Hartley Bay Marina is a full-service marina and outfitter located on the French River in Alban, Ontario. We provide access to the French River Delta and French River Provincial Park, ideal for canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing adventures.

We offer:

• Canoe and kayak rentals
• Boat slips and launching
• Fuel (gasoline, propane)
• Live bait
• Secure parking
• Camping gear rentals
• Housekeeping cottages

Yes, we offer high-quality canoe and kayak rentals. Book in advance during peak season to ensure availability.

Yes, we have a boat launch on-site. Daily and seasonal boat launch passes are available.

Yes! We offer both daily and seasonal docking options for visitors. Please check in at the office upon arrival for slip assignment and launch fees. Jet skis are welcome but must follow marina quiet hours and speed limits within the bay.

Yes. We offer gas for boats and propane tank exchange during regular marina hours. Please see our staff at the gas dock for assistance.

Overnight docking is available for guests with valid reservations. Please ensure your boat is securely tied and that shore power, if used, is disconnected before departure. Quiet hours apply from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

We ask all guests to respect the French River’s natural environment. Dispose of garbage in designated bins, use biodegradable soaps, and avoid feeding wildlife. Life jackets are required for all watercraft, and campfires must be attended at all times.

We take guest safety seriously. The property is monitored during business hours, and staff live on-site. The parking area is well lit, but we recommend removing valuables from your vehicle or boat before leaving for extended trips.

We have fully equipped housekeeping cottages available for nightly or weekly stays. Features include:

• Waterfront views
• BBQs and firepits
• Kitchenette and full bath
• Pet-friendly units

Yes, pets are welcome in most areas and cottages. Please inform us in advance if you’re bringing a pet.

Cancellations made 14 days or more before arrival receive a full refund minus a small administrative fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of arrival are non-refundable. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible if your plans change.

During peak summer weekends and long weekends, a two-night minimum stay applies for cottage rentals. Single-night stays may be available during the week or off-season depending on availability.

All cottages come equipped with basic kitchenware, a BBQ, picnic table, and fire pit. Linens, pillows, and towels are not included—please bring your own. Each cottage has hydro and running water, but no Wi-Fi or TV, so you can truly relax and unplug.

Yes, Hartley Bay Marina is family and pet friendly! Children must be supervised at all times, especially near the water. Pets are welcome in most cottages and on marina grounds but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after. A small cleaning fee may apply.

Our property has a few areas that are more accessible, though due to the natural terrain, some paths and docks may be uneven. Please contact us in advance so we can help you choose the most suitable accommodation and assist with access needs.

Popular activities include:

• Canoeing and kayaking in the French River Provincial Park
• Fishing for walleye, pike, bass, and muskie
• Camping and backcountry trips
• Hiking and exploring nature trails

Yes, we offer outdoor adventure packages and can help plan self-guided or guided trips into the French River backcountry.

Plan ahead! Bring your camping permits , charts, and safety gear. We can assist with canoe/kayak rentals, vehicle parking, and route advice. French River Provincial Park permits are available online through Ontario Parks.

Safety comes first. If severe weather or park closures affect your trip, we’re happy to adjust your reservation where possible. Please contact our office to discuss options for rescheduling or credit toward a future stay.

Yes, we offer canoe,  and boat rentals along with paddles and life jackets. Additional gear such as coolers or camping items can be brought from home or purchased nearby. It’s best to reserve your rental equipment in advance.

Cell service can be limited depending on your provider. There is no Wi-Fi on site—our guests enjoy the chance to fully disconnect and enjoy nature.

We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance for July, August, and long weekends, as we often fill up quickly. Cottage reservations open early each year and can be made directly through our website.

1. Create or log in to your account.
2. Choose “Backcountry” and select French River Provincial Park with Hartley Bay as the access point.
3. Enter your arrival date, number of nights, and specific campsite location for each night of your trip.
4. Complete your reservation and payment.
   Once you’ve finished, you’ll receive a confirmation that serves as your camping permit — print it or save it on your phone to show during check‑in or inspection. (Hartley Bay Marina)

French River Provincial Park now uses a site‑specific reservation model that lets you book backcountry sites up to five months ahead of your planned departure date. This gives you more time to lock in your preferred route and sites before peak season. (Hartley Bay Marina)

• Your planned arrival date and number of nights
• The specific campsite number(s) you want for each night
• Number of people in your group
• Vehicle information (if you’re parking at the marina)
• Payment details
  Make sure to double‑check dates, site selections, and contact info — you are responsible for ensuring they’re accurate before your trip. (Ontario Parks)

