The 10 Best Boating Cities in Canada for 2025
Stunning coastlines, picturesque lakes, and winding rivers… Canada is a boater’s paradise. It offers endless opportunities for adventure, whether you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of bustling cities or the tranquil allure of Cottage Country. The only question is: where should you go? For that, we’ve prepared a list of the 10 best boating cities and towns in Canada.
From destinations where you can experience the thrill of the open ocean to waterfront towns perfect for relaxing with your family, we’ll lead you on a journey through different regions of the Great White North, showcasing the country’s best boating spots. So if you’re looking for some inspiration for this year’s getaway, let’s set sail and explore these places together!
Montreal, Quebec
Situated at the confluence of the Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers, which branch around the city, Montreal is essentially an island. And it’s this unique geography that has earned it a spot among the best boating cities in Canada. Surrounded by water, “MTL” offers an exciting variety of boating opportunities to suit every interest.
Take a leisurely cruise along the St. Lawrence River, go kayaking in the calm canals, or get your adrenaline pumping while rafting down the Lachine Rapids. For longer journeys along local rivers, there are entire houseboats that you can rent. Even the fishing is good, in case you’re wondering if you should bring your gear along!
As for Montreal itself, it’s a diverse, lively city, with a rich history and culture. Explore artsy neighbourhoods such as Mile End or Plateau Mont-Royal – and make sure to grab a bite along the way. With a strong French influence, Montreal has a fantastic food scene.
The best time to visit the city if you’d like to enjoy the local waters is between spring and fall. The summers here are fairly warm, making the weather ideal for outdoor activities.
Saint John, New Brunswick
The only city on the Bay of Fundy, Saint John mixes historic charm with modern, urban appeal. It’s the oldest incorporated city in Canada, with a rich culture, strong community, and plenty of maritime hospitality. Boasting a striking waterfront looking out to the bay, Saint John is also an excellent destination to hit the waters.
The best season to visit Saint John if you’d like to hop on a boat is between May and September. It’s when the weather is most pleasant and the days are longest. In summer, you’ll often spot harbour seals sunbathing along the bay shore, as well as porpoises swimming about.
Another option is to cruise up the St. John and Kennebecasis Rivers and see the city from the water. Saint John is home to the Reversing Falls, a phenomenon where the river’s flow reverses under the influence of the strong incoming tide. There’s a bridge overlooking the rapids, serving as a vantage point to observe the changing currents.
On the outskirts of Saint John, you can visit Irving Nature Park, a shoreline retreat featuring lengthy trails, forests, and beaches. In the city itself, you’ll find a great brewery scene, beautiful old architecture, and numerous museums and other cultural venues. For shopping and food, we recommend heading to the Saint John City Market. Saint John is famous for fresh seafood, so make sure to give it a try!
Ottawa, Ontario
With towering buildings resembling castles visible from Ottawa’s namesake river, sailing through the city’s waters is a unique experience. From a distance, it’ll almost feel like you’re in medieval Europe – or at least a less kitschy Disneyland. We joke, but Ottawa has some of the most beautiful architecture in the country, and the view from the river is truly breathtaking.
That vista alone has earned Ottawa a spot on our list of the best boating cities in Canada. But there are actually two ways to enjoy it. We’ve already mentioned cruising along the Ottawa River. The other option is to tour the Rideau Canal. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which will give you a more urban, but equally magical perspective of Ottawa’s landmarks.
Like elsewhere around Canada, late spring to early fall is the peak time to visit the capital if you’d like to sail along its waters. But even though we’re all about boating, Ottawa is worth visiting even when it’s winter. We say this because the local waters, such as the aforementioned Rideau Canal, freeze over, turning into gorgeous ice skating rinks that’ll have you feeling like you’re in a live-action retelling of Frozen.
In contrast to some of its architecture, Ottawa has an urban, big-city vibe. With that, you’ll find no shortage of places to visit, whether you’re looking for good food, artsy venues, nightlife, or simply want to enjoy the outdoors. Even though it’s sometimes overlooked for the more “hip” Toronto, Ottawa is a hidden gem for vacationers.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Often praised as the most beautiful town in Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake enchants visitors with its old-world charm and vivid waterside scenery. Its 19th-century storefronts and quaint inns evoke a sense of travelling back in time. Meanwhile, sailing on the town’s waters provides the kind of views you’d usually find on a postcard.
