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Ontario Boat Ramps & Public Launch Sites

Find public boat launches across Ontario — Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, and the Rideau and Trent-Severn waterways.

250+
Public Launch Sites
8
Major Lake Systems
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⚠️ Before You Launch — Regulation Reminder

Every motorized pleasure craft must display its Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) number on both sides of the bow in block letters, minimum 75 mm (3 inches) tall, contrasting colour to the hull — Transport Canada SOR/2010-91. Faded or missing numbers are the #1 cause of on-water citations. Get compliant vinyl decals →

Launch Sites by Region

Public boat ramps organized by Ontario region. Check local Conservation Authority and municipal websites for current hours and fees.

🌊 Niagara Region

Lake Ontario · Lake Erie · Niagara River
Port Weller Harbour Boat Launch
Fee St. Catharines · Lake Ontario · Concrete ramp
Queenston Heights Park Boat Launch
Free Queenston · Niagara River · NCC managed
Port Colborne Harbour (Sugarloaf Marina)
Fee Port Colborne · Lake Erie · Deep-draft capable
Fort Erie Boat Launch (Jarvis Street)
Free Fort Erie · Niagara River · Popular for bass fishing
Dain City Boat Launch
Free Welland · Welland River · Canoe/kayak friendly

🏙️ Hamilton / Burlington

Hamilton Harbour · Lake Ontario · Cootes Paradise
Hamilton Harbour Boat Launch (Pier 4)
Fee Hamilton · Hamilton Harbour · City managed
LaSalle Park Marina Boat Launch
Fee Burlington · Lake Ontario · Seasonal
Confederation Park Boat Launch
Free Hamilton · Lake Ontario access · Open year-round
Bronte Harbour Boat Launch
Fee Oakville · Lake Ontario · Double-wide ramp

🌆 Toronto / GTA

Lake Ontario · Toronto Islands
Etobicoke Yacht Club Ramp (Public)
Fee Etobicoke · Mimico Creek outlet · Lake Ontario
Port Credit Harbour Boat Launch
Fee Mississauga · Lake Ontario · Mississauga Marina
Ajax Waterfront Boat Launch
Free Ajax · Lake Ontario · Ajax Rotary Park
Whitby Harbour Boat Launch
Fee Whitby · Lake Ontario · Durham Region
Pickering Frenchman's Bay Launch
Free Pickering · Lake Ontario · Frenchman's Bay

🌅 Lake Erie — Western

Chatham-Kent · Windsor · Essex County
Point Pelee National Park Launch
Parks Canada Leamington · Lake Erie · Entry fee applies
Wheatley Harbour Boat Launch
Fee Wheatley · Lake Erie · Commercial/recreational
Erie Shore Drive Launch (Shrewsbury)
Free Chatham-Kent · Lake Erie · Small craft
Port Stanley Harbour Launch
Fee Port Stanley · Lake Erie · Deep-water capable

⛵ Georgian Bay / Lake Simcoe

Collingwood · Barrie · Orillia
Collingwood Harbour Boat Launch
Fee Collingwood · Georgian Bay · Popular in summer
Bayfield Park Boat Launch (Barrie)
Fee Barrie · Lake Simcoe · City of Barrie
Centennial Park Boat Launch (Orillia)
Fee Orillia · Lake Couchiching / Simcoe · Trent-Severn
Penetanguishene Municipal Ramp
Fee Penetanguishene · Georgian Bay · Well-maintained
Midland Harbour Launch
Fee Midland · Waubaushene · Georgian Bay

🌲 Muskoka / Haliburton

Lake Muskoka · Lake of Bays · Balsam Lake
Gravenhurst Wharf Boat Launch
Fee Gravenhurst · Lake Muskoka · Muskoka Wharf
Bracebridge Lions Boat Launch
Free Bracebridge · Muskoka River · Town of Bracebridge
Port Sydney Boat Launch
Free Port Sydney · North Muskoka River
Balsam Lake Provincial Park Launch
Prov. Park Coboconk · Balsam Lake · Provincial Park permit required

🏛️ Rideau Canal / Eastern Ontario

Ottawa · Kingston · Smiths Falls
Mooney's Bay Park Boat Launch (Ottawa)
Free Ottawa · Rideau River · City of Ottawa
Long Island Lock Boat Launch
Parks Canada Manotick · Rideau Canal · UNESCO Heritage
Kingston Boat Launch (Confederation Basin)
Fee Kingston · Lake Ontario / St. Lawrence · City managed
Smiths Falls Harbour Boat Ramp
Free Smiths Falls · Rideau River / Canal
Gananoque Boat Ramp
Fee Gananoque · St. Lawrence / Thousand Islands

🛶 Trent-Severn Waterway

Peterborough · Trenton · Lindsay
Little Lake Park Boat Launch (Peterborough)
Fee Peterborough · Little Lake / Otonabee River
Bay of Quinte Launch (Trenton)
Free Trenton · Bay of Quinte / Lake Ontario
Lindsay Boat Launch (Scugog River)
Free Lindsay · Scugog River · Trent system access
Rice Lake South Shore Launch
Free Harwood · Rice Lake · Multiple access points

⚠️ Your Boat Registration Numbers — Are They Compliant?

