Georgian Bay Water Activities: First-Timer's Guide at Living Water Marina

Planning your first day on the water at Georgian Bay? Here's the short answer: Living Water Marina, at 9 Harbour Street East in Collingwood, offers stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals first come, first served, plus jet skis and guided excursions through an on-site operator. Every resort guest gets one hour of free SUP or kayak use. Here's everything else a first-timer needs to know before heading out.

What is Living Water Marina?

Living Water Marina sits directly on the resort property at 9 Harbour Street East in Collingwood, and it's home to two separate on-site operators that first-timers should know apart before they arrive:

• Southwinds Marine — stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals, plus boat sales, service, storage, and slips

• Xtreme Adventures — jet ski rentals and guided daily boat excursions, based in a hut in the parking lot near the boat slips

Knowing which one you need before you arrive saves a walk back across the lot.

How do I rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak?

SUP and kayak rentals run through Southwinds Marine and are first come, first served — there's no reservation line, so arrive early on busy weekends.

What to know before you go:

• Season: July 1 through September 7, 2026 (the Labour Day long weekend)

• Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting

• Payment: Visa, Mastercard, or cash

• Pricing & availability: Call (705) 444-1251 or visit southwindsmarine.com

• Location: 9 Harbour Street East, Collingwood, Ontario, right on the resort property

No boating license is required for paddleboards or kayaks, which makes them the easiest starting point for a total first-timer.

Is a paddleboard or kayak rental included with my stay?

Yes, and it's worth planning around. Every guest of Living Water Resorts receives one hour of free stand-up paddleboard or kayak use. Try it on day one of your stay if you've never been on the water before — if the hour isn't enough, you can extend the rental directly through Southwinds Marine.

What if I want to try a jet ski or a guided boat excursion?

That's Xtreme Adventures — a separate outfitter based at Living Water Marina, offering:

• Jet ski rentals

• Daily guided boat excursions

• Wakeboarding, wake-surfing, and tubing

Bookings can be made online or by phone, and credit cards are accepted. Look for the Xtreme Adventures hut in the parking lot, close to the boat slips — easy to miss on your first visit if you're not looking for it. For current pricing and availability, visit xtremeadventures.ca.

What should a first-timer bring or know before heading out?

A few things that make a real difference on Georgian Bay:

• Life jackets — provided with rentals; confirm the fit before you launch

• Sun protection — reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses, since the Bay's open water means constant sun with little shade

• Layers — the water stays cool even in July and August, and it can feel noticeably cooler out on the Bay than on land, especially with wind

• A dry bag — for phones, keys, and wallets; it's easy to underestimate spray off a paddleboard or during a jet ski outing

• A quick weather check right before you go out — Georgian Bay is known for building afternoon winds and fast-moving squalls, and conditions that look calm at 10 a.m. can shift by early afternoon

When is the best time to go?

Early morning, generally before 10 a.m., tends to have the calmest water — ideal for first-time paddleboarders or kayakers still finding their balance. Mid-to-late morning is prime time for jet skis and guided excursions with Xtreme Adventures, before winds typically build later in the day. Because SUP and kayak rentals only run July 1 through September 7, it's worth building your outing into the early part of your stay rather than saving it for your last day.

What if I need to dock my own boat while visiting Collingwood?

Boat owners can use Living Water Marina for seasonal slip rentals or transient dockage through Southwinds Marine, which brings experienced service to both. On-site amenities include 24-hour security, launch access, water and hydro hookups, gas and diesel fuel, washroom and laundry facilities, and pump-out stations.

Southwinds Marine also runs a full-service shop and store — with mechanics, service, and boating products available both at the marina office and their Mountain Road location — along with boat storage and new and pre-owned boat sales. For pricing and availability, call (705) 444-1251 or visit southwindsmarine.com.

Ready to plan your day on the water?

Whether it's your first time on a paddleboard or you're bringing your own boat in for the weekend, Living Water Marina is the easiest way to experience Georgian Bay.

Book your stay to lock in your free hour of SUP or kayak use, and call (705) 444-1251 for rental and dockage availability. After you're back on shore, Lakeside Seafood & Grill is right on the water for a meal with the same view you just explored.