BOATING
Thinking about heading out on the Lake? Dock your boat at Colchester Harbour and enjoy all the available amenities! From food to fuel, the Colchester Harbour provides a great service and stands as the first stop for boaters east of the Detroit River.
The harbour is open from May 1st until Thanksgiving weekend and offers charter, monthly and seasonal dockage for water craft up to 45 feet in length.
Latitude: 41° 58.941
Longitude: 82° 55.913
Find out more about harbour amenities and fees on the Town of Essex Beach and Harbour page.
What do you need to know about boating in Canada?
A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is required to operate power-driven boats and watercraft in Canada.
Every person who operates a motorized boat in Canada must obtain proof of competency. You can obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card by passing a Transport Canada accredited boating safety test. Getting your Operator Card proves that you are a competent boater and ensures that you understand Canada's navigation rules and how to boat safely.
Boaters can obtain their official Pleasure Craft Operator Card, commonly known as a boat licence or boat card, by successfully passing the BOATsmart! exam.
Fun Fact: In 2025, Colchester Beach was awarded the 'Best Beach' in the 10th annual Tourism Windsor Essex Best of Windsor Essex awards!
Colchester Harbour offers the following amenities:
- 89 slip locations (see Colchester Harbour Slip
Layout map) - Serviced (water and hydro) and non-serviced dockage
- Launching ramp and dock attendants to assist
- Fuel (price varies based on market price)
- Sewage pump-out
- 24-hour security and camera surveillance during boating season
- Boater's lounge, including male and female washrooms
- On-site bait and tackle shop
- Concession stand
- Beach area, pirate ship playground and splash pad