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One of the best parts about boating is experiencing the many places dotting the shores of lakes, bays and rivers. Especially if you’re the type who likes to dock and explore.
From big cities on Lake Ontario to the Severn River, there are lots of places to see. And there are some great waterfront restaurants to enjoy.
15 Waterfront Restaurants To Boat To In Ontario
Here are 15 waterfront restaurants you can boat to with delicious food and great views.
1. Oakville - Bronte Boathouse
$$ Canadian/American Casual Dining
Location: 2340 Ontario St, Oakville, ON L6L 6P7
From Bronte Boathouse in Oakville you can enjoy unobstructed views of Bronte Harbour. While taking in the view, you can choose from a delicious menu full of seafood dishes and a hint of Mediterranean cuisine. The Boathouse also offers a Fresh Raw & Sushi Bar and fantastic cocktails.
After you finish dinner, grab an ice cream from Duckies Dairy Bar next door and go for a walk by the Harbour. It's the perfect finish to a great dining experience.
“Amazing view of the lake and marina. The staff was friendly and attentive. The food was fantastic and there is a great variety on the menu. Would recommend reservations as the patio fills quickly.”
The Bronte Boathouse is on the shore of Bronte Outer Harbour Marine, which has short term and daily rates.
Approximate coordinates: 43.3933° N, 79.7033° W
2. Port Credit - Snug Harbour Seafood
$$$ Seafood Bar And Grill
Location: 14 Stavebank Rd S, Mississauga, ON L5G 2T1
The neighbourhood of Port Credit in Mississauga is on the shores of the Port Credit River, off of Lake Ontario. There are lots of great restaurants near the river but one of the most raved about waterfront restaurants is Snug Harbour Seafood.
Snug Harbour Seafood is right on the water’s edge and offers stunning views of the river, a local lighthouse and boats coming and going.
“My Favorite Restaurant. The ambience, the view, the vibe, the service, the food - delish.”
You have three options for docking at Snug Harbour. The most convenient would be to dock along the wall directly in front of the restaurant.
Approximate coordinates: 43.5504° N, 79.5844° W
You can also rent slips at Credit Village Marina or Port Credit Harbour Marina if you’ll be staying longer.
3. Toronto - Amsterdam Brewhouse
$$ Brewery & Pub
Location: 245 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2K9
If you're looking for a restaurant in Toronto with boat access and great views, consider stopping by Amsterdam Brewhouse. This 14,000 sq. ft brewery, restaurant and store pairs delicious craft beer with local artisan fare.
While dining at the restaurant, you can sit on one of four waterfront patios and take in the Toronto Islands.
“Hands down one of the best locations along the waterfront. Excellent food and brewed beer can't be beat. The restaurant is very big with plenty of seating inside and outside. The service is quick and polite.”
You can moore beside the Amsterdam Brewhouse at Marina Four. The marina is by the Amsterdam Bridge, which leads to the restaurant.
Approximate coordinates: 43.6377° N, 79.3838° W
There’s also unprotected dockage along the public boardwalk in front of Amsterdam Brewhouse at the John Quay. This space is ideal for boats over 50 feet.
Approximate coordinates: 43.6375° N, 79.3850° W
4. Belleville - The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant And Waterfront Patio
You’ll find The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant And Waterfront Patio on the Bay of Quinte in Belleville. This seafood restaurant is award winning and offers live music on Saturday nights. It also has breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour.
“The Boathouse is a fabulous place to dine! The food is absolutely delicious - the seafood reminds me of home in Newfoundland! Large portions and the price is right. Whether dining inside or outside on the patio, you get that cottage-like feel and spectacular views of the Bay and beautiful boats that go by. The staff are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend The Boathouse for a great dining experience!”
If coming by water, you can dock at Victoria Park Harbour on the opposite shore. The restaurant is an 8 minute walk away.
Approximate coordinates: 44.1582° N, 77.3821° W
5. Picton - The Lighthouse Restaurant
$ Home-style Canadian
Location: 33 Bridge St, Prince Edward, ON K0K 2T0
The Lighthouse is a family-style restaurant located in Prince Edward County. Enjoy home-style breakfast and lunch while you admire the beautiful Picton Harbour scenery.
