Boating and Paddling

Owen Sound Bay and the harbour are natural ports of call for recreational boaters. Retail services and restaurants are available within a short walk of the floating docks on the east side of the inner harbour. The city is also served by a marina and boats launches.

Canoes and paddle boats can be rented by the hour at Harrison Park for use on the Sydenham River between the park and the Mill Dam and Fish Ladder. The Putt 'n Paddle is open daily during the summer and weekends in the spring and fall, weather permitting.

If you have your own canoe or kayak, you may launch it at either of the city's two boat launches in the inner harbour, or at the paddling kiosk at the north end of Harrison Park. Drive to the bottom of 5^th Ave. East at 4^th St. East and continue to the kiosk, where you can safely launch your boat.

Those wishing to rent canoes or kayaks for longer excursions should contact outfitters in the area; the nearest is Suntrail Source for Adventure in Hepworth.

The Owen Sound harbour is a historic port of call that still greets many ships each year, including Great Lakes freighters transporting grain, salt or cement to the elevators. It's also the winter home of the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry, which sails from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island during the summer. The Chi-Cheemaun offers a single public sailing up the Bruce Peninsula coast each spring and fall between Owen Sound and Tobermory. These sailings fill quickly; call 1.800.265.3163 to book ahead.