You should have a GPS, a fire extinguisher, sound signal devices, a flare, and a weather device to monitor the weather.

Fitted Life Jacket

If something were to happen on the boat, you want to make sure you are prepared for the worst-case scenario. Everyone on the boat should have a fitted life jacket. Make sure to have these in an area that is easy to access.

Don't Drink And Drive

While this should be obvious, we want to remind you not to drink and drive! It is illegal and it can put you and everyone on your boat in danger. It can also put every other boater in the water in danger as well.

Know Your Boat

Every boat is different. Getting to know your boat before you get out onto the water is crucial. Whether you walk through it with an expert or do your own research, this is an essential aspect of safe boating!

Plan Properly

Planning is another key aspect of boating. You want to make sure to check the weather for the day or days you will be on the water.

You also want to make sure you pack enough food and drinks to keep everyone happy and healthy while out there! Remember, it is summer, so hydration is key!

Must See Boating Places in Ontario

So you have decided that you'll be going to Ontario this summer, and you will in fact be boating. Here are 6 places you don't want to miss.

1. Lake Rosseau

Lake Rosseau is one of those boating destinations that will bring you back in time. The lakeshore is covered with old-timey cottages that have been there for years, some even hundreds. The quiet shore will relax you instantly.

If you choose to go boating on this lake, you may even see the homes of Steve Yzerman, and where Woodrow Wilson used to live back in the day.

It's a beautiful lake that you won't regret boating around.

2. The 1,000 Islands - St. Lawrence River

If you are looking for more adventure while boating, the St. Lawrence River is a place you don't want to miss.

Although the name says 1,000 islands, there are actually so many more than that all within an 80km span of the river.

You can explore so many hiking trails, see castles, visit beautiful restaurants for a fine dining experience, or find the best fishing spots for a few days.

3. 30,000 Islands, Georgian Bay

Well, if you think a thousand islands is not enough, you may want to head on over to Georgian Bay this summer to quench your thirst. If you want to spend more than just a day exploring the area, you can find a spot in the Georgian Bay to dock and anchor for the night or try any of the campsites there!

4. The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes make the largest grouping of freshwater lakes in the world. The vast waters will make you feel as though you are in the ocean, with so many places to go.

You can visit different cities, towns, and ports around these lakes - it could take you months to get to all of them!

5. Muskoka Lakes

The Muskoka Lakes is another great boating destination in Ontario. The crystal-clear waters make this lake a popular destination for many people in the summer months.

6. Lake Nipissing - North Bay

Lake Nipissing is the third largest lake in Ontario with North Bay right offshore. If you go boating here, be sure to bring a paddleboard to enjoy the early morning calm waters of the lake.

There are plenty of other boating activities to keep you busy as well in this beautiful lake.

The Takeaway: Where to Go Boating in Ontario

Boating in Ontario can be an amazing experience, especially because there are so many places you can go to. Now that you know where to go boating in Ontario, you can start to plan your summer boating trip!

Rather than go through a TV dealer, check out our online inventory if you decide you want to buy a boat before you get there instead of renting!

Happy boating!