Renting a Boat on Lake St. Clair: What You Need to Know
The 8 best places to take your rental boat this summer for the perfect Southwestern Ontario getaway.
With arguably the Best Sport Lake in Ontario and bustling rivers, it’s no wonder that vacationers and locals alike flock to Lake St. Clair. Come explore Ontario’s Best Waterways!
As summer approaches, residents and visitors of Windsor Essex County have a unique advantage over other areas in the province – being surrounded by water. If you’re looking for a fun way to enjoy the summer months, renting a boat in the Windsor Essex County area is the perfect option for you!
With access to Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and Lake Erie, there are endless possibilities for boating adventures in the region. From cruising along the riverfront and taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Windsor to fishing in the clear waters of Lake St. Clair, there’s something for everyone.
So here are some great boating destinations on Lake St. Clair you need to know before you go!
WAIT, DO I NEED A LICENSE TO RENT A BOAT?
Worried about having the right license and all the right paperwork? Don’t! Getting your pleasure craft operator card is easy and affordable. Go to the Canada Boat Safety website and you can be licensed in just a few hours!
Although it is strongly recommended, you do not need a pleasure craft operator card to rent a boat in Ontario. There are specific requirements for a person without proof of competency who want to rent a pleasure craft fitted with a motor. This includes the completion of the Rental Boat Safety Checklist with the rental boat service; understanding the knowledge and skills given by the rental boat service; signing the Rental Boat Safety Checklist; and carrying onboard the co-signed section of the Rental Boat Safety Checklist as proof of competency for the duration of the rental. It’s also recommended that you be aware of the rental operator’s responsibilities and watch the safety video provided by company.
So once you’ve decided what to rent whether it be a fish boat, waverunner, seadoo, jetski, jet boat, pontoon boat or any other type of motor boat… where do you start? We’ve put together a list of places to take your vessel/ watercraft that will make for a memorable day on the water.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO TAKE A RENTAL BOAT NEAR ME?
Here’s an up-to-date list of the most popular boating places on Lake St. Clair and it’s tributary rivers.
1. The Red Barn, Lake St. Clair, Puce (Lakeshore), Ontario
Family Time on the Sea Doo at the Red Barn
Located just east of the Puce River this swimming hole is a popular weekend anchorage where you will find dozens of boats moored in shallow waters with people walking between boats in waist deep waters. It became a popular
waypoint with boaters saying “Let’s meet at the red barn” (it’s actually orange) Nonetheless, most weekends you will see plenty of motorboats, pontoon boats and jet skis anchored here.