Here are Ontario's public boat launches — updated 2026. Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, Rideau Canal, and the Trent-Severn Waterway. Hours, fees, and trailer access notes included.
You know this lake. You find the ramps the tourists don't.
Every motorized pleasure craft must 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 — Transport Canada SOR/2010-91. Faded or missing numbers are the #1 cause of on-water citations. Get compliant vinyl decals →
The difference between a great day on the water and a wasted 2-hour drive. Check these before loading up.
Websites are often out of date. Call the Conservation Authority or municipal office. Ask: Is the ramp open? Is the gate locked? What time does it close? Is there any current closure (flood, maintenance, ice-out)?
High water (spring melt) can make ramps too steep or flooded. Low summer water (drought years) can strand ramps in shallow mud. Check Water Survey of Canada (wateroffice.ec.gc.ca) for your lake's current level.
Measure your tow vehicle + trailer total length before heading out. Smaller ramps, especially Conservation Authority access points, may have posted limits of 25–30 feet total. Large lake harbour ramps typically handle 40+ feet.
Many ramps now accept debit/credit via pay stations; some are still cash-only honour boxes. Provincial park ramps require a day-use pass — you can buy it at the park gate or through the Ontario Parks app. Arriving without the right payment = you're not launching.
Conservation Officers check your PCL number at busy launch sites. Numbers must be 75 mm (3-inch) minimum block letters on both sides of the bow. If yours are faded, replace them before the season. Decal requirements →
Public boat ramps organized by Ontario lake and waterway. Check local Conservation Authority and municipal websites for current hours and fees.
Ontario's weather and waterways change dramatically by season. Know what you're heading into before you back the trailer down the ramp.
Spring melt raises lake and river levels significantly. Many ramps flood or become dangerously steep. Seasonal ramps may not open until late May. Always call ahead — and check Ontario MNRF lake level reports before the trip.
Municipal harbour ramps see their highest traffic from July–August. Popular lakes like Simcoe and Georgian Bay can have wait times at peak launches. Arrive before 7 AM on summer weekends. Parking fills up by 9 AM at popular launches.
Fall is prime walleye, muskie, and salmon season. Ramp access is generally excellent in September, but Conservation Authority and provincial park ramps may close in October. Some ramps pull the docks in October — confirm before trailing.
Most boat ramps are gated in winter. Ice fishing access on Lake Simcoe, Rice Lake, and Bay of Quinte uses ATV/truck access roads maintained by local operators — not the same as summer ramps. Check local ice conditions daily.
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.
Federal and provincial rules that apply at every Ontario boat launch.
Required for all motorized pleasure craft. PCL number must be displayed on both sides of the bow in 75 mm+ block letters. Valid for 10 years.
Required for all operators of motorized craft over 10 hp. Must carry the card on board. Required of all operators regardless of age since 2009.
Every craft must carry: Canadian-approved lifejackets/PFDs for each person, bailer or pump, signalling device, buoyant heaving line, fire extinguisher (enclosed engine craft).
The general No Wake speed is 10 km/h within 30 metres of shore, docks, swimmers, or moored vessels. Many lakes and rivers have additional posted limits.
Boat trailers must be properly registered with functioning brake lights. Trailers over 4,600 kg require independent braking systems. Check HTA requirements for your trailer weight.
Vessels 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.
Pre-cut vinyl decals to display your PCL number correctly under Transport Canada regulations. 75 mm (3-inch) and 100 mm (4-inch) height options. Multiple colours for hull contrast. UV-rated for marine conditions — 5-year outdoor guarantee. Ships from Niagara, Ontario via Canada Post.