Powerboating in Northern Ontario is an incredible experience thanks to stunning natural beauty and an expansive network of lakes and rivers. The region offers powerboat enthusiasts endless opportunities for exploration. With more water than you can shake a stick at, powerboaters can enjoy serene cruising, fish boating, and many other watercraft opportunities. The remoteness with easy access to Northern Ontario waters ensures peaceful, undisturbed experiences, while the region’s unique wildlife adds to the charm. To top it all off, the many full-service marinas, boat rentals, and camping spots make it convenient, creating the perfect setting for an adventurous excursion on the water.
With all that said, in my almost five decades of boating and travel in Ontario, there is one spot that I love above all the rest.
When it comes to powerboating, “go big or go home” is my motto. My top pick for best boating in Ontario is the mighty Lake Superior—specifically the area around Thunder Bay and near Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
Famous for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters, Lake Superior or Gichigami in Ojibwe, offers unparalleled opportunities for powerboating enthusiasts. The region is famous for scenic boat cruising, fishing expeditions, and hidden coves, making it a prime destination for boating enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquillity in one of Canada's most beautiful natural settings.
Thunder Bay has several marinas on the shores of Lake Superior, offering great access to the lake’s stunning waters. Popular spots include Thunder Bay Marina Park, located on the Sleeping Giant Parkway along Thunder Bay's waterfront. This marina features excellent docking options and amenities for boaters, including fuel, boat rentals, and dining as well.
The Nipigon Marina is another excellent boat launch option I’ve used just down the highway, which offers well-equipped docking facilities, including fuel, boat launches, and amenities like picnic areas. It makes another great starting point for exploring the lake. This marina is a popular choice among recreational powerboaters and avid anglers as well, since the Nipigon River is home to the famous world record, 14-pound 8-once brook trout, caught there in 1915.
I first camped at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park back in 1981 with my parents. As an adult, I knew I had to return on my next boating adventure. With 200 nicely treed campsites more than half of which have access to electric service, Marie Louise Campground offers the ideal layout. As with most provincial parks, every campsite had a picnic table, and fire pit and was within walking distance of water and toilets. The lake is also within walking distance, which is a big perk. Nearby, breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the surroundings are available from the Top of the Giant Trail. I always stay at Sleeping Giant when boating on Lake Superior, partially because I’m sentimental but mostly because it is one of the nicest campgrounds in all of Ontario. Find out for yourself.
The Boating Ontario Directory is a wonderful resource for searching for products or services while powerboating in Northern Ontario, with links and contacts for boat rentals, boat charters, boat clubs and much more. Being resourceful and having all the necessary information is key to any successful boating adventure. Knowledge is power—do yourself a favour and check out the Ontario Boating Guide.
If the world’s largest freshwater lake intimidates you, perhaps a good first-time powerboating experience through one of the local boat charters is in order. Be sure to check out Superior Country as your boating guide for exploring the vast waters of Lake Superior around the lake head.
Superior Country is home to several boat tours and charters that explore Lake Superior. These boat charters offer a stress-free perspective of the area’s stunning natural beauty, with views of rugged shorelines and nearby islands. Charters run from Thunder Bay and Silver Islet to the Porphyry Island Lighthouse, a popular on-water attraction where visitors will appreciate the history and natural beauty of this picturesque spot.
Powerboaters interested in Canadian history can follow the route of our Voyageurs, covering more than 500 nautical miles of scenic shoreline in the process. The Lake Superior Circle Tour brings boaters past sandy beaches to towering bluffs that plunge into sparkling waters across the north shore of mighty Lake Superior. Enjoy the quiet serenity of a secluded anchorage along the way or take advantage of the comforts of new full-service marinas with docks and launch ramps to accommodate powerboats of almost any length. Visit Lake Superior Boating for more information.
Boating on Lake Superior offers an experience like no other (which is why I love it), but there are safety aspects to be aware of. Sudden storms can create waves, so keep tabs on the weather. Fog and shifting winds may reduce visibility at times. The water temperature here, even during summer, barely gets above 55 degrees F, so hypothermia is a concern if you fall overboard. Strong currents and rocky shorelines can make it challenging to maneuver so be prepared for changing conditions and ensure your boat is equipped for emergencies.
Happy powerboating and I will see you on the water!
