Ontario is home to more than 250,000 lakes, containing one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. It’s no wonder that for many Ontarians, summer is synonymous with days spent on the water surrounded by evergreens and iconic rocky shorelines.
Swimming, fishing and relaxing on the dock are great ways to enjoy the water from the shore. But nothing beats the thrill of zooming across a sun-glittering lake, followed by moments of stillness when you cut the motor to take it all in. Jump off the side of the boat or drop a line for rainbow trout or muskie (be sure you get a licence and know the rules, including catch limits).
Georgian Bay’s scenery is diverse, with dramatic Canadian Shield rock formations, pristine pine forests and long stretches of sandy beach. And its waterways are, too. Georgian Bay is home to thousands of islands, sheltered coves and open waters offering adventure to boaters new and experienced.
Renting on Georgian Bay, which spans about 15,000 square kilometres and touches dozens of communities, can be daunting for inexperienced boaters. Here are a few key steps to take when renting a boat:
Georgian Bay’s approximately 2,000 kilometres of coastline is dotted with touristy waterfront communities, many with marinas, docks, public boat launches and dive shops.
Here are some of the boat rental companies in the area:
This full-service marina offers boat storage, service, tours and rentals, as well as waterfront cabins. Available rentals include bowriders and aluminum boats of varying sizes.
99 Rose Point Rd., Parry Sound, Ont. | 705-746-9559
The name says it all. Diverse Boat Rentals and Tours in Penatanguishene offers a variety of boat hires, from 20-foot pontoons that accommodate 10 people to 14-foot fishing boats for three. Seven-person bowriders and ride-on WaveRunners for thrill-seekers are also options. As a bonus, most of the rentals are pet-friendly, the company’s website reads.
Harbour West Marina, 319 Champlain Rd., Penetanguishene, Ont. | 705-549-0683
Pier 69 is a family-owned and operated marina in Waubaushene at the mouth of Matchedash Bay, offering steel-hulled fishing boats 14 to 16 feet long and pontoon boats, three of which can be used for both cruising and fishing. The marina offers a full range of services, including live bait and tackle.
10 Duck Bay Rd., Waubaushene, Ont. | 705-538-2867
Tucked into Point au Baril Channel off the northeastern tip of Georgian Bay, Desmasdons Boatworks has been serving residents and visitors to the area since 1946. The family-run marina offers a variety of boat rentals to suit family outings and fishing trips on the bay. Here, you’ll find aluminum boats, pontoons and runabouts for rentals of three or more days.
18 Desmasdons Rd., Pointe au Baril, Ont. | 705-366-2581
Killbear Marina is located in a quiet bay just west of the provincial park, offering a range of vessels for rent, including bowriders, aluminum boats and PWC by the day or week. An eight-person barrel sauna can also be rented for three or seven days. For added convenience, there’s a restaurant and store on site.
31 Pengally Rd., Nobel, Ont. | 705-342-5203
Located in Bala, Muskoka Powersports offers boat, PWC, and water toy delivery across the region, including Georgian Bay. Its fleet includes bowriders, wake and jet boats, as well as two- and three-seater Sea-Doos. Tubes, skis and wakeboards are also available for rent for a day or for the week.
3064 Muskoka District Rd. 169, Bala, Ont. | 1-855-732-3666
New boaters should start closer to shorelines and islands, especially in unfamiliar territory. These areas are easier to navigate and are less exposed to wind, strong currents and choppy waves.
Killbear Provincial Park’s sheltered bays are a destination for boaters of all kinds. Calm waters and family-friendly hiking and camping make it the perfect launching point for a novice boater’s Georgian Bay adventure. The park has launches at Blind Bay and Lighthouse Point campgrounds for smaller motor boats.
The aptly named 30,000 Islands, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, lies between Parry Sound and Honey Harbour on the eastern shores of Georgian Bay. Popular among boaters, hikers and wildlife seekers, the chain of islands provides shelter from the bay’s persistent winds, making for calm waters.
Calm waters and beautiful views are hallmarks of this boat-access national park at the southern end of Georgian Bay. Visit the Giant’s Chair and the lighthouse on Beausoleil Island, or navigate waterways around smaller Roberts, Little Beausoleil, Deer and Mermaid islands on your way to picturesque Honey Harbour, which has restaurants, cafes and shops.
This collection of bays south of the national park is a great introduction to Georgian Bay. It offers access to communities like Penetanguishine, Midland, Port McNicoll, Waubaushene and Port Severn. It’s also an access point for the Trent-Severn Waterway, which flows to Trenton, connecting Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay.
Severn Sound is protected from the main part of Georgian Bay and is close to marinas and amenities in case of emergency or bad weather.
Make no mistake, the waters at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula can be rough. But Tobermory, known for its crystal-clear waters, shipwrecks and unique rock formations, has several bays and harbours apt for beginner boaters to explore. Stick to the shoreline and ask for advice at a local marina.