Since backcountry camping permits are not “checked in” in the same way as a campground with an office, you can typically start your trip any time on your arrival date after sunrise, but it’s best to plan to get to the marina early enough to speak with staff before heading out. If you expect to arrive at the marina after office hours, please call ahead, and we’ll make sure you can access your parking area and get underway safely. (Hartley Bay Marina)

No — once you’ve completed your reservation online, your confirmation letter is your permit. You do not need to visit a park office first to collect anything. Just have it with you when you begin your trip. (Ontario Parks)

2870 Hartley Bay Road, Alban, Ontario, P0M 1A0
We're located 3.5 hours north of Toronto, just off Highway 69.

Take Hwy 69 north from Toronto. Turn west on Hartley Bay Road and follow signs to the marina.

• Sunday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday–Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

We operate seasonally from May through October.

If you expect to arrive after office hours, please call ahead so we can provide gate access instructions and directions to your cottage or slip. Late arrivals must check in at the office the next morning.

The nearest grocery and gas stations are located in Alban, approximately 10 minutes away. For more extensive shopping or dining, the town of French River offers several local options.

All fees are listed at booking, but please note that parking, pet fees, and extra vehicle spaces may be subject to additional charges. Taxes and a cleaning fee may apply for cottage rentals.

The marina typically operates from early May through Thanksgiving weekend. After closing, docks and water lines are winterized. Seasonal boaters will receive advance notice about haul-out and storage deadlines.

Small gatherings, family reunions, and fishing groups are welcome. For larger groups or events, please contact us directly to discuss availability and guidelines.

Yes, we offer secure parking with valet-style service for overnight and long-term stays. Fees apply.

Yes, your vehicle will be parked safely on our property while you’re on a paddling or camping trip.

You can book your stay or rental by:

• Calling us at (705) 857‑2038
• Emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for holiday weekends.

View our current rates here: Marina & Rates Page

Yes! Hartley Bay Marina is the main southern access point to French River Provincial Park’s backcountry canoe routes and campsites.

Yes, we provide trip planning guides, maps, and articles to help you prepare. Visit our Articles Page for more info.

Many boaters ask us about the difference between storage, docking, and mooring because these terms are often used interchangeably. At Hartley Bay Marina, each one means something specific:

• Docking means you rent a slip at our marina for the season or short term. Your boat stays in the water, tied securely to our docks, with easy access whenever you want to head out on the water.
• Mooring is when your boat is anchored or tied to a buoy in the water near the marina rather than to a dock. This option is often more economical, but requires a dinghy or shuttle to reach your boat.
• Storage means your boat is kept out of the water, usually on land. At Hartley Bay Marina, we offer both outdoor and indoor storage options, including winter storage with shrink wrapping and full winterization services to protect your investment during the off-season.

By understanding the differences, you can choose the option that best suits your boating needs, budget, and how often you plan to use your boat.

Many boaters ask about the best time to reserve winter storage. At Hartley Bay Marina, we recommend booking by late summer or early fall. Waiting too long can mean limited options, as storage spaces fill quickly once temperatures start to drop. Early planning ensures your boat has a secure spot and allows you to schedule any winterization or shrink wrapping services in time.

Yes — shrink wrapping protects the exterior of your boat but does not prevent internal damage. Winterization prepares your engine, plumbing, fuel system, and batteries for freezing temperatures, reducing the risk of costly repairs. At Hartley Bay Marina, we recommend combining professional winterization with shrink wrapping for complete seasonal protection.

Many boat owners want to know if their vessel will fit at our marina. We accommodate a wide range of boats, from small fishing boats and runabouts to larger cruisers. Docking, mooring, and storage options vary depending on boat length and draft. Contact us with your boat’s specifications to find the best fit and service package.

Both outdoor and indoor storage keep your boat out of the water during the off-season, but they offer different levels of protection. Indoor storage shields your boat from snow, ice, wind, and UV damage. Outdoor storage, when combined with professional shrink wrapping, provides an economical solution that still protects against harsh winter conditions. Choosing the right option depends on your budget, boat type, and how long it will be in storage.

Boat winterization at Hartley Bay Marina includes preparing your engine, fuel system, plumbing, and batteries for freezing temperatures. Additional services may include draining water systems, adding antifreeze, stabilizing fuel, and disconnecting batteries. We also offer shrink wrapping and storage packages so your boat remains fully protected throughout the off-season.