The Big List of All Major Waterways in Ontario

Read on to find out where to float your boat

Ontario is home to the best freshwater cruising in the world. With approximately 250,000 lakes and over 100,000km of rivers, 1/6th of the surface of this massive province is covered in water! With all this water to play in, it's no surprise that boat touring trips are very popular. Whether you're going out on a powerboat, yacht, or personal watercraft, all along the shores of the main waterways you will find marinas, restaurants, accommodations, and plenty of things to do to make your holiday one to remember!

Below is a list of the best resources for discovering the main waterways in Ontario. Click on each of them to learn more.

Trent Severn Waterway

Georgian Bay

The North Channel

St. Lawrence River

1000 Islands

Muskoka Lakes

Kawartha Lakes

Lake Simcoe

Ottawa River

The Rideau Canal

French River

Lake of the Woods

Lake St Clair

Lake Huron

Lake Ontario

Lake Superior

Lake Erie

Lake St. Clair

About Staff Writer, What A Ride

What A Ride covers stories, events and perspectives from the worlds of motorcycling, snowmobiling, ATVing and boating. Motorized adventures, full-tilt, 24/7.

Recommended Articles

Where to Rent a Boat in Ontario

9 places for the perfect Ontario summer getaway on a boat.

Boating the 1000 Islands

Ontario's best cruising destinations

Find Your Way: Using a chartplotter on your PWC

2 Amazing Lakes To Ride Your PWC

Explore Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau in the Muskokas.

Wondering when (and if) you can get out on your boat this summer?

A guide to boating during Ontario's "one shot summer."

How to Choose a Trailer for your PWC

From suspension to safety chains to security, we break down what you need to know when choosing a trailer for your PWC.

Gem of Northwest Ontario

Powerboat Television explores Thunder Bay

Houseboats Making Waves

Lac Seul Floating Lodges

Free Passage on the Trent-Severn

Enjoy free passage through the historic lock stations of the renowned inland passageway.

Not A Boat Race - But Still Hella Fast

Offshore boats, poker, awards, sightseeing & community = the perfect event.

Early Season Boating: Worth the Extra Layer

Quiet lakes, quiet launches, and no line-ups

Boating in Blind River

Quietly offering everything you need

History Comes Home

Meet the Majestic S.S. Keewatin

Know Your Wakesports

Boarding vs Surfing vs Skating

Powerboat Poker Runs?

A fun-filled boating event explained

Scenery, Friendly Faces and... Donuts?

An American Visitor Takes In the Pleasures of the Trent-Severn Waterway

A Must-Do Sea-Doo Destination

Exploring the PWC-friendly town of Kingston

Dog Days, Big Waves

A Perfect Day Trip on Lake Manitouwabing

Boating the North Channel

The North Channel of Lake Huron is one of the great boating destinations in North America. Here's everything you need to know.

The Jewel of Ontario

A beginner's guide to Georgian Bay's North Channel