With over 8.6 million registered boats, Canada is second only to the United States in the number of vessels. Boating is a beloved recreational activity in Canada, serving various interests, budgets, and locations. From stunning fishing trips on inland rivers in British Columbia and Alberta to enjoying both east and west coasts for whale watching and time on the ocean, to vast expanses of the Great Lakes like Lake Ontario, the size giving it a comparable feel to any ocean.
This report provides a detailed analysis of the top boating cities in Canada. It provides insight into the average costs and most popular vessel types, as well as the unique features of each location that make it a favorite spot for boating.
This report analyzes boat rental data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, to identify Canada's most popular boating cities. By examining the demand and number of completed rentals, we ranked the cities based on their frequency and included data regarding pricing, the most popular style of vessel, and information about the local boating culture.
To conduct this analysis, we collected proprietary boat rental data from Getmyboat listings and operators in Canada. The data included the number of boat rentals recorded in each city over a specified period, allowing us to quantify the popularity of boating destinations.
Average Hourly Rate: $259
Average Trip Price: $753
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
On the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto features a robust boating infrastructure with multiple marinas and yacht clubs along both the Centre Harbourfront and Toronto Harbour.
A short cruise from the main ports in the city will bring you to the Toronto Islands, offering sheltered waters for relaxed recreational boating. Here, many groups convene on their boats during the summer months and enjoy stunning views of the CN Tower and other skyscrapers of Toronto’s impressive skyline. Visit Cherry Beach, Tommy Thompson Park, or drop anchor and jump in for a swim. Lake Ontario is also popular for sailing, water sports, and many other on-water activities.
Average Hourly Rate: $295
Average Trip Price: $1,031
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
The largest city on Canada’s Pacific Coast, Vancouver is characterized by its favorable year-round climate and gorgeous surroundings, thanks to the North Shore Mountains that provide the backdrop for the city. Some highlights to see by boat here include False Creek, English Bay, and the Gulf Islands. Cruise from Coal Harbour past Stanley Park and under the iconic Lions Gate Bridge as you explore Vancouver on the water, or enjoy other vistas of the downtown skyline from your boat. Vancouver is also beloved for whale watching tours, deep sea fishing, and many other on-water activities.
Average Hourly Rate: $159
Average Trip Price: $490
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue is notable for its historic canal and lock system, situated at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the St. Lawrence River. It’s part of the greater Montreal area, located south of the city, and is a top spot for boating. The town has a charming waterfront with canals and lovely views worth enjoying on the water. It’s also typically much more affordable to rent a boat from here instead of in downtown Montreal, so the brief drive out of the city can be well worth it to save some money on a boat day.
Average Hourly Rate: $91
Average Trip Price: $493
Most Popular Style of Boat: Wake Boat
Kelowna is a prime boating location on Okanagan Lake's eastern shore due to its warm lake waters and the surrounding Okanagan Valley. This area is beloved for its vineyards and wineries, and stunning landscapes that surround the region. Okanagan Lake is particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts, reinforced by the fact the most popular style of boat to rent here are wake boats and bowriders, the ideal vessels for wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, and other fun activities. There are many waterfront restaurants on the lake, making Kelowna a prime location for a dock and dine experience too.
Average Hourly Rate: $73
Average Trip Price: $330
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoon
Georgina is located along the southeastern shore of Lake Simcoe, a lake that is loved for its clean, clear waters and fishing spots. It’s a short drive from the city of Toronto and provides the perfect weekend escape from the city. Some waterfront attractions to check out in Georgina include Jackson’s Point Harbour, Snake Island, and the Willow Beach Conservation area. Here, it’s popular to cruise on a pontoon and enjoy a summer day on the water with your friends and family.
Average Hourly Rate: $257
Average Trip Price: $709
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Mississauga's waterfront along Lake Ontario features several marinas and yacht clubs, offering direct access to the Toronto Islands and the larger Great Lakes system. The city's extensive waterfront parks and trails complement the boating experience, making it an attractive destination for boaters. Cruise from Lakefront Promenade Park and enjoy all the views of Toronto’s skyline while you cruise past Whimbrel Point.
Average Hourly Rate: $162
Average Trip Price: $656
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
At the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers, Montreal serves as a critical boating hub with access to the Lachine Canal and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The city's Old Port area, complete with the iconic Ferris Wheel, provides a charming backdrop for anyone cruising about the river. Cruise up to the nature preserve on Boucherville Islands National Park, and marvel at the brutalist architecture of the Le Village Olympique, a former Olympic Village converted into waterfront apartments.
Average Hourly Rate: $134
Average Trip Price: $323
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Etobicoke, part of the Greater Toronto Area, lies along Lake Ontario's northern shore. The district features multiple marinas and boat clubs, facilitating access to both the lake and the Humber River. Here, pontoons are the most popular vessel to rent, and you have equal access to the sights of downtown Toronto as well as Mississauga and the unique features of Etobicoke itself, like the Colonel Samuel Smith waterfront park and Humber Bay Park.
Average Hourly Rate:$73
Average Trip Price: $405
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Innisfil, on the western shore of Lake Simcoe, is known for its recreational boating and fishing opportunities. The town's marinas and boat launches provide easy access to the lake, complemented by local beaches and parks, including a waterfront dog park that supports family-friendly boating activities.
Average Hourly Rate: $198
Average Trip Price: $866
Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats
Richmond, located at the mouth of the Fraser River, offers diverse boating experiences ranging from river cruising to coastal exploration. Guided boat tours are popular here, where you can marvel at the beauty of the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands on an extended boating expedition. Enjoy stunning views of Vancouver Island, downtown Vancouver, and other highlights of this region of the Pacific Northwest.
This report has examined the top boating cities in Canada, highlighting the unique features, typical costs, and most popular vessel types to rent. Each location in Canada has a unique appeal for boaters, whether renters are seeking a day of adventure on the ocean or a calm day of cruising on a lake. Canada has some of the most stunning outdoor landscapes and mountain views; many of these top locations are best enjoyed on the water. While most destinations in Canada are best enjoyed in the summer months, there is a lot to enjoy during an autumn season boat cruise, and the milder climates of the coastal regions allow for a longer boating season.
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Launched in 2013 with the vision of making the joy of boating accessible to everyone, the company has since grown into the largest boat rental and charter marketplace globally, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations.
By giving a platform to both individual boat owners and professional charter businesses, Getmyboat makes the experience of getting out on the water more accessible to everyone — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon, and everything in between.
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