The Best Boat Rentals Near Barrie

Most standard pontoons and bowriders on Lake Simcoe start around $125–$200 CAD per hour, with nicer or larger options running $200–$300 CAD per hour. Wake and surf boats are usually $200–$350 CAD per hour, while small cruisers and yachts can range from $300–$800 CAD per hour depending on size and crew. Half-day outings commonly land between $600–$1,200 CAD and full days between $1,000–$2,000+ CAD. Rates usually include safety gear and basic onboard amenities; captained charters include the skipper’s time, while fuel, taxes, and platform fees may be additional or charged after your trip based on actual use. Always check the listing for what’s included, fuel policies, and any security deposit.

You’ll find a good mix suited to Kempenfelt Bay and broader Lake Simcoe: comfortable pontoons for social cruising, sporty bowriders for sightseeing and swimming stops, wake and surf boats for on-water fun, classic sailboats when the breeze is up, and cabin cruisers or small yachts for celebrations and longer lake runs. Fishing-friendly powerboats are also common if your group wants to wet a line between stops.

If you want a stress-free day—especially with a group—choose a captained charter. Your skipper handles navigation, anchoring, and docking, recommends scenic routes, and keeps an eye on weather so you can focus on the celebration. Confident boaters who know local rules may prefer a self-operated rental; just make sure you meet Ontario competency requirements, are comfortable with Lake Simcoe’s conditions, and review the rental’s safety checklist and area guidelines before departure.

The most common pickup is Barrie Marina on Lakeshore Drive, right on the downtown waterfront. Many trips also meet at the Minet’s Point Park boat launch on the south shore of the bay. Depending on the operator and water levels, pickups may be arranged at the Tiffin Street boat launch or near the Southshore Community Centre docks. Your exact meeting point will be confirmed in your Getmyboat messages after booking.

Expect sweeping views of Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie’s skyline and Centennial Park, and the famous Spirit Catcher sculpture along the waterfront. On calm days, your captain may cruise past Johnson’s Beach and out toward Big Bay Point for clear-water swimming spots, with the option to continue along Lake Simcoe’s shoreline toward Friday Harbour if time and conditions allow. Sunsets over Barrie are especially beautiful on the ride back into the bay.

To operate a motorized pleasure craft yourself in Ontario, you generally need proof of competency such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). Many visitors and occasional operators renting for a short period complete a Rental Boat Safety Checklist provided by the operator as an approved alternative for the specific vessel and dates. If you choose a captained charter, no license is required because the captain operates the boat.

Yes, families are welcome. Boats carry Transport Canada–approved lifejackets for all passengers, and captains provide a safety briefing before departure. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, let the owner know your child’s weight and age in advance so the right sizes are available; some operators may ask you to bring a properly fitted infant PFD. Children should wear a lifejacket any time the boat is underway or at the captain’s discretion.

Most charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and non-alcoholic beverages, and many have space for a small cooler. Policies on alcohol vary and must follow Ontario law; open alcohol is generally not permitted while underway and is typically limited to when the boat is anchored or docked, at the captain’s discretion. Avoid glass, secure spill-prone items, and ask the owner about ice, utensils, and catering recommendations if you want everything ready when you arrive.

Pet policies are set by each owner. Many boats welcome small, well-behaved dogs with advance notice, and some may charge a cleaning fee or require a blanket to protect seats. For your pet’s comfort and safety, bring water, a leash, and consider a canine lifejacket if your dog isn’t a strong swimmer. Tell the owner about pets in your booking request so the boat and itinerary can be planned accordingly.

Captains monitor forecasts closely and will recommend adjusting start times, routing to more sheltered areas, or rescheduling if conditions are unsafe. Lake Simcoe can build short, choppy waves when the wind picks up, so morning departures are often calmer. If the operator cancels for safety, you’ll typically be offered a new time or a refund per the booking’s cancellation policy. Pack layers or light jackets—temperatures on the water are often cooler than on shore.

Absolutely. Pontoons, wake boats, and small cruisers are popular for celebrations of 6–12 guests, with larger yachts available for bigger groups. You can usually bring decorations, a playlist, and a cake; just confirm tape or balloon rules with the owner. Share your headcount, preferred vibe (relaxed cruise or high-energy swim stops), and any must-see spots when you inquire so your captain can suggest the best boat and itinerary.

Peak boating season on Lake Simcoe runs from late June through early September, with the warmest water and most reliable sunshine in July and August. The May long weekend (Victoria Day), Canada Day on July 1, the Civic Holiday in early August, and Labour Day in early September are especially popular, and the waterfront gets busy during Kempenfest in early August. For smoother water and easier parking, choose weekdays or early morning departures; golden-hour cruises near sunset are gorgeous but book up fast in midsummer.

Yes, many charters will plan a Barrie-to–Friday Harbour run along the south shore, typically taking about 45–90 minutes each way depending on the boat and lake conditions. Your captain can also recommend swim coves near Big Bay Point or scenic shoreline cruises toward Oro-Medonte. Travel times are weather-dependent and some destinations may have docking fees or limited transient space, so confirm plans with your captain in advance.