Boating Boating is a popular pastime in Ontario, providing a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and spend time with friends and family. Enjoying Charleston Lake is a lot of fun but also requires every boater to be safe and responsible.
Shoal Markers
Charleston Lake has many shoals and the water levels change significantly during the season. The Charleston Lake Association installs (in May), removes (in October), maintains and stores 75 shoal markers every season. In 2024, CLA replaced 26 shoal markers and exchanged or added solar powered lights.
We extend our thanks to Robbie Gibson and his on-board and on-shore team of Marty Rukavina, Jordan Gibson-Banks, and Brody Knapp who make this possible.
Transport Canada Boating Requirements
Transport Canada manages the licensing and safety requirements for pleasure crafts in Canada. The following resources explains what a Pleasure Craft License is, who needs one, how to apply for one, and how to keep your information up to date.
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CLA Boating Awareness and Safety System (BASS) Initiative
In 2021/2022, CLA launched a major new initiative aimed at reducing boat speed and noise, and to promote safe boating etiquette. CLA is especially proud that the this initiative was selected from among dozens of applications from across Canada to receive financial support from Transport Canada’s Boating Safety Contribution Program. This contribution will off set a significant portion of the costs of the initiative. The key elements are:
- Boater awareness survey
Boater Awareness Survey Results PDF - Create a plasticized waterproof boating map of Charleston Lake (see below)
- Improve signage at public boat ramps
- Communications via traditional media, web-based and social media
- Develop safe boating collateral material
Boater Awareness Pamphlet PDF - Develop Youth programs via boating safety modules in CLA summer camps
CLA Boating Safety Map
Charleston Lake Association published a new Official Boating Safety map of Charleston Lake. The map was developed by a committee of CLA Board Members, working with professional cartographers and graphic designers. The CLA team consulted more than ten existing maps of the lake published from 1899 to 2005, cross-referencing place names and other features of the lake. This new map is printed on waterproof and tearproof paper, and shows water depths, shoal markers, and slow speed zones. The back side is filled with useful information on boating safety rules, local wildlife and prominent features around the lake.
The map is available for sale at the Info Center or at local marinas and retail outlets.
The volunteer CLA committee included Rozario, Mary Mansworth, Michael McAdoo, Rocci Pagnello, and John Webster. The map project, including cartography, design, and production,
was supported by a financial contribution from Transport Canada under the Boating Safety Contribution Program (BSCP).
Manage Your Wake
Charleston Lake has a very fragile environment. Fish, wildlife habitat, shorelines and shoreline structures are vulnerable to damage from boat wakes.
Right Of Way Rules
There have been several accidents of lakes. Click to get a reminder of the rules of right away.