“Not only does The Lighthouse serve up one of the best breakfasts you'll ever have but your time there will put you in close proximity with local regulars who are fun and interesting. The small, warm ambience means that folks often chat between tables. Service is terrific: cheerful and efficient. And the food is wonderful. On weekends, the line-ups will be long. But don't despair as you can hang out at the edge of the harbour, enjoying the beautiful view until you are buzzed in to eat. Perfect.”
Short term docks are available at the Picton Harbour Inn where the Lighthouse Restaurant is located.
Approximate coordinates: 44.4955° N, 81.3718° W
6. Napanee - The Waterfront River Pub & Terrace
$$ Pub
Location: 22 Water St W, Napanee, ON K7R 1V4
In 1857 a brewery was built on the shores of the Napanee River. After passing many hands, the site became a marina in the 19602. Today, the historic limestone structure is home to The Waterfront River Pub & Terrace.
The Waterfront River Pub has 20 taps with a variety of local craft beer and traditional favourites. Enjoy a glass and delicious pub fare from their waterfront dock. Or, for even more stunning views, you can book a fully licensed cruise through Norman Paul River Tours. On the cruise you can take in the scenery with delicious food and drink by Waterfront River Pub.
“We’ve been before and we make a point to go every time we’re in Napanee. Beautiful view, decent food and good drink selection. We love the truffle fries ❤️ and ALWAYS get the cheese board. Definitely try this place out, you won’t be disappointed.”
You can moore on the shoreline in front of the restaurant.
Approximate coordinates: 44.2454° N, 76.9496° W
Or you can stay at the Napanee River Dock on the opposite shoreline. The walk from the docks to the restaurant should only take 4 minutes.
7. Kingston - AquaTerra Restaurant
$$$ Casual Fine DIning
Location: 1 Johnson St, Kingston, ON K7L 5H7
Located in the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Kingston is the AquaTerra Restaurant. The waterfront patio offers picturesque views of Lake Ontario and COnfederation Harbour. While you take in the sites, you can enjoy AquaTerra’s extensive wine list and dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
“Amazing drinks, food, and service. We came here on a whim looking for a nice meal with reasonable prices, AquaTerra more than delivered. The view and the fire were lovely and we will definitely be back!”
If you’re arriving by boat, you can dock at Confederation Basin Marina, which surrounds the restaurant.
Approximate coordinates: 44.2278° N, 76.4798° W
8. Manotick - Kelly’s Landing
$$ Seafood
Location: 1980 River Rd, Manotick, ON K4M 1B4
If you’re exploring the waters closer to Ottawa, be sure to stop by Kelly’s Landing on the Rideau River. Their waterfront patio has great views of the river and even has a fireplace to warm you up in colder weather.
“Good service, good food, great view, this place is well worth a visit. We sat on the deck watching the river go by enjoying our food and wine. Three different entrees and all were delicious. Boats came and docked and people went in for ice cream which is apparently very good. The trees and the breeze made a hot day enjoyable. This place is a hidden gem.”
You can dock right outside of the restaurant.
Approximate coordinates: 45.1985° N, 75.6377° W
9. Barrie - Il Buco
$$ Italian
Location: 31 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON L4M 1A2
If you’re looking for dining close to home, Barrie’s downtown has lots of great restaurants. While there aren’t any restaurants right on the water, Il Buco has fantastic views of Kempenfelt Bay.
Il Buco serves authentic Italian fare including pasta, veal and seafood. According to many of their guests. The Beef Carpaccio is a must try. After your meal you can enjoy a refreshing walk around the Bay to talk in even more scenery.
“We come here often. Beef carpaccio is to die for. Best view in Barrie and the best service. Very accommodating and always willing to customize. Hands down best place in Barrie…”
If you are visiting by boat, you can dock at the Bayfield Basin Transient Marina. Il Buco is just a short walk from the Marina.
Approximate coordinates: 44.3869° N, 79.6882° W
10. Midland - Boathouse Eatery
$$ Bar & Grill
Location: 177 King St, Midland, ON L4R 3L9
If you’re looking for stunning views while boating on Georgian Bay, the Boathouse Eatery in Midland is a great choice. The restaurant offers an extensive menu, along with live entertainment Thursday to Sunday.
“Great place! Friendly personable staff, portions are plentiful and the food was delicious. Will definitely return in the summer to eat on the patio and enjoy the awesome view. Must go to when in Midland!”
