Lake Simcoe offers a boating adventure unlike any other. Spanning roughly 720 square kilometres, it's the largest inland lake in southern Ontario, set in the midst of what Ontarians call cottage country. Weaving together vibrant towns, scenic bays and well-equipped marinas, the areas surrounding Lake Simcoe are a boater's paradise, offering both tranquil escapes and lively waterfront experiences.
This three-day guide covers where to eat, where to sleep and the must-see places you absolutely shouldn't miss. Over these three days, I visited 14 marinas along Lake Simcoe, from Orillia to Georgina, Keswick, Innisfil and Barrie.
After obsessive research, nautical charts and a lot of time studying the map, I decided to start at the very top of Lake Simcoe, work my way down the southeastern shore through Georgina to Keswick, then round the southern edge to Innisfil and Barrie. That's about 95 km by boat over three days. One note: I didn't include resort marinas. This list is for boaters seeking a little more adventure and a little less pampering.
My trip started with a five-hour road trip from Ottawa. Luckily, the route to Orillia involves very little highway driving. Instead, I found myself cruising along winding roads lined with trees, homes and cottages, through some of Ontario's cutest towns.
Before you leave, all the standard warnings apply. Put air in your tires, fill your tank, top up your windshield washer fluid and, if needed, get an oil change. Make sure your boat is securely hitched and all equipment and tools are tucked safely inside.
For my first solo road-and-boating trip, I didn't want to take any chances, so I booked a hotel in a central location for both nights: the Travelodge by Wyndham Barrie (300 Bayfield St.), with an indoor pool, free breakfast and free parking. Honestly, it was one of the best decisions I made. Docking my boat overnight, taking a hot shower and sinking into a soft bed made each day on the lake far more enjoyable. As a solo woman traveller in a place I'd never been, I was also reassured to learn that in 2023, Barrie had the lowest Crime Severity Index of any metropolitan area in Canada.
If hotels aren't your style, there's no shortage of provincial and regional parks, campgrounds and RV parks along the lake, including the RV park at Krates Marina in Keswick.
To start where I did, launch at Centennial Park in Orillia, less than 2 km from the Port of Orillia. Non-residents need a trailer parking pass. If you'd rather sleep aboard, Coves of Keswick, Bridge Port Marina and Everglades Marina allow overnight stays, and Marina del Rey has a few first-come, first-served overnight slips.
Lake Simcoe's weather can change in minutes. If you're new to the lake, read 8 Things to Know Before Boating Lake Simcoe before you go.
I arrived in Orillia at 12:10 p.m. My plan for Day 1: launch at the Port of Orillia, then boat to Bridge Port Marina, Blue Beacon Marina and, finally, Marina del Rey.
50 Centennial Dr., Orillia | Website
As I pulled into the Port, I was immediately struck by the large, modern building and the cleanliness of the grounds. Inside, I learned that the Port mostly caters to boaters coming in, not boaters going out, and the woman at the desk directed me to Centennial Park, less than 2 km away, where a brand-new launch had recently been built. After half an hour waiting my turn, it was time to get my own boat in the water.
The Port is also home to some of Orillia's favourite festivals, including the Mariposa Folk Festival and the Orillia Waterfront Festival, with its boat show, cardboard boat race and dog diving contest.
Good to know: Launch at Centennial Park; non-residents need a trailer parking pass (see Orillia's Boat Trailer Parking Program). The Port's slips are for transient boaters only, and it's steps from downtown Orillia's restaurants and shops.
434 Couchiching Point Rd., Orillia | Website
Getting there: about 3 km (1.6 nautical miles), 13 minutes, Lake Couchiching to the Atherley Narrows
Coming off the dock into open water was pretty spectacular, with miles of sparkling, calm, blue water ahead of me. I stuck close to the shoreline, passing Cedar Island, Pumpkin Bay and Old Brewery Bay, as the commotion of the Port faded and was gradually replaced by the gentle sounds of nature and lapping waves.
Rounding Couchiching Point, tall reeds began to rise from the water as I approached the Atherley Narrows. Off to my right was a dock that resembled a 1950s gas station, complete with a classic red gable roof. Following the markers, I hooked a right just after the fuel dock and idled into the basin. It was so much quieter than the Port, which made coming in a lot less stressful, and every slip had its own picnic table. With a quiet atmosphere, a well-organized layout and nearly anything you need, I would definitely recommend Bridge Port Marina.
Good to know: Gas and diesel, clearly marked transient slips, a chandlery store with snacks and boat parts, a laundry room, and overnight stays aboard.