From “NOTL,” as the locals call it, you can cruise either Lake Ontario or the Niagara River. The Great Lake offers an expansive view of the horizon and the vineyard-covered hillsides. Conversely, gliding on the Niagara River makes for a cozier, more intimate journey.
The iconic Horseshoe Falls lie 20 minutes from Niagara-on-the-Lake, so you’ll have an easy time getting to the famous landmark. Also, both Lake Ontario and the Niagara River are excellent places to cast your line, with delicious fish waiting to be caught. So whether you’re looking for a peaceful boat tour or a day of exciting fishing, you’ll find it here.
Despite its size, there’s plenty going on in NOTL. There are over 30 wineries close to town, where you can walk the orchards and taste some award-winning products. The town itself is home to different boutiques, as well as beautiful parks and beaches. And if you get the big city itch, St. Catharines is just a short drive west.
Leamington, Ontario
Perched on the shores of Lake Erie, Leamington mixes natural beauty and waterfront charm, making it a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and boaters alike. Known as the “Tomato Capital of Canada,” this town boasts more than just fertile farmland – it’s a gateway to some of the most scenic waters in the country.
While it’s technically not a city, Leamington earns its place among Canada’s best boating destinations thanks to its proximity to Point Pelee National Park and the nearby islands of Lake Erie. Sailing here, with the shimmering lake framed by distant islands, feels as if you’ve entered a hidden sanctuary. You can even disembark at some of the islands and explore them on foot!
This part of Canada is perfect for boating from spring all the way to early fall. However, with beaches on the mainland and on Pelee Island, visiting during the summer when it’s nice and warm is really the best. Not to mention that the waters are also excellent for casting a line.
Back on land, there are different trails to walk that’ll put you in some absolutely gorgeous surroundings. Pelee National Park is a standout destination, with weaving pathways through forests, wetlands, and sandy beaches. In Leamington itself, as well as nearby Kingsville, you’ll find all the standard amenities: restaurants, shops, and similar things you might need during your stay.
Collingwood, Ontario
With Georgian Bay sprawling from its shores and the Blue Mountains providing a majestic backdrop, Collingwood is a Cottage Country town that features breathtaking scenery. It’s known for its blend of old architecture and modern amenities, as well as year-round outdoor activities.
Collingwood has earned its spot as a top Canadian boating destination thanks to its prime location and stunning surroundings. Exploring Georgian Bay by boat offers incredible views of rocky cliffs, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear waters perfect for a day on the waves. Whether you’re kayaking the coastal shallows or boating out toward the iconic Niagara escarpments, the journey is as beautiful as the destination.
Summers are warm in Collingwood, making it the best time to sail the local waterways. But although boating is off the table in winter, we should mention that this town has some of the best skiing in Ontario, so visiting during the cold season is well worth it. The ski trails are located in the nearby Blue Mountain village.
Back in Collingwood, you’ll find beautiful red-brick facades and restored shipyard buildings, giving you a glimpse of the town’s maritime history. And while it’s first and foremost a destination for the outdoorsy types, there are plenty of places to check out downtown. Upscale restaurants, different shops, breweries… You’ll find them all in Collingwood.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Set along the rugged shores of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay is a city with a deep connection to nature. Dramatic landscapes of towering cliffs, sprawling forests, and the vast expanse of the largest freshwater lake in the world make it a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Likewise, boating in Thunder Bay is an experience like no other. The Sleeping Giant – a striking natural rock formation – dominates the horizon, adding a sense of otherworldliness to already spectacular scenery. And with different coves, islands, and protected bays to explore, every turn along these waters reveals something extraordinary.
