The Best Boat Rentals Near Hamilton

Most small powerboats and pontoons around Hamilton and the west end of Lake Ontario start around $100–$250 per hour, sailing charters often run $150–$350 per hour, and mid-size cruisers and yachts commonly range from about $200 up to $800+ per hour depending on size, date, and group count. Large party-style yachts for big celebrations can run $600–$1,200+ per hour in peak summer. Prices usually include basic safety gear and either a captain or an orientation for self-operated rentals; fuel, taxes, and gratuity may be extra. Expect common minimums of 2–4 hours, with discounts on weekday or multi-hour bookings.

You’ll find easygoing pontoons and bowriders for harbor cruising, classic sailboats for scenic sails on Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario, and a range of cabin cruisers and yachts for birthdays and bachelorette outings. Fishing-friendly powerboats and sightseeing tours are also available, with captained options if you prefer to relax while someone else drives.

Both options exist. If you want a carefree outing, book a captained charter. If you prefer to drive, Ontario requires proof of competency to operate a motorized boat. Many renters show a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), but if you’re renting short-term, completing a Transport Canada Rental Boat Safety Checklist with the owner can serve as proof for the rental period. Visitors may use equivalent proof from their home state or country. If you book with a captain, no license is needed.

Common meeting points include Harbour West Marina by Pier 7/8 along the Hamilton Waterfront, the public boat launch at Bayfront Park in the West Harbour, LaSalle Park Community Marina across the bay in Burlington, and Fifty Point Conservation Area Marina in Stoney Creek/Winona. Some trips also stage from Newport Yacht Club in Stoney Creek. Your exact pickup spot will be confirmed in your booking message thread the week of your trip.

Expect a mix of nature, history, and big-lake views. In Hamilton Harbour you can cruise past HMCS Haida at Pier 9, the working port and steel skyline, and the parks and promenades around Pier 4/8 and Bayfront Park. Heading toward Lake Ontario, you’ll pass the Beach Strip, the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge and the Burlington Bay Skyway. Turning east or west along the lakeshore brings views of Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park and Brant Street Pier, and on clear days you may even spot the Toronto skyline far across the lake. Wildlife is common near the Royal Botanical Gardens wetlands at the harbor’s western end—captains will keep a respectful distance from sensitive areas.

To operate a motorized boat yourself in Ontario, you must carry proof of competency on board. The most common is a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). If you’re renting short-term, a completed Rental Boat Safety Checklist issued by the rental owner can satisfy the requirement for the duration of the rental. International visitors can also use equivalent documents from their home jurisdiction. Captained trips require no license for guests.

Yes, most boats welcome families. Operators provide the required safety equipment, including one approved lifejacket or PFD per person. Let the owner know the ages and approximate weights of children so they can prepare properly sized gear; many captains prefer or require that kids wear their lifejackets while on deck. If you’re bringing an infant, ask about sizing in advance, as properly fitting flotation for babies under about 20 lb can be limited.

Most captains allow you to bring snacks, cakes, and non-alcoholic drinks, and many boats have coolers or fridges—confirm details in your booking. Alcohol rules follow Ontario law: open alcohol is generally only permitted on larger boats equipped with permanent cooking, sleeping, and toilet facilities, and only when the boat is docked or at anchor. If you’re operating the boat yourself, never drink and drive. Many marinas also prohibit barbecues on boats while in the slips, but provide picnic or BBQ areas ashore.

Some owners welcome well-behaved dogs, while others do not, so always check the listing. When pets are allowed, bring a leash, a small towel or mat to protect seating, and a water bowl; a canine PFD is a smart idea. Local marinas typically require pets to be leashed on the docks and in common areas, and some parks and waterfront events restrict pets during peak times.

Lake Ontario conditions can change quickly, especially on hot afternoons when the wind picks up. Captains continually monitor forecasts and may suggest rescheduling or adjusting routes for comfort. Each Getmyboat listing sets its own cancellation policy, and many owners will work with you to reschedule in case of unsafe conditions. If the water is deemed safe but the forecast isn’t perfect, standard cancellation terms usually still apply, so review the policy before you book and keep an eye on the forecast 24–48 hours out.

Absolutely. The protected harbor is ideal for relaxed cruises, photos at golden hour, and easy logistics from downtown. Many boats offer Bluetooth sound, comfortable seating, and space for desserts or decorations. For smooth planning, lock in your headcount early, choose a 3–4 hour window, and aim for a weekday or earlier start time on weekends to avoid the busiest marina traffic.

Peak boating season runs late May through early September, with the warmest lake and the longest days from late June to mid‑August. Local long weekends—Victoria Day in late May, Canada Day on July 1 (with fireworks over Bayfront Park), the Civic Holiday in early August, and Labour Day—book up early. Burlington’s waterfront Sound of Music Festival in mid‑June and Canada’s Largest Ribfest on Labour Day weekend also draw crowds to the shoreline. U.S. long weekends like Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day can add cross-lake traffic. You’ll find calmer water and better prices on weekdays, and mornings are typically smoother than late afternoons. In summer, reserve 3–6 weeks ahead for prime dates; shoulder-season trips in May and September are lovely and often easier to book.

Allow extra time for parking and wayfinding at the Hamilton Waterfront. Harbour West Marina (near Pier 7/8) is a frequent meeting spot for captained trips; Bayfront Park’s public launch is commonly used for trailerable boats. East of the harbor, Fifty Point Conservation Area Marina is popular for Lake Ontario cruises, while LaSalle Park Community Marina in Burlington is convenient for outings along the north shore. Weekend afternoons and event days can be busy; plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early so your group can board on time.

Two favorites are transiting the Burlington Canal to watch the Lift Bridge rise as you head out to open lake, and a harbor history loop past HMCS Haida and the waterfront parks. Sunset cruises to the Burlington Bay Skyway and along the Beach Strip are gorgeous, and on glassy days you can stretch along the lakeshore toward Burlington’s Brant Street Pier. Nature lovers often enjoy quiet loops near the west end of the harbor to spot herons, cormorants, and swans while keeping a respectful buffer from sensitive wetlands.