The Best Boat Rentals Near St. Catharines

On Getmyboat, most local powerboat tours and small cruisers around St Catharines run about $150–$250 per hour, private sailing and sunset cruises are often $250–$350 per hour, and larger yacht charters for parties commonly range from about $400–$700+ per hour. Half-day outings usually land in the $800–$2,000 range, while full-day yacht charters can be $1,500–$3,500+ depending on size, crew, and route. Prices generally include the boat, required safety gear, and either a captain or a thorough pre-departure briefing for self-operated rentals. Fuel for short, local cruising is sometimes included or billed at a flat or metered rate, and taxes, gratuity, cleaning, and any add-ons (water toys, extra cruising distance, docking elsewhere) are typically additional. Booking earlier in summer and for holiday weekends usually means higher demand and less flexibility on price.

You’ll find a good mix for Lake Ontario: comfortable bowriders and day-cruisers for swimming and shoreline hops, classic sailboats for relaxed wind-powered cruising, and roomy motor yachts that work well for birthdays and bachelorette groups. Fishing charters are available seasonally on nearby waters, and some owners offer sightseeing trips focused on the shoreline, lighthouse views, and sunsets off Port Dalhousie. If you’re unsure which hull fits your plan—family swim stops, a photo-friendly cruise, or a celebration—send your headcount and preferred trip length in your inquiry and the owner or captain will steer you to the right boat.

For self-operated powerboats in Canada, you need proof of competency. Most locals carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), but if you don’t have one, many St Catharines rentals can legally brief you with Transport Canada’s rental boat safety checklist so you’re covered for that booking. Visitors with a recognized home-state boater card may use it as their proof. If you’re unsure, choose a captained charter—then you won’t need to worry about licensing or docking at all.

Choose a captained trip if you want a stress-free outing, are planning a celebration, or don’t have recent Great Lakes boating experience. Captains handle routing, docking, weather calls, and safety so you can focus on your group. Self-operated rentals can be great for experienced boaters who want flexibility and a lower hourly rate, but expect a security deposit, a safety checklist or PCOC requirement, and limits on how far you can travel. For first-time visitors, captained is usually the easiest path to a smooth day.

Common meeting points include Port Dalhousie Pier Marina at 80 Lighthouse Road near Lakeside Park, St. Catharines Marina in Port Weller by the Welland Canal entrance, and the guest docks by Dalhousie Yacht Club along the Port Dalhousie harbour. Some owners may also arrange pick-ups at public docks by the piers when conditions allow. Your exact departure spot will be confirmed in your booking details—plan to arrive a little early to sort out parking and meet the crew on time.

Expect pretty runs past the Port Dalhousie range lights and piers, long views of Lakeside Park Beach, and, on clear days, distant glimpses of the Toronto skyline across Lake Ontario. Cruises east often trace the shoreline toward the mouth of the Niagara River, where you can spot historic Fort Niagara (NY) and Fort George (ON) from the lake. To the west, you’ll see vineyard-dotted bluffs and the Niagara Escarpment backing the coast. Ship-watching near the Port Weller entrance to the Welland Canal is also a highlight—your captain will keep safe distances from commercial traffic.

Yes—families are welcome on most charters. Every legal rental is equipped with required safety gear, including lifejackets; let the owner know your children’s ages and approximate weights so they can have the right sizes ready. Many captains ask that kids wear lifejackets while underway and that an adult stays within arm’s reach on deck. Pack sun protection, soft-soled shoes, and a light layer for the breeze on Lake Ontario.

Most boats allow you to bring snacks, picnic-style items, and non-alcoholic drinks, and many have coolers and Bluetooth speakers on board. If you’d like to bring alcohol, ask the owner about their policy and remember Ontario rules: open alcohol is generally only allowed when the boat has permanent kitchen, sleeping, and washroom facilities and is docked or at anchor; the operator must always be sober. To keep decks tidy and safe, avoid glass where possible and pack easy, no-mess foods.

Small, well-behaved dogs are often allowed with owner approval and may carry a cleaning fee. Let the captain know in advance, bring a towel and a leash for marina areas, and consider a pet PFD if your dog isn’t a confident swimmer. If anyone in your group has allergies, mention that in your inquiry so the owner can recommend a pet-free boat.

Lake Ontario can shift from calm to choppy quickly, especially on warm afternoons. Captains watch marine forecasts and will suggest earlier departures or wind-sheltered routes when needed. Weather-related refunds or reschedules follow the owner’s cancellation policy on Getmyboat; many owners are flexible if conditions are unsafe and will offer a new time or date. If your plans are firm, ask for the policy details before you pay so you know your options.

Yes—this shoreline is made for group celebrations. Share your guest count, preferred time window, and any must-haves (swim stop, sunset photos, cake, decorations). Captains can recommend the right vessel size, a calm route off Port Dalhousie, and simple add-ons like ice, extra coolers, or a photographer. For groups of 8–12, reserve early on summer weekends so you get the boat and time slot you want.

Peak season runs June through early September, with pleasant shoulder-season days in late May and late September if the forecast is friendly. In Canada, the busiest weekends are Victoria Day (late May), Canada Day (July 1), the Civic Holiday (early August), and Labour Day (early September). Locally, Port Dalhousie gets lively around the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in August and the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival events in September, which can tighten marina parking and boat availability. For smoother sailing, try weekday departures, start in the morning when the lake is typically calmer, and book sunsets a bit earlier in the season when daylight is long.

If you’re departing Port Dalhousie, allow time for parking near Lakeside Park or the Lighthouse Road lots by the piers, then walk to your dock meeting point. For St. Catharines Marina in Port Weller, follow the marina’s arrival instructions and check in at the office or fuel dock area if requested. Always read your Getmyboat message thread the day before—captains often share precise pin drops and last-minute notes about wind or construction so your group finds the boat without stress.