Kingston Boat Ramps — Lake Ontario, Rideau Canal & St. Lawrence

Kingston City Boat Launches

Downtown Kingston waterfront and Cataraqui River launch points with direct Lake Ontario access.

Confederation Basin Marina Launch

Kingston · Lake Ontario · Downtown waterfront

Fee:Fee City of Kingston — daily launch fee

Ramp:Concrete ramp at Confederation Basin Marina — sheltered inner basin

Parking:Marina parking on Ontario St — limited trailer spaces; arrive early

Access:Seasonal. Downtown location — direct Lake Ontario access. Near Rideau Canal entrance (Lock 1)

Address:1 Ontario St, Kingston (Confederation Basin Marina)

Phone:613-546-2243 (Kingston Marina Services)

Kingston Yacht Club (Public Ramp)

Kingston · Lake Ontario east end

Fee:Fee Guest launch fee

Ramp:Double-lane concrete ramp, well-maintained — handles larger trailered sailboats and powerboats

Parking:KYC lot — trailer parking on south side

Access:Seasonal. One of the best-maintained ramps in Kingston

Address:1 Maitland St, Kingston

Phone:613-542-5206

Ravensview / Collins Bay Launch

Kingston West · Lake Ontario

Fee:Free Township road allowance — no formal fee

Ramp:Informal concrete ramp at Collins Bay — good walleye access

Parking:Roadside — limited trailer spaces

Access:Year-round. Popular ice fishing access point in winter

Address:Collins Bay Rd at Lake Ontario, Kingston West (Loyalist Township area)

Notes:Excellent walleye and largemouth bass area. Good alternative to busy downtown ramps.

Gananoque & Thousand Islands Launches

Gananoque and the Thousand Islands National Park provide the best access to the St. Lawrence River's Thousand Islands.

Gananoque Boat Ramp

Gananoque · St. Lawrence River · Thousand Islands

Fee:Fee Town of Gananoque daily launch fee

Ramp:Well-maintained concrete ramp at Gananoque town dock area

Parking:Municipal lot adjacent to marina — seasonal trailer parking

Access:Seasonal. Gateway to the Canadian Thousand Islands National Park

Address:Stone St S at the St. Lawrence River, Gananoque

Notes:Best jumping-off point for the Thousand Islands. Over 1,000 islands to explore. Both Canadian and US islands — carry ID and declare if crossing border.

Rideau Canal — Kingston Mills Lock

Kingston · Rideau Canal · Parks Canada

Fee:Parks Canada Entry fee applies for through-cruising

Ramp:Kingston Mills is the first Rideau lock — launch here for southbound Rideau Canal access

Access:Seasonal (mid-May to mid-October). UNESCO World Heritage Site — 202 km waterway to Ottawa

Address:Kingston Mills Rd, Kingston (off Hwy 15 south of the city)

Notes:The entire Rideau Canal is navigable from Kingston to Ottawa — one of the world's greatest cruising waterways. Lock fee covers the full season.

Thousand Islands Boaters — PCL Numbers Required

All pleasure craft on the St. Lawrence River, Rideau Canal, and Lake Ontario must display PCL numbers on both sides of the bow — minimum 75 mm (3") tall, block letters, contrasting colour. US boaters visiting Canadian waters must also carry proof of vessel registration under their home jurisdiction. Premium marine vinyl decals, 5-year outdoor guarantee.

Transport Canada SOR/2010-91 · Last Verified March 2026

Order Compliant
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Frequently Asked Questions — Kingston Boating

Where is the best public boat launch in Kingston?

Confederation Basin Marina (1 Ontario St) is the most central launch with full facilities. For a quieter option with good bass fishing, Collins Bay Launch on Kingston's west side is free and accessible. The Kingston Yacht Club guest ramp is one of the best-maintained in the city.

Can I cruise the Rideau Canal from Kingston?

Yes — the Rideau Canal begins in Kingston and runs 202 km to Ottawa through 45 locks. The waterway opens mid-May and closes mid-October. A seasonal lock fee covers the full waterway. Lock at Kingston Mills is the first lock going north (toward Ottawa). Book through Parks Canada well in advance for summer weekends.

What do I need to cross into US waters from the Thousand Islands?

Canadian citizens entering US waters (even briefly) must report to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and may be required to dock at an official port of entry. US citizens returning to the US must also report in. Carry passports for all aboard. The CBP ROAM app can be used for small vessel reporting. Never anchor on a US island without reporting first.