Ontario Personal Watercraft Rentals…
Photo by Martin Lortz for Ontario Tourism
Related: Riding Double on a Rental
Looking for Ontario PWC Rentals? It’s a good idea for jet ski beginners to try before you buy. So if riding a personal watercraft appeals to you for PWC adventures, use this Sea Doo, jet ski and Waverunner Ontario Rental List to rent one.
Do it for a couple of hours or a full day of PWC adventures on my best river rides, top 10 day tours or to see great sightseeing attractions. Maybe you are already hooked, but only have time to go Sea Doo riding once or twice each summer. Or perhaps you already own a PWC, but need an extra for a guest weekend. Whatever your reason, Ontario has a number of locations where you can rent a personal watercraft. And there are bound to be others not included on this list, but it’s a good start!
Tips About Ontario PWC Rentals
As with most powersports products for rent, the available units tend to be more entry-level than premium models. But you’ll get a basic idea of what PWC riding’s all about. I suggest that you ask the model year of the jet ski rental units available. Because at least if you get a current or near-current year personal watercraft, it will likely be in decent shape. Just don’t expect all the bells and whistles that can be had on more expensive models.
RIde Solo
If you are serious about checking out Sea Doo riding before a possible purchase, I highly recommend that you ride solo for your first jet ski ride. Yes, that means if there are two of you, the rental cost will be doubled. But it’s really important that your first impression and early learning experience be riding 1-up, even if it’s a supposedly “2-up” jet ski. Why? Because personal watercraft handle very differently with only one rider on board. This is especially true of the smaller entry-level jet ski models. They tend to be shorter, narrower and a little less stable than bigger ones made for cruising.
So piling two riders on a Sea Doo rental may be a quick and cheap way to have fun and get wet. But it won’t give you a true picture of how well the unit handles or what it can really do. At the very least, ride for at least 20 minutes on your own before doubling up. That way, you can feel the differences. In my experience, riding double is much more comfortable on a three-seater jet ski than on one with only two seats!
What You Need
To rent a Sea Doo, you’ll need to show your Pleasurecraft Operators Card. Or get a temporary one from the Sea Doo rental operator. Before you leave the dock, be sure to get some basic training from the rental staff on how to operate a jet ski safely, including always wearing a PFD. In fact, it’s probably a good idea to do some safety prep of your own before renting a Sea Doo, so check out my article on safe riding habits so you’re one step ahead. Also, be sure you know what to take on your personal watercraft ride.
Guided Tours
Most rental companies focus on renting PWCs, not guided tours. But some do guided tours or will arrange a guide if asked. Your best bet is to check their websites listed below or call around to see what’s possible. Another option is to call PWC dealers in the area you wish to ride and ask if they know any customers who would be willing to show you around. Finally, you may be able to connect with riding companions or group rides through one of Ontario’s PWC Facebook groups.
My Last Word
One final tip if you’re thinking of trying before you buy. If you rent from an authorized PWC dealer, their staff might be better able to answer your purchasing questions. Like inquiries about the differences between their jet ski rental unit and other PWC models you could be interested in buying. Who knows? You might even be able to get a credit for your Sea Doo rental fee against the purchase price of your new personal watercraft. Now get out there and enjoy some time on Ontario’s water!
Central Ontario PWC Rentals
Barrie/Lake Simcoe (Sea Doo) – Flextoy Powesrsport Rentals
Barrie/Lake Simcoe (Sea Doo, Waverunner) – Ontario Powersports Rentals
Baysville/Muskoka (Sea Doo) – Baysville Marina
Bobcaygeon/Kawartha Lakes (Waverunner) – Buckeye Surf & Snow
Burleigh Falls/Kawartha Lakes (Sea Doo) – Kawartha Adventure Rentals
Collingwood/Georgian Bay (Waverunner) – XtremeAdventures
Dwight/Muskoka (Sea-Doo, Waverunner, Jet Ski) – Back Country Tours
Gravenhurst/Muskoka (Sea Doo) – Muskoka Boat & Sea-Doo
Gravenhurst/Muskoka Wharf (Sea Doo) – Muskoka Boat Rental
Haliburton (Sea Doo) – Harper Marine
Haliburton (Sea Doo, Waverunner, Jet Ski) – Back Country Tours
Keswick/Lake Simcoe – Lake Simcoe Watersport Rentals
MacTier/Muskoka Lakes (Sea Doo) – Mariner’s Cove Marina
MacTier/Muskoka (Sea Doo) – The Cove
Oakville/Lake Ontario (Sea Doo) – Energy Powersports
Oakville/Lake Ontario (Sea Doo) – Motolinx Rentals
Oakville/Lake Ontario (Sea Doo) – Wet ‘n’ Wild Watersports
Orillia/Lake Couchiching – (Sea Doo) – Lake Country Rentals
Penetanguishene/Georgian Bay (Waverunner) – Diverse Rentals
Toronto (Sea Doo) – 416 Navy (guided tours)
Toronto (Sea Doo, Waverunner) – Exclusive Sport Rentals
Toronto/Pickering (Sea Doo) – GTA Lake Rentals
Toronto (Sea Doo Watercraft) – Toronto PWC
Western Ontario PWC Rentals
Grand Bend/Lake Huron (SeaDoo, Waverunner) – Xtreme Water Sports
Grand Bend/lake Huron – Grand Bend Sea Doo Rentals
Port Stanely/Lake Erie (Sea Doo) – Splash Rentals
Turkey Point/Port Dover /Lake Erie (Sea Doo) – Waveline Sea-Doo Rentals
Turkey Point/Lake Erie (Sea Doo) – Turkey Point Water Sports
Wainfleet/Lake Erie (Sea Doo) – 905 Rentals
Eastern Ontario PWC Rentals
Arnprior/Ottawa/Ottawa River (Sea Doo) – Constance Bay Rentals
Kingston/1000 Islands/St Lawrence River (Sea Doo) – Treasure Island Marina
Ottawa/Eganville/Rideau Lakes (Waverunner) – H20 Rentals
Ottawa/Nepean/Ottawa River (Sea Doo) – 613 Sea Doo Rentals
Ottawa/Ottawa River (Jet Ski) – Jetski Ottawa
Perth/Rideau Lakes (Sea Doo) – Outdoor Adventure Rentals
Picton/Bay of Quinte (Waverunner) – Westlake Watersports
Northern Ontario PWC Rentals
Mindemoya, Manitoulin Island/North Channel (Sea Doo) – Island Time Boat Rentals
The tips and advice in this article are the opinions of the author, may not work in every situation and are intended only for the convenience and interest of the reader, who has the personal responsibility to confirm the validity, accuracy and relevancy of this information prior to putting it to their own use.