How to Get Started Boating in Ontario

Story by Jeff McGirr Jun. 05, 2023

Ontario is home to some of the best boating in the world. We’ve got abundant freshwater resources, with over 250,000 lakes and countless rivers and streams. In fact, Ontario has the largest area of freshwater of any province or territory in the world.

Ontario is home to an extensive network of lakes and rivers, providing endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and other recreational on-water activities. We’re able to directly connect to Lake Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Superior, navigate historic rivers like the Ottawa and French, find the salty but cold sea in James or Hudson Bay, and yes, of course, enjoy the thousands of in-land lakes & rivers that make our landscape so unique in the world. With great opportunities in Spring, Summer, Fall, and even Winter in some places, Ontario may be one of the best boating destinations in the entire world! We’ve prepared this guide to get you started in the wonderful world of powerboating and it’s way easier to get out on the water than you may have originally thought!

Tips to Get Started Boating

Boating in Ontario is a popular activity and an excellent way to explore the province’s beautiful waterways. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Before venturing out onto the waterways of Ontario for the first time, consider taking a boat tour or renting a boat to “get your feet wet” with what boating is all about. Alternatively, if you have family or friends who are into boating and have their own boat, consider asking them to tag along. Just be aware that it is custom to not wear shoes, not ask to go back to the dock early, and pitch in for fuel if you do hitch a ride. We’ve detailed below in a separate paragraph several tour options, rental options, and a few more fun tips if you’re a sailor under a skipper’s watch.

Your first step should be to get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, this is an important step for anyone who plans to operate a powered watercraft in Canada. You can get this card by taking an approved boating safety course, which is available online or in person – more on this later. It will be important to choose the right boat for your boating desires as well as the water body or bodies you will be boating on.

There are many types of boats to choose from, including personal watercraft, fishing boats, bow riders, and even cruisers, to name a few. Factors in choosing the right boat size (length) include how many passengers you would like to take as well as how you plan to use your boat. For example, do you plan to participate in watersports or are you just planning on fishing? You will also need to know the capabilities of your tow vehicle and or the available space at your dock, boat house, marina, garage, or driveway – these are all good things to check first before making your purchase.

It’s essential to know the rules of the waterway you’ll be boating in, such as speed limits, no-wake zones, and navigation rules. You can find this information in the boating regulations and guidelines provided by Transport Canada. Safety is a must when out on the water, as a starting point you should always wear a life jacket, carry safety equipment such as a bailing device and a first aid kit, and of course, make sure your boat is in good condition before heading out on the water.

Considering the information above, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the best boating Ontario has to offer. Please do keep reading below for specific information on the points above.

Getting your Boating License

To obtain a boating license in Ontario, also known as the Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you need to complete a Transport Canada-accredited boating safety course. Note that all boat lengths and engine sizes require the license, this includes trolling motors.

As noted, Find a Transport Canada-accredited boating safety course provider in Ontario. There are various providers available in the province, Destination Ontario has a great resource here with links. You can either choose an online course or an in-person course, depending on your preference. Both options cover the same course material.

The operator course usually takes around 3-5 hours to complete, and it covers topics such as boating regulations, safety equipment, navigation rules, and emergency procedures. Once you’ve completed the course, you need to pass a Transport Canada-accredited test to obtain your boating license. The test is always part of the course and consists of multiple-choice questions based on the material you have learned.

Once you’ve passed the test you will receive your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. This operator card is valid for life and allows you to operate a motorized boat in Ontario and throughout Canada.

It’s important to note that there is no age restriction for obtaining a boating license in Ontario. However, children under 16 years of age must be supervised by someone who holds a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card. In addition, youth ages 12 to 16 with an operator card can operate a boat without supervision if the engine is not more than 40hp.

Buying a Used Boat

Buying a used boat can offer several benefits, the first thing that comes to mind is cost savings. Used boats are often significantly less expensive than new boats, this means that you may be able to get a better boat or bigger boat for your budget. Obtaining insurance on a used boat can be less expensive than insuring a new boat, as the value of the boat is usually lower. When buying a used boat, many of the additional needed items may be included, I’m referring to lifejackets, anchor, ropes, and fenders; in addition, a used boat package may include additional items such as watersports paraphilia like water skis or a tube, or for fishing-dedicated vessels a fish finder, trolling motor, or even downriggers.

