Do I need a special licence to tow a boat trailer in Ontario?

No special licence is required for most recreational boat trailers in Ontario. A standard Class G licence covers trailers with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) up to 4,600 kg, which includes the vast majority of aluminum fishing boats, bowriders, and smaller pontoons. Heavier trailers, typically large pontoons, cabin cruisers, or commercial setups, may require additional endorsements. Check your trailer's GVWR plate on the tongue if you're unsure. You do need valid trailer registration, functioning lights, safety chains, and proper weight distribution regardless of licence class.

What are the best boat launches on Rice Lake?

Rice Lake has several launch options, including Gores Landing near Harris Boat Works, Bewdley and Hastings. Facilities, parking and access rules can change, so check the current Township of Hamilton waterfront page and posted signs before towing. Serpent Mounds is not a public launch; Hiawatha First Nation says the site has remained closed to the public since 2009.

How do I prepare my boat trailer before a long drive?

Before any highway trip, check: coupler locked and safety chains crossed and attached; all trailer lights working (tails, brakes, turn signals); tires inflated to spec and lug nuts torqued; wheel bearings greased or repacked if sitting since last season; boat secured with the restraints and rated attachment points specified by the boat and trailer manufacturers; outboard positioned and supported according to the exact outboard, trailer and support-device instructions, with adequate ground clearance; bilge drain plug removed for travel; and no loose gear inside the boat. The two most commonly skipped items are bearing inspection and lights. Both can turn a 90-minute drive into a roadside breakdown.

What's the correct tongue weight for a boat trailer?

Tongue weight, the downward force the trailer places on the hitch ball, should be 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight. Too little tongue weight (under 10%) causes trailer sway at highway speed, which is dangerous. Too much tongue weight (over 15%) overloads the rear of the tow vehicle and reduces front-wheel steering effectiveness. Adjust tongue weight by moving heavy gear (anchor, battery, fuel) forward or back in the boat. Weigh it at a truck stop scale or use a dedicated tongue weight scale if you're uncertain.

Should I remove the bilge drain plug when trailering?

Yes. Ontario requires drain plugs to be removed or opened to drain the boat before overland transport, along with precautions to remove aquatic plants, animals and algae. Store the plug where you can find it. During launch preparation in the staging area, install and check the hull drain plug before the boat enters the water. Transport drainage and launch preparation are two different steps; follow the boat instructions for its drains.

What speed should I drive when towing a boat?

A good rule of thumb for towing a boat trailer is 100-105 km/h on Ontario highways. Most tow vehicles and trailers are rated for higher speeds, but stability control systems and trailer sway resistance work more effectively when you're not near the top of your rated speed. More importantly, braking distance increases significantly with a loaded trailer, maintaining a larger following distance is more important than exact speed. On tight two-lane county roads heading to Rice Lake, slow down further. The posted limits are set for cars.

How do I back a boat trailer down a ramp?

Backing a trailer requires moving the steering wheel in the opposite direction from where you want the trailer to go. A common technique: put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want the trailer to go. Go slowly, small corrections are easier than large recovery moves. Walk the ramp first so you know what's at the bottom. Have a spotter if possible. If you're new to backing trailers, practice in an empty parking lot before heading to a busy ramp. Most rookies take 3-5 attempts; most experienced towers have a bad day eventually.

Can I leave my trailer at the boat launch overnight?

Do not assume overnight trailer parking is allowed at a public launch. Check the current Township of Hamilton waterfront page and posted signs because parking and seasonal rules can change. At Harris Boat Works, storage or service customers can include trailer-parking needs in the service request before drop-off.

What should I check on my outboard before trailering?

Use the trailering position and support method specified for your exact Mercury model and trailer; do not assume one tilt-lock or transom-saver rule fits every rig. Confirm the engine is secured, steering cannot swing freely, the propeller has road clearance, and any flush plug is reinstalled. If the motor has not run this season, work through our spring outboard commissioning checklist before the first launch.

Trailering a Boat: Toronto to Rice Lake

Quick Answer Trailering a boat from central Toronto to Rice Lake, Ontario takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes in light traffic via Highway 401 east to Exit 472 in Cobourg, then County Road 18 north about 16 km to Gores Landing, and longer on summer weekends.

Pickup truck towing a small aluminum fishing boat on a trailer down a rural road, canoe on the roof, Lake Access Ahead sign

Last reviewed: 2026-10-26

Mercury Premier Dealer·Gores Landing, ON·Quote builder available

Quick Answer

Trailering a boat from central Toronto to Rice Lake, Ontario takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes in light traffic via Highway 401 east to Exit 472 in Cobourg, then County Road 18 north about 16 km to Gores Landing, and longer on summer weekends. The route is mostly highway. Ontario requires trailer brakes when gross trailer weight, including the load, is 1,360 kg (3,000 lb) or more. Confirm tire pressure, lights and bearing condition before you leave, and verify current traffic conditions before departing.