693 Atherley Rd., Orillia | Website
Getting there: about 4 km (2.2 nautical miles), 23 minutes, through the Atherley Narrows to Lake Simcoe
Heading south into the Narrows, I immediately saw the Atherley Narrows Swing Bridge and, beyond it, the highway bridge. I was relieved no one was coming the other way; I'm not sure we both would have fit. Getting from one bridge to the other was a tight squeeze, with docked boats to my right and powerboats meandering to my left. Passing beneath the highway, I spotted a big blue RENT-A-BOAT sign: Blue Beacon Marina.
The slips sit right on the Narrows, so it was easy to float in and tie off. This isn't a typical dock-and-hang-out marina, but it has the essentials, and it's a licensed dealer for Princecraft, Yamaha and Mercury, among others.
Good to know: Washrooms and change rooms, repairs and on-land storage, boat rentals, and a snack and chandlery shop. There are no restaurants within easy walking distance.
4130 Bayview Ave., Ramara | Website
Getting there: about 8 km (4.3 nautical miles), 36 minutes, Lake Simcoe to McPhee Bay
I won't lie: I was a little nervous about entering Lake Simcoe. The weather was perfect, but I'd heard so many stories about its sudden volatility, and the sign that read "Caution! Lake Simcoe can be very dangerous" didn't do much to quell my fears. Luckily, most of the route was open, calm water. I passed Mara Provincial Park, hung a smooth left past Goffatt Island and made my way into McPhee Bay, where the lake narrowed and trees and cottages appeared along the shore.
The marina's entrance wasn't as tight as I'd been told and felt quite welcoming. As I idled in, rows of neatly tied boats came into view; it felt active but relaxed. I could enjoy the on-site food, including Burrata Bros and Sweet Dreams Ice Cream. I got both, and I wasn't disappointed. The friendly staff even let me leave my boat overnight. By then I was exhausted, so I called an Uber back to my hotel. Day 1 was done, and it was a good one.
Good to know: Members-only, with 160 slips and limited public transient docking; non-members can't use the heated pool or fire pits. Overnight slips are first come, first served and rarely available.
For full details on each marina, read Lake Simcoe Marinas (Part 1): Orillia & the North Shore.
On the southeastern shores of Lake Simcoe, the Town of Georgina and its community of Keswick offer a unique blend of history, recreation and boating culture. Keswick has deep roots as a fishing village, so boating has always been part of the local lifestyle, and its marinas grew right alongside recreational boating. Today, Georgina has more than ten marinas along 52 km of shoreline.
1 Laurine St., Pefferlaw | Website
Getting there: about 35 km (19 nautical miles), 1 hour 5 minutes, down Lake Simcoe's east shore
By 9 a.m. I was back at Marina del Rey and on my way to Georgina. I slowed as I approached Lagoon City, hoping to see its man-made canals, but all I could see was a break in the shoreline framed by breakwalls. Further down, I passed Beaverton Harbour and Thorah Island, and then, with Georgina Island on my right, I spotted the opening for Flying Bridge Marina.
Staff waved me toward an open slip, and the marina itself felt more like something you'd find in California than the nature-surrounded marina I'd just come from. While exploring, I bumped into one of the owners and spent the next 45 minutes chatting. By the time I walked back to my slip, I felt as if I'd been there my whole life. That friendly, home-like atmosphere is the main reason I'd come back.
Good to know: A wide, easy entrance, clean and well-organized slips, a small shop for essentials, and waterfront picnic areas.
54 Riverside Dr., Pefferlaw | Website
Getting there: about 3.5 km (1.9 nautical miles), 11 minutes, up the Pefferlaw River
Flying Bridge is tucked right at the mouth of the Pefferlaw River, so instead of heading back onto the lake, I continued upriver. The banks are lined with thick greenery, giving the impression of gliding through a sheltered, natural tunnel. As I approached, a family with three children was boarding their boat while two women sat at the end of their slip with their rods in the water. Something about it felt nostalgic.
When I docked, the sudden tranquillity after the sound of my motor was momentarily unnerving. But as I listened to the hush of the river and the breeze rustling the leaves, I felt like I was being given a big, cozy hug. What really stood out was the sense of community: fellow boaters sharing stories and lending each other a helping hand.
Good to know: Fuel, potable water, pump-out, on-site repairs, and overnight stays aboard. A popular base for anglers.