Overall, buying a used boat can be a smart choice for those looking to save money while still enjoying the benefits of boating or for those who want to try boating but are unsure how much time they will be able to dedicate to it initially. However, it’s important to do your research, inspect the boat carefully, and consider hiring a marine surveyor or purchasing from a reputable dealership or marina to ensure that you are getting a boat that is safe and reliable.

Buying a New Boat

Buying a new boat can offer several benefits; when purchasing a new boat, you can customize it to your liking. This can include choosing the size, color, layout, and features to meet your specific needs and preferences. New boats typically come with a warranty that covers any manufacturer defects or issues that may arise within the first few years of ownership. This can provide peace of mind and help you avoid unexpected repair costs. New boats often come equipped with the latest technology and features, such as advanced navigation systems, state-of-the-art electronics, and fuel-efficient and quiet engines. This can improve the overall boating experience and make it more enjoyable and efficient. With a new boat, you are less likely to experience unexpected maintenance issues, as everything is new and under warranty. Additionally, you can establish a maintenance routine from the start to keep the boat in excellent condition. New boats tend to have a higher resale value than used boats, which can be beneficial if you plan to sell the boat in the future.

Overall, buying a new boat has many advantages as noted, this includes being able to customize or pick the exact one you want, having manufacturer supported warranty, and developing a from first introduction relationship with your local dealership or marina that may perform service and storage work. Let’s not forget about the wow factor of having a shiny brand-new boat! However, it’s important to consider the costs of a new boat and weigh them against the benefits to ensure it is the right choice for you.

Boat Rentals & Clubs

Renting a boat is a great way to experience boating without the investment of having to own your personal boat. There are many different options available in Ontario, from being able to subscribe or purchase a membership giving you access to a fleet of boats across several locations to renting a boat at a specific location for a few hours, a day, or a week. In addition to specific boat rental operations, many individual marinas have rentals available – so be sure to ask your local marina. If you’re into fishing or just enjoying the beauty of Ontario’s lakes, also consider visiting one of the hundreds of fishing lodges and or resorts in the province; many have packages that include your accommodations and your boat rental for the duration of the stay. If you’re renting a boat, you actually don’t need to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. However, there are specific items including the Rental Boat Safety Checklist that will be reviewed with the outfitter or rental agent prior to your rental. There are opportunities to rent a boat in all areas of the province to get you started. I’ve provided 10 great options.

Boat Tours

There’s no better way to experience boating than with a seasoned skipper! If you’re nervous about the whole piloting your own boat ordeal or just don’t want the hassle of having to dock in front of your friends, then consider participating in an organized charter. There’s a wide range of options available for you, I’ve detailed just 10 below for your consideration.

If you’re looking for more boat tours please, visit here.

Boating Areas

As detailed in the opening paragraph of this article, we’re spoiled here in Ontario. Nowhere else in the world will you find freshwater boating opportunities in such plenty. We also noted that Ontario may just be one of the best boating destinations in the world, so it should come as no surprise that several on the list below are world-famous.

The water doesn’t need to be famous or world special to produce awesome memories, sometimes just finding a remote lake with no one else around is all you need. You can bet you will find that here as well! With over 250,000 lakes and rivers, there are endless opportunities for exploration and good times. 10 of Ontario’s most popular destinations are listed below.

Four of The Great Lakes (Erie, Ontario, Huron, Superior)
Georgian Bay 30,000 islands
Muskoka (Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph, Lake Rosseau)
Lake Nipissing & The French River
Lake Temagami & Lake Temiskaming
Trent Severn Canal System
Lake Simcoe
Lake Manitou on Manitoulin Island
Lac Seul
Lake of the Woods

The Boating Economy

According to a 2017 report from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), recreational boating is a significant contributor to the Canadian economy, generating $9 billion in sales and creating over 75,000 jobs. The report also noted that Ontario is the largest boating market in Canada, with over 200,000 registered boats and 1.3 million boaters.

Recreational boating in Ontario provides much-needed economic activity in beautiful rural areas of the province, as it creates year around employment for thousands of Canadians. If you’re considering a career in this industry, it’s a great way to not only make a living but have a great lifestyle. Of particular importance in the industry is skilled and trained technicians. You can find information from Boating Ontario and its MarineWorx Program as well as marine-related job postings here.

We hope you’ve found this article to be packed with the knowledge and resources you need to have the confidence to get out onto the water! As Jimmy Buffet said “shells sink, dreams float. Life’s good on our boat.”