Where to Canoe, Kayak or SUP in The County

By Gaby Cole

The beauty of The County can be explored in so many ways. We have hiking trails that take you through mountains or marshes. The linear Millenium Trail for biking, walking, horseback riding and more. Arts adventurers can explore the Arts Trail for galleries and studios, or al fresco art on the Barn Quilt Trail.

To see our landscape from a different angle, we invite you to bring your canoe, kayak or paddle board (or rent one), and take to the water. From sparkling turquoise lakes to lazy, meandering rivers, there is so much to explore. 

Here are some of our favourite spots around The County. We’ve also created a map that indicates where there are launch sites, rentals, and beaches.

AMELIASBURGH REGION

Rossmore

Rossmore Municipal Boat Launch – Ridley Street N.

• Access to: Bay of Quinte
• Amenities: Boat Launch, Dock, Parking, Washrooms, Park with Picnic Tables.
• Fees: No fees for Kayak/Canoe/SUP.
• Explore: Norris Whitney Bridge, Rossmore shoreline.
• Paddler Beware: Be careful heading out on the Bay of Quinte where conditions can change rapidly with the weather. This area is shared with motor boats.

Massassauga Point Conservation Area – 1280 Massassauga Road.

• Access to: Bay of Quinte, Sand Cove.
• Amenities: Boat Launch, Parking, Washrooms, Park with Picnic Tables, Hiking Trails, Beach, Fishing.
• Fees: $5 Parking Fee with Quinte Conservation.
• Explore: Various islands and 1,200 meters of conservation shoreline.
• For History Nerds: A large hotel once stood on the point and its foundation and walkway can still be found near the water’s edge. 
• Paddler Beware: Be careful heading out on the Bay of Quinte where conditions can change rapidly with the weather. This area is shared with motor boats.

Ameliasburgh

Roblin Lake Municipal Park – County Road 19, Ameliasburgh.

• Access to: Roblin Lake.
• Amenities: Free Parking, The Best Washroom of All The Launches, Canteen (Seasonal), Public Beach, Playground, Baseball Diamonds, Ameliasburgh Heritage Museum, Victoria Schoolhouse.
• Explore: This is the smallest spot suggested, but the location is ideal for anyone looking to simply get on the water and avoid the hustle and bustle of the main beaches. The water is deceptively shallow in some areas, so use caution if you have large fins under your watercraft. The water is so clear, you can see clams moving in the sand.  

Consecon

Weller’s Bay Municipal Boat Launch – 158 Edward Drive, Consecon.

• Access to: Weller’s Bay.
• Amenities: Parking, Washroom, Boat Launch, Dock. No fees for Kayak/Canoe/SUP.
• Explore: Head west around the point for some sweeping views. East will take you towards Consecon shoreline.

SOPHIASBURGH REGION

Northport 

Northport Municipal Boat Launch – Centennial Park, 1417B County Road 15.

• Access to: Bay of Quinte.
• Amenities: Boat Launch, Parking, Washrooms. No fees for Kayak/Canoe/SUP.
• Explore: Big Island and Bay of Quinte. This area boasts some gorgeous sunsets.
• Paddler Beware: Be careful setting out on the Bay of Quinte where conditions can change quickly with the weather. This area is shared with motor boats.

PICTON REGION

Picton & Surrounding Areas

HJ McFarland Conservation Area – McFarland Park Lane.

• Access to: Picton Bay.
• Amenities: Dock, Boat Launch, Parking, Washrooms, Small Park, Picnic Area and Shoreline.
• Fees: No fees for Kayak/Canoe/SUP.
• Explore: Keep an eye out for wildlife. Bald Eagles and River Otters have been spotted in the area. There are also barges using the water to access the local quarry. 

WAUPOOS REGION

Glenora

Glenora Marina – 11438C Loyalist Parkway.

• Access to: Bay of Quinte, Adolphus Reach, Various bays around Adolphustown.
• Amenities: Parking, Small Shop.
• Fees: $10 Launch Fee.
• Explore: The area is great for fishing and the marina shop stocks up on worms.

Cressy

Prinyer’s Cove Municipal Boat Launch – Off County Road 7.

• Access to: Bay of Quinte, Prinyer’s Cove.
• Amenities: Parking, Dock, Boat Launch, Washrooms, Park with Playground.
• Fees: No fees for Kayak/Canoe/SUP.
• Explore: Take a trip around Prinyers Point and head into the cove or explore the Cressy shoreline.

