Welcome to Hartley Bay Marina on the scenic and historic French River in Northern Ontario

Slip Rentals -  Cottage Rentals -  Seasonal Parking -  Boat Storage & Boat Service - Canoe rentals - Bckcountry Camping

The Palmers of Hartley Bay Marina, have had the privilege of providing access and services to guests visiting the French River Delta and Georgian Bay in the lovely and scenic Northern Ontario, since 1952. Known for its excellent fresh water pickerel (walleye), bass, pike, muskie and crappie fishing, the French River is also famed as Canada’s first Heritage waterway and its canoe routes and historic shorelines became the French River Provincial Park in 1989. Whether you are launching your boat for a day trip, staying in our traditional fishermen style cottages for a fishing vacation, embracing Canada's Canoe Culture, going on a self-guided canoeing or kayaking excursion, exploring on your own on a backcountry camping paddling trip, or just looking to retreat to your family cottage, the modern facilities at Hartley Bay Marina will be able to suit all of your needs to ensure a great outdoor experience. To get more out of your outdoors this season, take advantage of our seasonal parking and boat storage rates as well as our canoe rentals. Read our latest article: Life Jacket Safety While Boating - A tribute to Michael Daniel “Mike” Palmer (June 20th, 1946 - February 29th, 2020)

Attention Canoeists: Early Spring Canoeing on the Lower French River can be dangerous due to high water levels. Please be aware of the following hazards:

• Water levels may be particularly high, causing normally calm waters to become raging rapids.
• Rapids may occur in locations not shown on The French River map.
• True rapids on the map can be extremely hazardous.

Remember, the characteristics of The French River can change drastically as water levels rise. If the water is abnormally high following spring runoff, normally calm stretches of the river can become turbulent and dangerous. Currents may become heavy in some areas, and only skilled kayakers or canoeists with flotation bags should attempt to paddle the river.

Campsites in low-lying areas can become flooded, and debris can make navigation difficult. Upstream from falls, such as Dallas Rapids, conditions can become extremely dangerous due to the force of currents forcing their way by rocks and obstructions.

Before embarking on a canoe trip on The French River, please check the water conditions and be aware of these hazards. Your safety is our top priority at Hartley Bay Marina.

Please Come into our Welcome Centre when you Arrive:

Please note NEW! We are no longer selling campsite permits in person in the store office - they MUST be purchased online prior to your trip. Visitors must purchase a permit online up to two weeks in advance of the arrival date to camp at this park. Permits are available at: www.OntarioParks.com/reservations . Click here for the Ontario Parks Reservation System (Tab to Backcountry Registration), or to see detailed instructions on how to purchase a permit click here.  

Canoe rental reservations can be made by calling 705-857-2038 or email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. As part of loading etiquette and to be compliant with physical distancing on the docks, please have gear packed ahead of time. We will offer a 15 minute loading window and depending on canoe traffic we may have to stagger launches to ensure safe physical distancing.

We no longer offer Valet Parking service at the marina due to the new norms. But our staff will assist you in finding a suitable parking spot for your vehicle. 

Boat taxi service is no longer available at this time also.

Stop into our Welcome Centre upon your arrival. Please register at the front desk before you go down to the docs or parking (especially new visitors). 

We have French River Provincial Park maps at the office we can show you when you arrive.

French River Delta Marina

Our family run marina has been providing customers with the perfect access point to the French River Delta since 1952 and the French River Provincial Park since 1989.

Vehicle parking fees are applied by the calendar day.

We also sell gas, bait (worms or minnows depending on the season), ice, confectionary items as well as a few necessary supplies you may have forgotten.

We accept cash, debit or credit (except American Express) for all transactions.

Rentals and Other Services

• Canoes 
  • 16 ft Nova Craft, Kevlar composite canoes weighing approx 52 lbs.
  • 16 ft ABS composite canoes weighing approx 58 lbs
  • Both are two seater style and all come with paddles, life jackets and safety kit.

Please reserve ahead of time to ensure availability.
Cancellation fee for canoes is $50.

• Barge Services (for large loads)
  • Available by request ONLY, please reserve one week ahead. Fees are based on distance/ number of people/load size.

All rentals and special services must be booked in advance and secured with a credit card.

Deposit charge will be applied to your final bill.