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Lake Ontario Boat Ramps — Toronto to Kingston

Lake Ontario's Ontario north shore stretches from the Niagara River east to Kingston and the St. Lawrence. The GTA waterfront alone has over 20 public and semi-public launch points. Here is the full 2026 guide, west to east.

⚠️ Before You Launch on Lake Ontario

Every motorized boat must display its Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) number on both sides of the bow — minimum 75 mm (3 inches) tall, block letters, contrasting colour. Get compliant vinyl decals →

Launch Sites — Western Lake Ontario to Kingston

Public boat ramps along Lake Ontario's north shore, organized west to east. Fees and hours change seasonally — verify with local authorities.

🌊 Niagara / Hamilton Shore

Port Weller · Hamilton Harbour · Bronte
Port Weller Harbour Launch — St. Catharines
Fee St. Catharines · Lake Ontario · Concrete ramp
Hamilton Harbour Launch (Pier 4)
Fee Hamilton · Hamilton Harbour · City managed
Confederation Park Launch
Free Hamilton · Lake Ontario access · Year-round
Bronte Harbour Launch — Oakville
Fee Oakville · Lake Ontario · Double-wide ramp

🌆 GTA — Mississauga / Toronto

Port Credit · Mimico · Etobicoke
Port Credit Harbour Launch
Fee Mississauga · Lake Ontario · Well maintained, busy summer weekends
Humber Bay Park East Launch
Fee Toronto · Lake Ontario · City of Toronto managed
Marie Curtis Park Launch
Free Etobicoke · Etobicoke Creek / Lake Ontario
Sunnyside Boat Launch
Fee Toronto · Lake Ontario · West end of waterfront

🏙️ Durham Region

Ajax · Whitby · Oshawa · Pickering
Frenchman's Bay Launch — Pickering
Free Pickering · Lake Ontario · Popular bass and salmon fishing
Ajax Rotary Park Boat Launch
Free Ajax · Lake Ontario · Well-maintained municipal ramp
Whitby Harbour Launch
Fee Whitby · Lake Ontario · Durham Region marina
Oshawa Second Marsh Launch
Free Oshawa · Lake Ontario · Canoe/kayak focus

🏛️ Northumberland / Cobourg

Cobourg · Port Hope · Presqu'ile
Cobourg Harbour Boat Launch
Fee Cobourg · Lake Ontario · Full-service marina adjacent
Port Hope Harbour Launch
Fee Port Hope · Lake Ontario · Good access for trailered boats
Presqu'ile Provincial Park Launch
Prov. Park Brighton · Lake Ontario · Park day permit required

⚓ Bay of Quinte / Belleville

Trenton · Belleville · Prince Edward County
Trenton Waterfront Launch
Free Trenton · Bay of Quinte / Lake Ontario access
Belleville Waterfront Boat Launch
Fee Belleville · Bay of Quinte · City of Belleville facility
Sandbanks Provincial Park Launch
Prov. Park Prince Edward County · Lake Ontario · Day pass required

🗺️ Kingston / Thousand Islands

Kingston · Bath · Gananoque
Confederation Basin Launch — Kingston
Fee Kingston · Lake Ontario / St. Lawrence · City managed
Rotary Park Launch (Cataraqui River)
Free Kingston · Cataraqui River / Rideau system entry
Bath Boat Launch
Free Bath · Lake Ontario · Quieter option west of Kingston
Gananoque Boat Ramp
Fee Gananoque · St. Lawrence / Thousand Islands

⚠️ Boat Registration Numbers — Required on Lake Ontario

Ontario Conservation Officers patrol Lake Ontario's north shore regularly. Your PCL number must appear on both sides of the bow in block letters, minimum 75 mm (3 inches) tall, contrasting colour to the hull. Faded or undersized numbers result in on-water citations. Pre-cut vinyl decals from Compliance Lettering are rated for 5–7 years of marine UV exposure.

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

Frequently Asked Questions — Lake Ontario

Where are the best boat launches near Toronto on Lake Ontario?
The best public boat launches near Toronto on Lake Ontario include: Port Credit Harbour in Mississauga (fee, well-maintained), Bronte Harbour in Oakville (fee, double-wide ramp), Ajax Waterfront (free, Rotary Park), Frenchman's Bay in Pickering (free), and Whitby Harbour (fee). The Toronto waterfront itself has limited public launch access — most Toronto boaters use Port Credit or Bronte.
Is there a boat launch at Kingston, Ontario?
Yes. Kingston has several public launch options including the Confederation Basin launch managed by the City of Kingston, the Rotary Park Boat Launch on the Cataraqui River, and Bath Boat Launch further west. Kingston is also the gateway to the Thousand Islands section of the St. Lawrence River and is a popular base for Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence boating.
What are Lake Ontario boating conditions like?
Lake Ontario is deep and cold. Water temperatures remain low even in summer, increasing hypothermia risk. Conditions can deteriorate quickly with southwest or northwest winds — seas of 2 metres or more are possible within hours. Always wear a lifejacket, carry a VHF radio, and file a float plan. Check Environment Canada Marine Forecast for Lake Ontario before departing.
Can I fish for salmon on Lake Ontario near Toronto?
Yes. Lake Ontario has an active Chinook and Coho salmon fishery, particularly in the fall run. Popular salmon fishing areas near Toronto include the Toronto harbour mouth, Credit River mouth (Port Credit), Humber River mouth, and Oshawa harbour. A valid Ontario Sport Fishing Licence is required. Check Ontario MNRF for current limits and closures.