Transport Canada requires every motorized pleasure craft to display its Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) number on both sides of the bow: minimum 75 mm (3 inches) tall, block letters, contrasting colour to the hull. Faded, missing, or undersized numbers are citable offences on any Ontario waterway.

Required under Transport Canada Small Vessel Regulations SOR/2010-91 · Last Verified: March 2026
Order Compliant
Decals →

Ontario Boating — Know Before You Go

Federal and provincial rules that apply at every Ontario boat launch.

Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL)

Required for all motorized pleasure craft. The PCL number must be displayed on both sides of the bow in 75 mm+ block letters. Valid for 10 years.

Canada Shipping Act, 2001 · SOR/2010-91

Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)

Required for all operators of motorized pleasure craft over 10 hp. Must carry the card on board. Applies regardless of age since 2009.

Canada Shipping Act, 2001 s.130

Required Safety Equipment

Every craft must carry: Canadian-approved lifejackets/PFDs for each person, bailer or pump, signalling device, buoyant heaving line, fire extinguisher (vessels with enclosed engine).

Small Vessel Regulations SOR/2010-91 s.200-210

Navigation Lights

Vessels operated between sunset and sunrise must display proper navigation lights. Red on port (left), green on starboard (right), white stern light. PWC have specific smaller-vessel rules.

Collision Regulations (COR/83-408)

Speed Limits on Ontario Waterways

The general "No Wake" speed is 10 km/h within 30 metres of shore, docks, swimmers, or moored vessels across Ontario. Many lakes and rivers have additional posted limits.

Canada Shipping Act, Provincial regs

Trailer & Towing Rules

Boat trailers must be properly registered and have functioning brake lights. Trailers over 4,600 kg require independent braking systems. Check HTA requirements for your trailer weight.

Ontario Highway Traffic Act

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Ontario boat launches free?
Many municipal and Conservation Authority launches charge a fee of $10–$25/day. Provincial park launches require a park day-use permit. Some municipal ramps are free. Always confirm before heading out — fees change seasonally.
What licence do I need to launch a boat in Ontario?
You need a Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) for the boat (required for all motorized craft, free from Transport Canada) and a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) as the operator. The PCOC replaced the old boating licence in 2009 and is required for anyone operating a motorized craft over 10 hp.
How do I get my Pleasure Craft Licence number decals?
After registering your boat and receiving your PCL number from Transport Canada, you need to display it on both sides of the bow in block letters, minimum 75 mm (3 inches) tall, in a contrasting colour. Pre-cut vinyl decals from Compliance Lettering are the most durable and compliant option — they're UV-rated for 5–7 years of outdoor/marine use.
Can I launch a boat in a Conservation Area in Ontario?
Most Conservation Authorities (Credit Valley, Hamilton, Niagara Peninsula, etc.) allow boats at their reservoir and lake access points with a CA day pass or annual permit. Some CAs restrict motorized watercraft to protect sensitive ecosystems. Check the specific CA website for rules at each location.
What is the speed limit near Ontario boat launches?
Canadian federal regulations require a maximum 10 km/h within 30 metres of shore, docks, other vessels at anchor, or swimmers. Most launches post "No Wake Zone" signs. Some municipal harbours have additional speed restrictions.
Do I need special markings for a personal watercraft (Sea-Doo / Jet Ski)?
Yes — personal watercraft are classified as motorized pleasure craft and must carry a PCL number displayed the same way as any other boat (75 mm block letters on both sides of the hull forward section). Operators also require a PCOC. PWC have additional age restrictions: riders must be at least 16 years old (or 12–15 with a licensed adult).

🚤 Boat Registration Number Decals — Made in Canada

Pre-cut vinyl decals to display your PCL number correctly under Transport Canada regulations. 75 mm (3") and 100 mm (4") height options. Multiple colours for hull contrast. UV-rated for marine conditions — 5-year outdoor guarantee.

Compliant with Small Vessel Regulations SOR/2010-91 · Ships from Niagara, Ontario
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