Can You Bring Drinks on a Boat Cruise in Ontario?

You’ve booked the trip, picked out the right outfit, and now one important question remains: can you bring drinks on a boat cruise in Ontario?

It feels like a no-brainer — a packed cooler pretty much just goes along with good company and sun on your shoulders. But Ontario’s alcohol rules for boating are a lot stricter than most people realize. Knowing what’s legal (and what isn’t) can save you from fines, embarrassment, or worse.

In this post, we’ll break down Ontario boating alcohol rules, explain what happens if you’re caught drinking on a moving boat, share the basics on open container laws, and even suggest boat-friendly snacks so you’re fully prepared for your cruise.

Can You Bring Drinks on a Boat Cruise in Ontario?

No, you can’t BYOB on a public boat cruise in Ontario. Public cruises are considered licensed establishments, just like restaurants or bars. That means you’re not allowed to bring your own drinks on board, even if they’re unopened.

Instead, licensed boats serve alcohol themselves, with trained staff and the proper permits. It might not be the cooler you imagined, but it ensures everything is above board and safe.

Now, private vessels can be a different story, but the law is still very specific.

Ontario Boating Alcohol Rules You Need to Know

Ontario’s alcohol-related boating rules state that you can only consume alcohol on a private boat if the boat:

1. Is anchored or docked (not moving).

2. Has permanent sleeping, cooking, and washroom facilities onboard.

   
   

If both conditions are met, you’re legally allowed to enjoy a drink. If not, the rules on open containers on boats are strict: no alcohol, period.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what is and what is not allowed regarding alcohol on private Ontario boats:

• Drinking alcohol on a moving boat in Ontario? Illegal.

• A cooler of beer on a fishing boat? Illegal, unless the boat qualifies under the rules above.

• Sipping a drink while your houseboat is anchored overnight? Legal.

Of course, it’s straightforward once you know it. But really, it’s also easy to get wrong if you assume boats are like backyards.

What Happens if You Drink Alcohol on a Moving Boat in Ontario?

Alcohol-related fines on the water aren’t just about a ticket. Depending on the situation, you could face hefty penalties, have your alcohol confiscated, or even get charged for impaired boating.

In fact, Ontario treats impaired boating the same way as impaired driving. That means your driver’s license can be suspended, your insurance rates can spike, and you could face criminal charges.

So while sneaking a six-pack onto a cruise might sound harmless, the consequences can ruin your day fast.

Can You At Least Bring Food on a Boat Cruise?

Yes, the good news is that many cruises will let you bring food, unless they specifically say otherwise. And honestly, snacks are what keep energy (and spirits) high on the water anyway.

Try these boat-friendly snacks for cruising — things that aren’t messy, don’t melt too fast, and won’t get blown away by a breeze: 

• Wraps or pita pockets instead of crumbly sandwiches

• Bite-sized fruit like grapes or berries

• Cheese, crackers, and cured meats

• Nuts or trail mix in sealed containers

Many of these snacks should pair nicely with whatever drink you buy onboard, and they help keep everyone steady when the waves roll in.

Let Us Handle the Drinks

So, can you bring drinks on a boat cruise in Ontario? Well, it depends on the cruise. Not on public ones — licensed bars handle that. On private boats, though, you can only drink when anchored or docked, and only if the vessel has full living facilities. Drinking on a moving boat in Ontario, or with open containers outside those conditions, is against the law.

The simplest solution? Skip the cooler stress and enjoy what’s offered onboard. And if you’re thinking of cruising along Georgian Bay, you can always enjoy a drink aboard our ship here at Collingwood Charters. The Huronic has a fully licensed bar and snack bar, so you can sip, snack, and soak up the view without worrying about the fine print.

Check out our events calendar to book your spot today.