The Best Boat Rentals Near Collingwood

Most smaller powerboats and pontoons around Collingwood typically run about CA$150–CA$350 per hour, while larger cruisers and yachts with a captain often range from roughly CA$300–CA$700+ per hour. Half-day outings commonly land between CA$600–CA$1,200, and full-day private charters often span CA$1,200–CA$2,500 or more depending on boat size, captain fees, fuel use, and peak dates. Your booking almost always includes required safety gear and basic orientation; fuel, taxes, and gratuity may be additional. On Getmyboat, you can filter by price, duration, and whether a captain is included so there are no surprises at checkout.

You’ll find an easy mix for groups and occasions: comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, sporty bowriders and wake boats for swimming and towing inflatables, classic sailboats for a breezy afternoon on Georgian Bay, and mid‑size cabin cruisers or small yachts for birthdays and bachelorettes. Many listings are captained; some are self‑operate if you’re qualified.

If you want a stress‑free day where a local expert handles docking, routing, and weather calls, go captained. If you prefer to operate yourself, Canadian law requires proof of competency to run a motorized vessel. That can be a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), or for short‑term rentals a completed Rental Boat Safety Checklist issued by the operator for the duration of your rental. Visitors can use equivalent credentials from their home country. If you’re new to the bay’s shoals and changing winds, a captain is the easy choice.

Common meet‑ups include the public launch at the Collingwood Harbour/Harbourlands area on Heritage Drive near the Collingwood Terminals, Living Water Marina/Southwinds Marine on Harbour Street East right in Collingwood Harbour, Thornbury Harbour in The Blue Mountains about 15 minutes west, and the Wasaga Beach Provincial Park boat launches (Beach Area 1 and by Nancy Island) to the east. Your captain or owner will confirm the exact dock and parking details after you book.

This coastline is classic South Georgian Bay: the white‑columned Collingwood Terminals anchoring the skyline, long views of the Blue Mountain slopes along the UNESCO‑recognized Niagara Escarpment, the historic Nottawasaga Island Lighthouse off the harbour entrance, and wide, sandy Wasaga Beach curving along Nottawasaga Bay. Expect clear, often turquoise‑hued water on calm days and spectacular sunsets over the escarpment.

To operate a motorized boat yourself, you need proof of competency in Canada. The simplest form is a PCOC, valid for life nationwide. For short‑term rentals, many operators can legally brief you and co‑sign a Rental Boat Safety Checklist that serves as your proof for that rental period. International visitors can use an equivalent credential from their home state or country. If you book a captained experience, no licence is required for guests.

Yes. Families are welcome on most boats. By law, there must be a properly sized lifejacket or PFD on board for every person, including infants and children, and reputable operators carry a range of sizes. Tell the owner your group’s ages and approximate weights during booking so they can set aside the right gear. Supervision on deck is still essential, and many captains recommend kids wear their lifejackets at all times.

Most captains and owners allow you to bring snacks, picnic lunches, and non‑alcoholic beverages, and many boats have coolers or small galleys. Alcohol policies follow Ontario rules and captain discretion: on most small day boats, open alcohol isn’t permitted while underway. On larger vessels that have permanent cooking, sleeping, and toilet facilities, open alcohol may be allowed when the boat is docked or at anchor. If you want a celebratory toast, choose a suitable vessel and confirm the plan with your captain in advance.

Quite a few local boats are dog‑friendly, especially pontoons. Policies vary by owner, and a pet cleaning deposit may apply. Let the captain know your dog’s size and temperament, bring a non‑slip mat and water bowl, and consider a well‑fitted canine lifejacket for your pup.

Georgian Bay can change quickly with wind shifts and build open‑water waves on short notice. Captains monitor marine forecasts closely and will recommend rescheduling or safe alternate routes if conditions deteriorate. Each Getmyboat listing spells out its cancellation policy; when weather makes it unsafe, most owners will offer a new date or a fair remedy defined in their policy. If your trip date is firm, consider booking a morning slot, which is often calmer in summer.

Absolutely. Many Collingwood charters are set up for group celebrations with Bluetooth speakers, easy swim access, and comfortable seating. Share your headcount, preferred vibe (relaxed cruise or swim‑stop party), and any décor or cake plans when you inquire. Captains can suggest scenic routes for photos—like looping past the Terminals and out toward the lighthouse—and will advise on footwear, coolers, and music volume to keep things safe and considerate.

Peak season runs June through early September, with the warmest air and water in July and August. Weekdays and morning departures are calmer and easier for parking; late‑day cruises are fantastic for sunset. Holiday weekends sell out early: Victoria Day (Monday, May 19, 2025), Canada Day (Tuesday, July 1, 2025), the August Civic Holiday (Monday, August 4, 2025), and Labour Day (Monday, September 1, 2025). Collingwood’s Sidelaunch Days festival (August 8–10, 2025) brings extra waterfront activity and demand. U.S. long weekends like Memorial Day (Monday, May 26, 2025) and July 4th week can also add visitor traffic. If you want prime times on those dates, book well in advance.

For a classic intro, depart Collingwood Harbour, idle past the Terminals for photos, then steer northwest toward Nottawasaga Island to see the historic lighthouse before turning east for a swim stop in a lee with good protection, weather permitting. Another favourite is a shoreline cruise toward Sunset Point and along Nottawasaga Bay to admire the escarpment views and Wasaga’s broad beach. Your captain will tailor the route to wind direction, wave height, and your group’s preferences.

Yes. The Nottawasaga Island Lighthouse sits a short run offshore from the harbour, making it a popular 1.5–3 hour outing combined with a scenic loop and a quick swim stop on calm days. It’s an iconic local landmark and a great backdrop for photos—your captain will advise how close you can safely approach based on shoals and conditions.