7751 Black River Rd., Unit 1, Georgina | Website
Getting there: about 9 km (5 nautical miles), 42 minutes, back down the river and south around Duclos Point
At the mouth of the river, the scenery opened up dramatically: wide-open water, a refreshing breeze and gentle ripples from the fish below. I rounded Duclos Point, continued south past McRae Beach and Sunset Beach, and then I saw it: Virginia Beach Marina's slips, reachable straight from the lake. The contrast between the Pefferlaw River, Lake Simcoe and this shoreline made it feel like I'd been in three different places at once. It was one of the most beautiful rides of the trip.
The marina is only steps from a sandy beach with shallow, warm water that families love. Long before cottages and marinas, these shores were part of the traditional territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island, an Anishinaabe community, and standing on the docks, you can sense the echoes of that history.
Good to know: Easy docking behind a breakwater, a restaurant on site, and the ferry to Georgina Island. The island is a private residential community, so check with the First Nation before planning a visit.
19 Lorne St., Jackson's Point | Website
Getting there: about 12 km (6.5 nautical miles), 51 minutes, west along the shore past Sibbald Point
As I rounded Sibbald Point Provincial Park, the brilliant white and red Jackson's Point Lighthouse came into view. It was my first time seeing a lighthouse up close, so I idled past slowly.
Near the slips, the water was shallow, with reeds and weeds nearly touching the bottom of my boat, so I kept an eye below. Then I saw something that wasn't reeds. Just beneath the surface were… train tracks? Excited about my "discovery," I tied up and went looking for answers. A staff member explained that back when the harbour was more of a social hub, marine railways were used to haul boats in and out of the water. When newer systems replaced them, the rails were abandoned, leaving the tracks beneath the surface as a little piece of history.
Good to know: Fuel dock, convenience store, clean washrooms and showers, basic boating supplies, and a boardwalk for fishing. Watch for shallow water near the slips.
1354 Metro Rd. N., Willow Beach | Website
Getting there: about 4.6 km (2.5 nautical miles), 17 minutes, west past De La Salle Park and Willow Beach
I passed a rocky shoreline where a group of kids were fishing from a large rock, then a few anchored boats whose swimmers had joined dozens of people along Willow Beach. Following the markers, I entered a narrow canal that wound through what seemed to be a neighbourhood, and at one bend I cruised past a tiny village on an island. It was quite possibly the cutest thing I'd ever seen. With perfectly still water beneath me, I felt like I was entering a storybook.
Good to know: Members-only, with temporary docking when a transient spot is open; washrooms are for members. Fuel and pump-out are open to everyone. Best suited to seasonal boaters who drive in to launch.
290 The Queensway S., Keswick | Website
Getting there: about 6.5 km (3.5 nautical miles), 23 minutes, south around Roches Point toward Cook's Bay
As I approached the entry at the mouth of the Maskinonge River, I looked over my shoulder at miles and miles of sea and sky, and I knew I needed to dock facing the open water. I did, and sat for a few moments watching the afternoon sun glint across the lake.
The walk from the docks to the main buildings is a long one, but the path beneath towering, century-old oaks, with only the sounds of boats and birds, was far from unpleasant. Krates felt more like a resort than a marina, but without the pretentiousness. The only thing missing, I thought, was somewhere to sleep. And then I discovered the RV park.
Good to know: More than 500 slips, including transient, plus fuel, repairs, two heated pools, large washrooms and showers, picnic areas, an RV park, with restaurants like Sammy's Chicken Coop and Kings Tavern minutes away.
119 Riveredge Dr., Keswick | Website
Getting there: about 1 km, 7 minutes, west up the Maskinonge River
Instead of heading back to Cook's Bay, I continued west along the calm, tree-lined river to a small channel lined with boathouses. It felt intimate, close-knit and slow-paced, so quiet I almost felt the need to whisper. A friendly older gentleman gave me a short rundown on the history of the area, and the quiet at my dock was unmatched: simply perfect for my last marina of the day. I arranged overnight dockage, then took an Uber back to my car in Orillia.
Good to know: Overnight dockage, a boat launch, repairs and on-land storage.
For full details on each marina, read Lake Simcoe Marinas (Part 2): Georgina & Keswick.
Along Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie and neighbouring Innisfil offer a really compelling blend of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture. Barrie was once a crucial stop for Indigenous peoples travelling the Nine Mile Portage, which connected Lake Simcoe to the Nottawasaga River and, ultimately, Lake Huron. It later served the fur trade and carried supplies during the War of 1812, and today it's the Nine Mile Portage Heritage Trail.
1155 Gilford Rd., Gilford | Website
Getting there: about 4.8 km (2.6 nautical miles), 12 minutes, down the Maskinonge River and straight across Cook's Bay
By 9 a.m. I was back at Coves of Keswick, where my boat was waiting. As I left the winding canals and entered Cook's Bay, I was momentarily taken aback: stretching out in front of me was what felt like miles and miles of shimmering blue water. It was breathtaking. The water wasn't as calm as the day before, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle.
