Boat Reg. Numbers →
Ontario Boat Ramps › Lake Erie Ontario Boat Ramps

Lake Erie Ontario Boat Ramps — 2026 Guide

Public boat launches on the Ontario north shore of Lake Erie. Port Colborne, Crystal Beach, Long Point, Port Rowan, Port Stanley, and Erieau — Ontario's premier walleye fishing lake.

PCL Numbers Required on Lake Erie

All motorized pleasure craft on Lake Erie must display the Pleasure Craft Licence number on both sides of the bow, minimum 75 mm (3") tall — Transport Canada SOR/2010-91. Lake Erie is a shared Canada-US waterway — US Coast Guard also enforces Canadian registration requirements in international waters. Order marine vinyl decals →

Niagara Region — Lake Erie Launches (Eastern)

Eastern Lake Erie launches from Port Colborne to Crystal Beach — the most accessible Lake Erie ramps from the GTA and Niagara.

Lake Erie Wave Warning: Lake Erie is the shallowest Great Lake and builds waves very quickly — conditions can go from calm to 2-metre waves in 30 minutes with a southwest wind shift. Always check Environment Canada Marine Forecast for Lake Erie East and West before launching. A barometer and VHF radio (Ch. 16) are strongly recommended.

Port Colborne Harbour (Sugarloaf Marina)

Port Colborne · Lake Erie · Eastern basin
Fee:Fee Daily and seasonal rates
Ramp:Double-lane concrete ramp — deep-water capable, handles larger boats
Parking:Sugarloaf Marina lot — good trailer access
Access:Seasonal. Protected harbour — best launch in the eastern Lake Erie Ontario basin
Phone:905-834-8171
Notes:Excellent walleye and yellow perch fishing. Lake Erie's eastern basin close to the US border — carry ID, never anchor on US side without clearing customs.

Crystal Beach Boat Launch

Fort Erie · Lake Erie · Bay Beach
Fee:Free Informal access — no fee
Ramp:Small concrete ramp at Bay Beach Road — best for smaller trailered boats
Parking:Bay Beach Rd area, limited trailer parking
Access:Year-round when ice-free. Popular summer fishing launch for bass and perch
Notes:Calm in early morning before afternoon west winds build. Good perch fishing close to shore.

Central Lake Erie — Long Point & Norfolk County

Long Point is Ontario's premier walleye destination. The Long Point National Wildlife Area is one of Ontario's most ecologically significant areas.

Port Rowan Boat Launch

Port Rowan · Long Point Bay · Lake Erie
Fee:Fee Norfolk County launch fee
Ramp:Concrete ramp at Port Rowan Harbour — access to Long Point Bay
Parking:Harbour area — trailer parking available
Access:Seasonal. The bay inside Long Point is calmer than open Lake Erie — excellent walleye area
Notes:Long Point Bay is Ontario's most famous walleye fishery. Spring walleye run draws anglers from across Ontario and the US. Ontario fishing licence required.

Long Point Provincial Park Launch

Long Point · Lake Erie · Prov. Park
Fee:Prov. Park Ontario Parks permit required
Ramp:Ramp within Long Point Provincial Park on the peninsula
Access:Seasonal — Ontario Parks day-use permit required. Reserve at ontarioparks.com
Address:Long Point Provincial Park, Long Point
Notes:Long Point is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar wetland. Motorized access is restricted in certain areas to protect the marsh.

Western Lake Erie — Port Stanley & Erieau

The western Lake Erie basin — shallower and warmer, with the highest walleye density in Lake Erie.

Port Stanley Harbour Launch

Port Stanley · Lake Erie · Elgin County
Fee:Fee Central Elgin launch fee
Ramp:Well-maintained concrete ramp at Port Stanley Harbour Marina
Parking:Marina lot — trailer parking in designated area
Access:Seasonal. Protected harbour — best safe-haven on central Lake Erie Ontario shore
Notes:Port Stanley is one of the best-maintained recreational harbours on Lake Erie. Excellent walleye fishing 3-10 miles offshore in the western basin.

Erieau Harbour Launch

Chatham-Kent · Lake Erie · Rondeau Bay access
Fee:Fee Chatham-Kent municipal fee
Ramp:Concrete ramp at Erieau Harbour — access to both Lake Erie and Rondeau Bay
Parking:Harbour area — trailer parking available
Notes:Rondeau Bay (behind the bar) is protected and excellent for bass and pike. Open Lake Erie offers walleye in the western basin.

Lake Erie Anglers — PCL Decals Required

Lake Erie is patrolled by Canadian Coast Guard and OPP Marine Unit. Every motorized pleasure craft must display PCL numbers on both sides of the bow — minimum 75 mm (3") tall, block letters, contrasting colour. US Coast Guard also enforces these rules in international waters. Premium marine vinyl decals, UV-rated, 5-year outdoor guarantee.

Transport Canada SOR/2010-91 · Last Verified March 2026
Order Compliant
Decals →

Frequently Asked Questions — Lake Erie Boating

What is Lake Erie known for fishing in Ontario?
Lake Erie is Ontario's premier walleye (pickerel) fishery — the largest walleye population of any lake in the world. Yellow perch, white perch, smallmouth bass, and white bass are also excellent. The spring walleye run (April-May) in Long Point Bay is world-famous. Ontario fishing licence required; check MNRF regulation summary for Lake Erie specific limits.
Is Lake Erie dangerous for boating?
Lake Erie can be very dangerous due to its shallow depth (average 19m) which causes steep, choppy waves in wind. Southwest winds in the afternoon are the most hazardous. The western basin (near Windsor/Toledo) is particularly shallow. Always monitor VHF Ch. 16 and Environment Canada Marine Forecast. A 20-knot wind can create 2-metre waves within an hour.