The Boathouse Eatery is at the town docks in Midland.
Approximate coordinates: 44.7539° N, 79.8873° W
11. Severn River - The Waubic
$$ Bar & Grill
Location: 27 Severn River, Muskoka, ON, P0C 1M0 (BOAT ACCESS ONLY)
If you’re looking for a restaurant you can only experience by boat, be sure to stop by The Waubic. It was built in 1913 and has changed hands and menus several times over the years. Today, the restaurant is known for their fish & chips and huge portions.
“We docked and stayed overnight on our boat and enjoyed the beautiful scenery, entertainment and food. The owners are exceptionally nice and the food and service was excellent!! We plan to return again through the locks.”
The Waubic is on the Severn River between Lock 44 and the Big Chute Marine Railway at Lock 43. There are docks right in front of the restaurant and they’re available for short term and overnight stays.
Approximate coordinates: 44.8677° N, 79.8201° W
12. San Souci - Henry’s Fish Restaurant
$$ Seafood
Location: FRYING PAN ISLAND, Sans Souci, ON P2A 2L9 (BOAT ACCESS ONLY)
Henry’s Fish Restaurant is another of the few waterfront restaurants in Ontario that is only accessible by boat. And it's a must visit for any boater on Georgian Bay. The restaurant is on Frying Pan Island and is best known for its fish & chips. The new owners have also introduced a few new dishes.
“Henry’s has been a must do family trip for many summers. The new owners have revitalized the restaurant with an improved menu. It is still the same great location with better food and service. I loved the lake trout and key lime cheesecake dessert.”
Henry’s has their own docks for diners to use.
Approximate coordinates: 43.6934° N, 79.7682° W
13. Gravenhurst - Dock Of The Bay
$$$ Steakhouse & Seafood
Location: 1110 Bay St, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1Z9
Dock Of The Bay is one of many waterfront restaurants in Gravenhurst that you should try. This restaurant offers delicious food made from only the freshest produce and an extensive wine list. From the waterfront patio, you can take in the beautiful Muskoka Wharf and watch the oldest operating steamship, RMS Segwun, come and go.
“Absolutely lovely. The food was fantastic. The view is breathtaking. The service was fabulous. I would definitely recommend this to anyone in Gravenhurst.”
Dock Of The Bay is just off Dock C at the Muskoka Wharf.
Approximate coordinates: 44.9205° N, 79.3835° W
14. Port Carling - Turtle Jack’s
$$ American/Canadian Bar
Location: 123 Medora St, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0
Looking for somewhere to relax and recharge after being on the water? Be sure to try Turtle Jack’s in Port Carling. The restaurant offers up cottage inspired menus and hospitality. Their large patio and cozy interior both look out onto the Indian River, which connects Lake Rosseau to Mirror Lake.
“Delicious food, great friendly server, beautiful view. Menu had a nice variety to choose from. Food was well presented, tasty and plentiful.”
You can dock at the restaurant.
Approximate coordinates: 43.7598° N, -79.7168° W
15. Huntsville - On The Docks Pub
$$ Pub
Location: 90 Main St E, Huntsville, ON P1H 2C7
If you’re in Muskoka, On The Docks Pub in Huntsville should be one of the waterfront restaurants on your bucket list. It’s a relaxed atmosphere during the day and the place to be on a summer night. The restaurant serves up classic pub fare with some unexpected dishes sprinkled throughout the menu. Their Steak Salad is a must!
“This place is fantastic!!! The views are spectacular and the food is yummy. The oriental steak salad is my favourite but the nachos are also grand. The service was very attentive and friendly .... Overall had an amazing time and will tell friends to come here!”
The restaurant doesn’t take reservations but has 3 patios, including one that is dog friendly. And it has beautiful views of Muskoka River.
To access it by boat, moore at the city docks at Town Dock Park.
Approximate coordinates: 45.3276° N, 79.2162° W
Waterfront Restaurants You Can Dock & Dine At In Ontario
There are many great waterfront restaurants in Ontario that you can access by boat. We have only highlighted some of the many throughout this breathtaking province.
If you do decide to dine at any of these locations, remember that summer is their peak season. Whenever possible, be sure to make a reservation or be ready to wait for a seat. The good news is, no matter which restaurant you visit, your wait will be made better by breathtaking waterfront views.
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