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Ontario Boat Ramps › Niagara Region Boat Ramps

Niagara Region Boat Ramps — 2026 Guide

Public boat launches on the Niagara River, Lake Ontario at St. Catharines, and Lake Erie at Port Colborne and Fort Erie. Ramp conditions, fees, and navigation notes for Niagara-area boaters.

PCL Numbers Required

Every motorized pleasure craft on Niagara Region waterways must display the Pleasure Craft Licence number on both sides of the bow, minimum 75 mm (3") tall, contrasting colour — Transport Canada SOR/2010-91. Coast Guard patrols the Niagara River and Lake Ontario during boating season. Get compliant marine vinyl decals →

Niagara River Boat Launches

The Niagara River flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario — boating is only permitted below the falls (Queenston area downstream) or in the upper river before the gorge. The falls itself is a no-boating zone.

Niagara River Current Warning: The Niagara River carries significant current, particularly near the falls approaches and in the gorge section. Above the falls, boating upstream of Clifton Hill area is dangerous. Always check Coast Guard current advisories and respect posted warning buoys. Never attempt to boat near the falls or upper rapids.

Queenston Heights Park Boat Launch

Queenston · Niagara River (lower)
Fee:NCC Niagara Parks Commission managed
Ramp:Concrete ramp at Queenston Marina, sheltered by breakwall
Parking:Queenston Marina parking area — trailer parking available
Access:Seasonal. Downstream Niagara River — Lake Ontario is 5 km north
Address:14184 Niagara River Pkwy, Queenston
Notes:Famous fall steelhead and chinook salmon fishery. Current can be strong after heavy rain.

Fort Erie Boat Launch (Jarvis Street)

Fort Erie · Niagara River (upper)
Fee:Free Town of Fort Erie, no launch fee
Ramp:Concrete ramp, single lane — upper Niagara River between Lake Erie and falls
Parking:Jarvis Street Park lot — limited trailer spaces
Access:Year-round when ice-free. Popular for bass and muskie fishing in upper river
Address:Jarvis St at the river, Fort Erie
Notes:Current in upper Niagara River is moderate — manageable for experienced boaters. Stay well clear of the falls approach zone.

Chippawa Boat Launch

Niagara Falls · Welland River confluence
Fee:Free No formal fee
Ramp:Informal ramp at Chippawa waterfront, Welland River mouth
Parking:Chippawa waterfront area off Sodom Rd
Access:Welland River access; connects to upper Niagara (use caution downstream)
Address:Chippawa Pkwy, Niagara Falls (Chippawa waterfront)
Notes:Popular for bass fishing on Welland River. Do not navigate downstream toward the Niagara River approach to falls.

Lake Ontario — Niagara Peninsula Launches

St. Catharines and Port Weller offer the best Lake Ontario access in the Niagara Region.

Port Weller Harbour Boat Launch

St. Catharines · Lake Ontario · Welland Canal mouth
Fee:Fee Daily launch fee
Ramp:Concrete ramp at Port Weller Drydocks / Marina area
Parking:Marina lot with trailer spaces — Port Weller Rd off Lakeshore Rd
Access:Seasonal. Sheltered harbour — protected launch. Note: Welland Canal channel nearby — stay clear of vessel traffic
Address:Port Weller, St. Catharines — north end of Welland Canal
Notes:The Welland Canal mouth is a BUSY commercial shipping lane. Never cross the canal channel when ships are transiting. VHF Ch. 14 for Welland Canal Traffic.

Jordan Harbour Boat Launch

Lincoln · Lake Ontario
Fee:Free No fee (NPCA managed)
Ramp:Small ramp at Jordan Harbour Conservation Area — best for smaller boats
Parking:Conservation Area parking off Jordan Rd
Access:Seasonal — NPCA permit required. Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority site.
Address:Jordan Harbour Conservation Area, 4300 Jordan Rd, Lincoln
Notes:Excellent walleye and perch fishing on Lake Ontario. Call NPCA at 905-788-3135 for season access.

Lake Erie — Niagara Region Launches

Lake Erie launches at Port Colborne, Crystal Beach, and the south shore of the Niagara Peninsula.

Port Colborne Harbour (Sugarloaf Marina)

Port Colborne · Lake Erie · Welland Canal south end
Fee:Fee Daily and seasonal rates
Ramp:Double concrete ramp at Sugarloaf Marina — deep-water capable, handles large boats
Parking:Marina lot, good trailer space
Access:Seasonal. Port Colborne Harbour is Lake Erie's best protected launch point
Address:Sugarloaf Marina, Port Colborne Harbour
Phone:905-834-8171

Crystal Beach Boat Ramp

Fort Erie · Lake Erie · Bay Beach area
Fee:Free No formal fee
Ramp:Concrete ramp, smaller boats — open Lake Erie exposure
Parking:Bay Beach Road area, limited trailer parking
Access:Seasonal. Check wind/wave forecast — Lake Erie can build waves quickly
Address:Bay Beach Rd, Crystal Beach, Fort Erie
Notes:Popular family fishing spot for perch and walleye. Best in calm morning conditions before afternoon wind.

Dain City Boat Launch (Welland River)

Welland · Welland River
Fee:Free No fee
Ramp:Small concrete ramp — ideal for canoes, kayaks, and small motorboats on the Welland River
Parking:Limited — Dain City Road near Welland River
Access:Year-round when ice-free
Notes:Calm river fishing for bass and pike. Flatwater paddling destination in the Niagara Peninsula.

Niagara Region Boaters — Check Your PCL Numbers

Transport Canada requires every motorized pleasure craft to display the Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) number on both sides of the bow in block letters, minimum 75 mm (3") tall, contrasting colour. Coast Guard patrols the Niagara River and Lake Ontario throughout the season. Marine-grade premium vinyl decals cut to your PCL number — made in Ontario, 5-year outdoor guarantee.

Transport Canada SOR/2010-91 · Last Verified March 2026 · tc.gc.ca
Order Compliant
Decals →

Frequently Asked Questions — Niagara Boating

Can I boat on the Niagara River in Ontario?
Yes — below the falls (Queenston area to Lake Ontario) and in the upper Niagara River (between Lake Erie and the falls approach). Boating near the falls or in the gorge is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous. Always check Niagara Parks Commission and Coast Guard advisories before launching.
What are the best fishing spots from Niagara Region boat launches?
The Queenston area of the lower Niagara River is world-renowned for steelhead (rainbow trout) and chinook salmon in the fall. Lake Ontario off Port Weller has excellent salmon and trout fishing. Lake Erie from Port Colborne is one of Ontario's top walleye fisheries. The Welland River (Dain City area) is good for largemouth bass and northern pike.
Do I need a fishing licence to fish from a Niagara boat launch?
Yes — an Ontario Outdoors Card with a fishing licence endorsement is required for anyone 18 or older. Licences are available online at ontario.ca/fishinglicence, at Canadian Tire, SportChek, and many bait shops in the Niagara Region.

More Ontario Boat Ramp Guides

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