Canada-wide
Getting started
A day out without owning a boat
Compare rentals and charters, find something to do ashore and keep the day simple.
Getting started · Canada-wide
Your first season afloat
There is plenty to learn before a first outing, but it need not all happen at once. Begin with the requirements for your situation, work through equipment and weather, then make a modest plan for your first day. Keep the official sources handy as your plans become more specific.
Guide
Understand the requirements
Separate what applies to the operator, the vessel and the place you intend to go. This guide helps you organize those questions before opening the official services.
Open guide →Resource
Find the official services
Use the current authority links for competency, boat licensing and local waterway restrictions. Check your own situation rather than relying on another owner’s paperwork.
Open resource →Resource
Prepare the boat and crew
Find equipment guidance and a trip-plan resource. Choose the information that matches your craft and activity.
Open resource →Guide
Learn to read the forecast
Work through the forecast area, issue time, warnings and the period covered. Include the return trip in the conversation.
Open guide →Resource
Open the current conditions
Bring together the relevant forecasts, water levels, charts and navigation warnings. These links lead to the official services.
Open resource →Guide
Try the water before owning a boat
Consider a rental or guided outing while deciding what kind of boating you enjoy. Know who operates the boat and what the provider expects of you.
Open guide →
Keep your next steps together.
Save the collection, then save individual places as you browse. Your saved list stays in this browser so you can pick up where you left off.