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Welcome to Freedom Boat Club Ottawa

Explore the Rideau River or the Ottawa River with Ease.

Two Great Locations. One Incredible Membership.

Learn More About A Membership

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Discover Ottawa’s scenic waterways. Whether you're casting a line, tubing with friends, or cruising past Parliament Hill, Freedom Boat Club Ottawa gives you access to two prime locations: Hurst Marina on the Rideau River and Petrie Island on the Ottawa River.


With 12+ boats locally and access to 5,000+ boats worldwide, your next on-the-water adventure is just a reservation away.

Before you hit the water, make sure you’re prepared. This guide covers everything you need to boat safely and confidently — from navigation rules and safety gear to docking tips and must-know boating terms. Whether you're new or experienced, it's a quick, helpful read that could make all the difference out there.

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Download your FREE

“Guide to Safe Boating”

Choose Your Ottawa Location

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Hurst Marina – Rideau River

Address: 2726 River Road, Manotick, ON, K4M 1B4

Located just south of Ottawa, Hurst Marina offers easy access to the historic Rideau River — perfect for beginners and experienced boaters alike. Cruise through charming towns like Manotick, Kars, and Merrickville, or head into the city via the Rideau Canal for a truly scenic experience.


Local Fleet Boat Types: Pontoons, Bowriders, Deck Boats

Amenities:

  • Washrooms
  • Onsite Restaurant
  • Pool & Hot Tub
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Gas Dock

Top Boating Attractions:

  • Kelly's Landing Restaurant
  • Picnic at Long Island Locks
  • The Ice Cream Float
  • Downtown Ottawa via Rideau Canal
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Petrie Island – Ottawa River (East Ottawa)

Address: 1009 Trim Road, Ottawa, ON, K4A 3P4

Located in Ottawa’s east end at Oziles’ Marina, Petrie Island provides not only excellent access to the Ottawa River for freshwater fishing, tubing, and water sports—but also scenic journeys along the lower Ottawa River. The lower Ottawa River runs east from downtown Ottawa towards Montebello. Enjoy magnificent views of Parliament Hill and visits to attractions like Casino du Lac-Leamy and Le Château Montebello.


Local Fleet Boat Types: Pontoons, Bowriders, Deck Boats

Amenities:

  • Parking
  • Wi-Fi
  • Washrooms

Top Boating Attractions:

  • Le Château Montebello
  • Rockcliffe Boathouse
  • Rest’o’bord Le Pirate Restaurant
  • Parliament Hill Views
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Why Join Freedom Boat Club?

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WORLD’S LARGEST BOATING COMMUNITY

Membership offers enriching on and off water connections with the world's oldest and largest boating community.

400+ LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE

Enjoy boating adventures away from home. Plan your next vacation to experience reciprocal access to any of our 400+ locations worldwide.

WE TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING

We take care of the maintenance, cleaning, repair, insurance and storage.

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SELECTION OF BOATS TO FIT A VARIETY

OF EXPERIENCES

Cruising, Fishing, Watersports – our fleet offers a selection of boats to fit your next adventure.

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PREMIUM SERVICE

Our concierge-level, dockside support ensures that your loading, unloading and docking experiences are effortless. It’s walk on, walk off boating.

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UNLIMITED TRAINING

New to boating? Membership offers unlimited training from qualified captains including on-water instruction to ensure you're confident at the helm.

Membership offers enriching on and off water connections with the world's oldest and largest boating community.

Ready to Join? Let’s Talk!

Learn More About A Membership

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Testimonial

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is it? Are there different membership options?

The pricing structure is much like a country club. You will pay a one-time entry fee and monthly dues based on the membership that you choose. Connect with Sterling Bown at sbown@freedomboatclub.com to learn more about membership options and current promotions!


How do I make a reservation?
Reserving a boat has never been easier. With our new App, reserving a boat has never been easier!  You can also use our online reservation system and your dashboard clearly allows you to choose your desired date, vessel, and time slot. Same day reservations can also be made by simply calling the Club in the morning for an available boat that day.
How much can I boat and what different types of boats are in your fleet?

As much as you want to! We allow up to 4 rolling reservations at any given time. Simply put – you can have 4 reservations on the books. Once you use one, you free one up. You only need to reserve a few days in advance!


We have 12+ boats locally and access to 5,000+ boats worldwide depending on our membership plan chosen. We have a great mix of late model bowriders, deck boats, pontoons and tri-toons.  Brands include Sea Ray, Bayliner, Cypress Cay, Campion, Princecraft, and Harris. With these quality brands and styles, you are set to enjoy multiple options, depending on your preferred experience for your outings.


How long is the boating season in Ontario?
Our local season runs from mid May to early October.  However with most of our membership plans you have reciprocal access to over 400 locations worldwide with the majority of these being open year round.  Florida has over 100 locations!
Can I bring family or friends water skiing or tubing, and do you provide tubing and skiing gear for use?

Yes, we allow water activities on our boats!

No, we do not provide any gear for water activities.  All our boats are fully equipped with all the required safety gear.


How many passengers can I bring on the boat, are they pet friendly?

You can bring passengers up to the capacity of the boat.  Most boats can accommodate between 9 and 11 persons. 

Yes, we welcome your pets on our boats!


Can I bring a cooler with food and drinks aboard?
Yes, absolutely!  We even help you load your gear onto the boat. However, alcohol is not permitted on board any of our boats at any time, that includes drivers and passengers.
Can my family members also drive the boat?
Only members that are on the membership agreement and have completed our Training may operate the boat.
How do I pay for gas?
All our boats have fuel flow meters on them which means you do not have to go to the fuel dock as we fill the boats and charge you only for the fuel you consumed on each trip.
What kind of training can I expect with Freedom Boat Club and do you offer boating licensing?

Once you join the Club, we provide unlimited training starting with your New Member Orientation and Basic Training this includes a classroom based part on a hands on, on-water session. Our training will provide you with the boating knowledge and skills necessary to enjoy boating in a safe manner. 

We do not offer the boating license (Pleasure Craft Operators Card) required by Transport Canada.  It can be completed online at sites such as www.boaterexam.com  

We do provide unlimited training to all our members.


How long is a reservation?
On weekends one-half day counts as one reservation (between 9 am and 2 pm or between 3 pm and 8 pm or sunset, whichever is earlier). We keep the window between 2 and 3 pm free to clean and fuel the boats between uses. If you would like a vessel for a full day on a weekend, you can, but it will count as 2 of your 4 reservations that you can have reserved at any one point in time.  On Weekdays you can reserve the entire day for one reservation count.
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