Waupoos

Waupoos Marina – 65 County Road 38.

• Access to: Smith Bay.
• Amenities: Parking, Washrooms, Store, Rental Cottages, Boat Launch, Dock.
• Fees: $15 fee for launch.
• Explore: The Waupoos shoreline with rolling hills, orchards and wineries, views of Waupoos Island and the South Shore.

SOUTH SHORE REGION

Black River

Cabin Fever Kayak – 906 County Road 13

• Access to: Black River & South Bay.
• Amenities: Rentals (Reservations Required), Retail Shop with locally made water crafts from Clear Water Design. Limited Parking.
• Fees: $10 Park & Launch for personal water crafts.
• Explore: Paddle out towards South Bay and view McMahon Bluff, or meander along Black Creek (pronounce it like a local: “Crick”).

Long Point    

Long Point – Traverse Lane in Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area.

• Access to: Long Point Harbour & Lake Ontario.
• Amenities: Parking, Washrooms, Dock, Boat Launch, Hiking Trails, Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory. 
• Fees: No fees for SUP/Kayak/Canoe launch.
• Explore: The Leanic still sits tethered to the dock in the harbour, which has a wonderful shoreline to explore. Around the point is the Traverse Lighthouse with views of False Duck and Timber Island. This is a major migratory stop for birds, so make sure to bring binoculars or a good camera. Bald Eagles, Saw-whet Owls, thrushes and hawks are just some of the regular sightings in the area. 

SANDBANKS REGION

Mabel Kleinsteuber Municipal Boat Launch – County Rd 12 & Kleinsteuber Road.

• Access to: West Lake.
• Amenities: Limited Parking, Washroom, Boat Launch.
• Explore: Views of Sheba’s Island and The Dunes.
• Fees: No fees for SUP/Kayak/Canoe.
• Tip: During peak tourist season, it can be difficult to get to The Sandbanks and The Dunes due to a high volume of traffic. Consider this location as an alternative if you are looking to see The Dunes. 

West Lake Watersports – 191 Winns Drive. 

• Access to: West Lake.
• Amenities: Rentals, Parking, Washroom, Food & Snacks, Waterpark, Kids Activities, Rental Cottages.
• Fees: Inquire with West Lake Watersports.
• Explore: The shoreline of Sheba’s Island, and the famous Dunes in all their glory.   

Sandbanks Provincial Park (Dunes Beach)

• Access to: West Lake.
• Amenities: Parking (Paid or Seasonal Pass), Beach, Hiking Trails, Playground, Canteen (Seasonal), One of the Best Views in The County.
• Explore: Paddle along the edge of tall dunes of the softest, whitest sand. The area is home to a family of swans.
• Fees: Park pass (seasonal, day pass or camping pass) required to access launches.
• Tip: During the peak summer season, consider an evening paddle. 

Sandbanks Provincial Park (Outlet Beach)

• Access to: Outlet River to East Lake, Lake Ontario.
• Amenities: Parking (Entrance Fee), Park Store, Restaurant (Seasonal), Kids Activities (Seasonal), Rentals (Seasonal, located at the Woodlot along the Outlet River), Camp Sites, Famous Beach, Hiking Trails, Dog Beach.
• Explore: Take the Outlet River inland to East Lake, or paddle the shoreline of Athol Bay & Lake Ontario. The Sandbanks are known for having sandbars, so it can be shallow quite far into the lake. The mouth of the Outlet River can dry up, so you might not be able to paddle out into the lake from it. 
• Fees: Park pass (seasonal, day pass or camping pass) required to access launches.
• Tip: Take an evening paddle and watch the sunset. 

Glendon Green Municipal Boat Launch, County Road 18. 

• Access to: East Lake, Outlet River.
• Amenities: Parking, Boat Launch, Dock, Washroom.
• Fees: No fees to launch SUP/Kayak/Canoe.
• Explore: Paddle quiet marshes with waterlilies or head down the river. Keep an eye out for beaver dams and wildlife. 

Wellington

Wellington Municipal Beach Launch – end of Beach Street.

• Access to: Wellington Harbour, West Lake, Lake Ontario
• Amenities: Parking, Washrooms, Beach.
• Fees: No fee to launch. $20 parking fee during peak summer season weekends.
• Explore: With a lighthouse and the edge of the largest baymouth barrier dune formation.
• Tip: Currently, this boat launch is exclusively for non-motorized watercraft.