The narrow channel in, framed by docked boats, giant trees and birdsong, felt incredibly calm and peaceful, and an employee even helped me tie up, which was a pleasant surprise. The Cooks on the Bay food truck had some pretty good smells coming from it, so my first order of business was an early lunch. After scarfing down a loaded hot dog and a small Menchie's soft-serve from the shop, I was ready to head back out. This marina may be small, but it is mighty.
Good to know: Fuel dock, boat rentals, repairs, live bait and safety gear, and washrooms, change rooms and showers.
977 Isabella St., Belle Ewart | Website
Getting there: about 6 km (3.2 nautical miles), 12 minutes, north along Cook's Bay's west shore
Boating on Cook's Bay is a mix of wide-open water and cozy shoreline charm. The bay is broad but shallow in places, which gives the water that green-blue shimmer you only seem to find in spots like this, and patches of reeds make perfect fishing spots.
At first glance, I'll be honest, the marina didn't seem all that spectacular. The view, on the other hand, was unmatched. Past the launch ramp and a row of lush trees, a path opened onto a pier where a man and his son had their rods in the water. When I looked out at the lake, it took my breath away. As a rental crew helped a family onto a blue pontoon boat, the boy beside me caught a fish, and everyone on the dock cheered. I returned to my boat with a smile on my face and a warm spot in my chest.
This area of Lake Simcoe was by far my favourite. Innisfil feels like home: a small, quiet town surrounded by nature and beaches, where the people are kind, only minutes from downtown Barrie.
Good to know: A full-service marina with fuel, rentals (pontoons, fishing boats, bowriders and Sea-Doos), guided fishing tours, repairs, storage and a public fishing pier. Family-owned since 1964.
676 Innisfil Beach Rd., Innisfil | Website
OK, I need to confess something: I cheated a little on Day 3. The City of Barrie Marina was more than a two-hour boat ride away, early afternoon was creeping into late afternoon, and I wanted to see Innisfil's landscape and its beaches. So a friend in the area drove my car to Lake Simcoe Marine, and I trailered the boat the rest of the way. Within minutes, I understood what I'd been told about Innisfil: quiet older streets gave way to tree-lined roads, then miles of green pasture, then brand-new neighbourhoods.
Innisfil Beach Park is the heart of summer fun for residents and visitors alike. It isn't just one beach but a collection of smaller ones, from lively stretches close to the amenities to quieter corners for relaxing. Many boaters cross the lake just to anchor close to shore and join the beachside energy.
Good to know: 68 acres with a public boat launch, shallow sandy entries ideal for kids, picnic areas, trails, playgrounds, and lifeguards in peak season.
55 Lakeshore Dr., Barrie | Website
Rounding Minet's Point, I pulled into what I thought was a parking lot. It was actually the boat launch, with the marina slips right beside it. When I turned to my right, I was suddenly distracted by what seemed like a sea of umbrellas: the beach, full and packed. Everywhere I looked there were people—on the water, on the beach, in the park, fishing from the pier—just enjoying life. Though I'm not generally one for crowds, I found myself wanting to get sucked into the activity.
What stuck out most is that this lively stretch of beach is right in the heart of downtown Barrie. Within minutes, you can go from urban downtown to sandy beach. It's pretty incredible.
Good to know: Lake Simcoe's first Blue Flag marina, with gas, pump-out, two boat launches along the waterfront, washrooms, a playground, basketball and volleyball courts, and downtown shops and restaurants across the street, including B'Spoke Kitchen + Market, with its seasonal menu of local ingredients, and Il Buco, known for authentic Italian cuisine.
For full details on each marina, read Lake Simcoe Marinas (Part 3): Barrie & Innisfil.
As a relatively new boater, I haven't explored as many Canadian lakes as I'd like, so this three-day adventure was a thrill. Not only was it the most ambitious trip I'd ever planned, but I was also doing it on my own. Travelling as a solo woman can be nerve-wracking, especially somewhere you know nothing about, but within hours of arriving, I felt an overwhelming sense of quiet comfort and settled right in.
From the energetic docks of the Port of Orillia to the marina-filled stretches of Keswick, the Indigenous history of Georgina, the bustling beach in Barrie and the quaint, friendly feel of Innisfil, each stop brings its own flavour of lakeside living. After visiting 14 marinas, here's where I'd send boaters, depending on the trip:
I find myself wanting to come back as soon as possible to explore even more.
