The Best Boat Rentals in Innisfil

Expect most motorboat rentals and small captained charters to run roughly $90–$180 USD per hour on Getmyboat, with some premium options higher in peak season. Full-day pontoon rentals around Lake Simcoe commonly range about $350–$800 CAD plus fuel and tax, depending on size, season, and pickup point. Your total will reflect captain fees (if applicable), fuel, and any cleaning or damage deposits disclosed in the listing. (getmyboat.com, cooksbaymarina.com, lswr.ca)

You’ll find comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, bowriders and sport boats for tubing or wake-centric days, fishing boats and guided fishing charters, and a handful of small yachts suited to celebrations. Availability and capacity vary by date, so browse listings to match your group size and plans.

Both are available. If you prefer a hands-off day, choose a captained trip and your skipper handles the route and docking. For self-operated rentals, Canada requires “proof of competency,” which can be a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or a Transport Canada Rental Boat Safety Checklist that you complete with the owner for the duration of your rental. Pick the option that best fits your comfort level and group. (laws.justice.gc.ca, myboatcard.com)

Common launch points include the public boat launch at Innisfil Beach Park (two lanes, with seasonal docks typically in from May to late October), Friday Harbour Marina at Big Bay Point (visitor docking by the hour, great for a mid-cruise coffee or meal), and resort-style Lefroy Harbour with nearby Kon Tiki Marine in Gilford on Cook’s Bay. Some captains also arrange pickups at the Barrie Marina on Kempenfelt Bay for routes focused on the Barrie waterfront. Confirm the exact meeting spot in your Getmyboat messages before your day. (innisfil.ca, fridayharbour.com, lefroyharbour.com, tourismbarrie.com)

From Innisfil you can idle along Cook’s Bay and past Big Bay Point, cruise the Friday Harbour boardwalk, and head north into Kempenfelt Bay for views of Barrie’s skyline and the landmark Spirit Catcher sculpture on the waterfront. To the east, Sibbald Point’s long sandy shoreline is a popular swim and picnic area, and continuing around you’ll glimpse Georgina Island, home of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation—please respect local waters and shoreline. Your captain can shape the route to your timeframe and conditions. (barrie.ca, tourismbarrie.com, dev.ontarioparks.ca, en.wikipedia.org)

If you’re booking a captained charter, no license is required. If you’ll be the operator, Canadian law requires proof of competency: either a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or a completed Rental Boat Safety Checklist with the rental provider that is valid for the rental period. Bring government ID and carry your proof onboard.

Families are welcome on most listings. Boats must carry a properly sized, approved lifejacket or PFD for every person onboard, and owners typically provide child sizes if requested in advance. For the smoothest day, share ages and approximate weights of children when you inquire so the captain brings the right gear.

Most hosts are fine with you bringing snacks, water, and non-alcoholic drinks (many prefer no glass). Ontario’s alcohol rules are strict on boats: open alcohol is only allowed for passengers when the boat is anchored or docked and has permanent toilet, cooking, and sleeping facilities; otherwise, alcohol must remain sealed and stowed, and operators must stay sober. When in doubt, ask your captain and plan any celebratory toasts for when you’re anchored on an eligible vessel or back at the dock.

Pet policies vary by owner, but many boats allow small, well-behaved dogs with prior approval and a cleaning fee. If your pup needs a run before or after, Innisfil Beach Park includes a designated off-leash dog area with water access along Lake Simcoe.

Lake Simcoe’s conditions can change quickly, and your captain will make the final call for safety. In practice, most hosts reschedule or cancel if conditions are unsafe. Plan to be flexible and keep an eye on the forecast; morning outings are often calmer.

Absolutely—Lake Simcoe is popular for celebrations. Captained pontoons and small yachts make coordination simple, with easy pickup at Friday Harbour, Innisfil Beach Park, or Barrie Marina depending on your route. Share your headcount and any special requests early so the owner can recommend the right boat and timing. (getmyboat.com, fridayharbour.com, innisfil.ca, tourismbarrie.com)

Peak boating runs June through September, with seasonal docks at Innisfil Beach Park typically available from May to late October. The busiest weekends align with Canadian holidays—Victoria Day in late May, Canada Day (July 1), the Civic Holiday (first Monday in August), and Labour Day—plus Barrie’s Kempenfest over the August long weekend, when the city even closes the Tiffin Boat Launch. Weekdays and mornings usually mean calmer water and easier parking, while weekend afternoons book up fastest; if you’re coordinating around U.S. Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day weekends, secure your boat early. (innisfil.ca, barrie.ca)

Favorite options include a lunch stop at Friday Harbour using hourly visitor docking, a sunset cruise into Kempenfelt Bay to see the Spirit Catcher and Barrie waterfront, or a swim-and-relax run along the sandy shoreline by Sibbald Point before you meander back. Ask your captain to tailor the loop to wind and chop on the day. (fridayharbour.com, tourismbarrie.com, dev.ontarioparks.ca)