Walk-ins are always welcome and we’ll get you out on the water as soon as possible. If you’d like a specific time or are planning ahead, we recommend booking online—especially on weekends and for larger groups. For bike rentals we recommend booking ahead, especially for e-bikes, as availability is limited.

You can book online through our website or walk down and we’ll assist you.

Online booking closes 8 hours in advance. This does not always mean we are fully booked—you are still welcome to walk in or call to check availability.

Feel free to come down. If we have availability, we’ll do our best to get you out on the water.

We understand that things happen. We’ll always do our best to accommodate late arrivals, however reservations may be subject to cancellation depending on availability.

If The Boathouse Cancels Your Experience Our rentals are weather-dependent. If we need to cancel due to unsafe conditions or something unexpected, you will receive a voucher for the full value of your booking, valid anytime during the season. If you would prefer a refund instead of a voucher, please call us and we will process that for you. If you used a voucher or credit to book, the full value will be restored to your account. We will notify you of cancellations by: • Updating our website • Emailing you directly • Calling or texting if the decision is made within 2 hours of your scheduled start time If You Need to Cancel or Reschedule If you booked online, you can reschedule through the “View Booking Details” link in your confirmation email. Notice & Fees • 24 hours or more notice: Free reschedule or full-value voucher A $10 admin fee applies to cancellations • Less than 24 hours notice: Final sale — no refund or reschedule available A Few Final Notes Life happens. If something unexpected comes up, please reach out — we will do our best to be fair and flexible. Need help with a change? Call 519-271-7739 and we will be happy to assist. This policy applies to all Boathouse Stratford rental experiences. We reserve the right to update this policy at any time.

• Pedal boats (2 adults + 1 child) • Canoes (up to 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children) • Kayaks. (1 person) Capacity may vary depending on experience and comfort.  Life jackets & required safety equipment is provided and must be used as directed by staff.

Boat rentals are typically one hour. If availability allows, you’re welcome to extend your time on the water.

No—switching boats is not permitted once your rental has started. This helps maintain safety and keeps operations running smoothly.

Yes—well-behaved dogs & cats are welcome. Canoes are generally the best option when bringing a pet. Unfortunately we only have human lifejackets, lifejackets are not required for pets but if your pet has their own lifejacket, feel free to bring it along!

Yes—food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Alcohol is not permitted on any boat rentals. We’re also happy to help you plan a picnic from our patio to enjoy on the water. For river tours, we ask that snacks remain light and beverages non-alcoholic.

All rentals and tours begin at The Boathouse on the lower deck. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with our team before heading out on the water.

No—patio seating is first come, first served. For groups of 10 or more, we recommend calling ahead so we can plan accordingly. Our lower patio can accommodate up to 50 guests, with additional seating available on our upper deck and picnic tables throughout the surrounding parkland.

No—outside food and beverages are not permitted on our patio. If you’re planning to bring a picnic, there are many public picnic tables throughout the park for you to enjoy.

Yes — Stratford has an Al Fresco program which allows alcohol purchased from participating businesses to be enjoyed in designated outdoor areas (The Boathouse Patio Lower and Upper are included in this space). This includes parts of the park surrounding The Boathouse. To learn more, visit: https://visitstratford.ca/al-fresco-dining/(https://visitstratford.ca/al-fresco-dining/)

Yes—bike rentals are available and are a wonderful way to explore Stratford. We offer both e-bikes and traditional pedal bikes. At this time, we do not offer children’s bikes. All bike rentals include helmets & bike locks.

We offer a variety of experiences throughout the season, including scenic boat tours, historical tours, Avon After Dark / Silent Disco nights, Writing the River, Voices of the Avon, and Makers Nights such as bracelet making and paint nights. We recommend booking ahead, as availability is limited and many experiences sell out. You can view all upcoming events on our website under the Events page.

Start Your Day Whether you’re planning ahead or just exploring, The Boathouse is an easy place to drop into. Walk down, take in the river, and we’ll help you get out on the water or set you up for the day. Walk-ins are always welcome.  Get Out on the Water Choose your pace: • Pedal boats for a relaxed ride • Canoes for a bit more space (great with dogs) • Kayaks for a solo paddle Want something more guided? Check out our scenic tours and seasonal experiences. Book ahead if you want a specific time — or come down and we’ll get you out.  Explore Beyond the River Take your day a little further with a bike ride through Stratford. • Cruise the river pathways • Explore downtown • Discover local shops and stops along the way Looking for something curated? Try our Bike & Bite experience — pairing your ride with Stratford’s culinary trail.  Refuel & Relax After your time on the water (or before), grab a bite on our patio. • Casual, easygoing atmosphere • First-come, first-served seating • Great spot to unwind by the river  Enjoy Al Fresco Stratford’s Al Fresco program lets you take your experience a little further. Grab a drink from a participating business and enjoy it in designated outdoor spaces — including areas near The Boathouse. Learn more: https://visitstratford.ca/al-fresco-dining/(https://visitstratford.ca/al-fresco-dining/)  Stay for Something Special Make it more than just a visit: • Avon After Dark • Silent Disco nights • Writing the River series • Live music on the river • Voices of the Avon Check our Events page to see what’s happening during your visit.  Getting Here We’re located right along the Avon River in downtown Stratford. Parking is available nearby: • Street parking • Municipal lots Parking details: https://downtownstratford.ca/members_resources/parking/(https://downtownstratford.ca/members_resources/parking/) https://www.stratford.ca/en/live-here/parking.aspx#Parking-Map(https://www.stratford.ca/en/live-here/parking.aspx#Parking-Map)