Kayaking, canoeing, cruising, and fishing – Thunder Bay is the perfect place for all of these activities. You’ll find large fleets of charter boats across the city’s marinas, with seasoned guides ready to turn your vacation into an adventure you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Of course, there’s plenty to see on land, too. Sandy beaches, winding trails, old trading fur posts, and indigenous heritage sites all contribute to the beauty of the region. If you’re looking for recommendations on where to go, consider visiting Kakabeka Falls, Quetico Provincial Park, or the Cascades Conservation Area. Meanwhile, back in town, you’ll find a great food scene, interesting museums, and diverse cultural centers you can tour.
Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton is a city that’s all about celebrating its culture. It hosts over 50 festivals each year, dedicated to performance arts, folk music, city history, and more. Of course, the outdoors around Edmonton is an important part of its livelihood as well. And this includes the North Saskatchewan River, as well as numerous surrounding lakes which you can explore on a boat.
The river flows through the very center of the city, giving touring boaters a unique perspective of Edmonton. The riverbanks are lined with parklands, trails, and trees, while the urban skyline rises above the lush valley. When the conditions are right, you can even navigate the North Saskatchewan aboard a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe, which makes for an even more intimate experience.
Meanwhile, places such as Lac Ste. Anne, Wabamun Lake, Long Lake, and Pigeon Lake, are all excellent alternatives if you want to head outside of the city and spend a day boating or fishing. All of these are reachable on a day trip from Edmonton.
Back in the city, make sure to pay a visit to Old Strathcona, a historic neighbourhood and a hub for boutique shopping, theatres, and nightlife. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the culture of the region, the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Royal Alberta Museum are great places to start.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Framed by snow-capped mountain peaks and the picturesque Strait of Georgia, picking Vancouver for our list of best boating cities in Canada was an easy decision. It boasts the kind of sights you’d struggle to find elsewhere around the world. And hopping on a boat will put you in the perfect position to witness the breathtaking surroundings of this city.
As you explore the strait, the coastal landscape will shift from urban scenery to deep fjords, rugged cliffs, golden beaches, waterfalls, and dense forests, all of which will dazzle you. The region is also rich with wildlife and you’ll get the chance to see eagles soaring overhead, seals basking on rocks, whales breaching, and dolphins playing.
To add to all this, Vancouver is a world-class destination for fishing. Its waters are abundant with salmon, rivalling even places such as Alaska. Even if you’re otherwise not too into angling, try it here and you’re just about guaranteed to fall in love.
Vancouver is a foodie city – even the late, great Anthony Bourdain praised it for its scene. In particular, you’ll find numerous Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Thai restaurants, owing to the large Asian population in the city. Other than grabbing a bite, we’d recommend visiting Stanley Park, the beaches, and the Museum of Anthropology.
Victoria, British Columbia
We finish our list in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia and one of the province’s most beautiful cities. It’s located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, on calm waters that provide the perfect setting for adventure. Between the coastal islands and the Salish Sea, there’s lots to explore and plenty of exciting things to see.
From April to October, you’ll be able to comfortably sail the local waterways and get a view of the amazing sea life surrounding Victoria. You’ll often spot different types of whales, birds, porpoises, and more. Popular tours include venturing out to the Gulf Islands, Oak Bay, or riding along “The Gorge,” a narrow inlet that passes by the city’s downtown.
The coastal bays and coves are also great for kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing, since they’re sheltered from the ocean swell. As in Vancouver, this part of British Columbia offers fantastic fishing, with delicious salmon being the main draw.
For a glimpse into the history of the province, head to the Royal BC Museum, which houses vast collections of natural, indigenous, and modern artifacts. For souvenirs and shopping, Government Street is where you’ll find a variety of boutiques, eateries, coffee shops, and more. All in all, between the natural beauty and Victoria’s city charm, it’s the perfect destination to vacation in.
Canada: A World-Class Boating Destination
Since there are so many places in Canada that are perfect for boating, narrowing down the list to only the 10 best cities and towns was no easy task. But we feel confident that you’ll enjoy each and every destination we’ve chosen. They’re all unique and possess their own appeal, but what they share in common is that they all lie on gorgeous waters. The only thing that’s left to do is find a guide to take you on the boating adventure of a lifetime!
How did you enjoy our list of the best boating cities in Canada? Is there a place you think deserves a spot on the list? Let us know in the comments below!