The Route, In Plain Terms

From central Toronto: Highway 401 east through Scarborough and Whitby, past Port Hope to Exit 472 (County Road 18 / Burnham Street, Cobourg), then north on County Road 18 about 16 km to Gores Landing.

After you get off the 401, County Road 18 is a two-lane rural road. The trickiest parts are 401 traffic timing (weekend mornings and Friday afternoons are crowded), and the County Road 18 stretch in late fall when leaves are wet.

Set your destination to 5369 Harris Boat Works Rd, Gores Landing, and check the route before you leave. Use Highway 401 east to Exit 472, then County Road 18 north. Highway 115 and County Road 28 head toward Peterborough, not Gores Landing.

Before You Leave Toronto: Trailer Checklist

Going through this once at home saves you a bad day on the side of the 401. Spend 20 minutes:

Tires

Pressure to spec (check the trailer sidewall). Cold tires read differently than hot, do it before leaving.
Sidewall cracks or sun damage. Tires over 5–6 years old should be replaced regardless of tread.
Spare tire: present, inflated, the right size, and you know where the jack is.

Bearings

Touch each hub after a short drive. A hub that's hot to the touch (uncomfortable to keep your hand on) means bearings are dry or failing. Get them packed before the longer drive.
Repack annually if you trailer regularly. Bearing failure on the 401 east of Toronto is a very expensive education.

Lights

Brake lights, turn signals, running lights. Test all of them. A friend at the back is the easy way.
Have a backup of replacement bulbs in the tow vehicle.

Brakes (if equipped)

Hydraulic surge brakes, check the master cylinder for fluid level and look for leaks.
Electric brakes, controller in the tow vehicle is set correctly.
Breakaway cable: in place, hooked to the tow vehicle frame, not the ball.

Coupler and Safety Chains

Coupler latched and pinned, not just resting on the ball.
Safety chains crossed under the coupler, hooked to the tow vehicle frame.
Wiring connector in, secure, not dragging.

Boat-on-Trailer

Bow strap and stern straps tight. Use a winch strap at the bow, not just a rope.
Anything loose in the boat (rod holders, coolers, lifejackets) secured or removed.
Drain plugs removed or opened for overland transport, with the boat drained and the plug stored where you can find it. Install and check the hull drain plug during launch preparation, before the boat enters the water.

Toronto to Gores Landing: Drive Timeline

Toronto to Whitby (about 30 minutes): Highway 401 east. Watch for construction, the worst weekday morning rush hour stretch in Canada. Saturday mornings before 9 a.m. are reliably clear.

Whitby to Port Hope (about 35 minutes): Continuing east on 401. Lighter traffic, faster pace. Watch for OPP enforcement, this stretch has been known for speed checks.

Port Hope to Cobourg: Stay on Highway 401 east to Exit 472 (County Road 18 / Burnham Street).

Exit 472 to Gores Landing: Head north on County Road 18 about 16 km. Watch for left-turning traffic, slower-moving local traffic and seasonal farm equipment.

Into Gores Landing: Follow the signs to Harris Boat Works Rd. Watch your brakes on the approach to the lake if you're carrying a heavy load.

Total: roughly 1 hour 45 minutes from central Toronto in light traffic via Highway 401 east to Exit 472 in Cobourg, then County Road 18 north about 16 km to Gores Landing, longer on summer weekends.

Confirm your route and current travel time before you leave.

Trailer Weight and Tow Vehicle Considerations

Gross trailer weight below 1,360 kg (3,000 lb): Ontario's trailer-brake threshold does not apply, but the trailer and tow vehicle must still meet their ratings and all other safety requirements.

Gross trailer weight from 1,360 to 3,400 kg (3,000 to 7,500 lb): Trailer brakes are required by law in Ontario. Verify that your tow vehicle and hitch ratings exceed the loaded trailer weight.

Combined weight over 3,400 kg (7,500 lbs): A full-size truck or HD truck is typically required. Verify against the tow vehicle's gross combined weight rating (GCWR).

When in doubt, weigh the rig at a CAT scale before a long trip. Knowing the actual numbers is worth the scale fee.

Transport and launch are separate checks: Ontario requires drain plugs to be removed or opened before overland transport, along with precautions against carrying aquatic plants, animals and algae. Keep the boat drained for the trip. At the launch staging area, install and check the hull drain plug before entering the water, following the boat instructions.

What to Do at the Launch in Gores Landing

If you're launching at the public ramp at Gores Landing:

Pull into the staging area before the active ramp. Install and check the hull drain plug, load safety gear, and ready lines and fenders. Follow the boat and trailer instructions for tie-downs, the winch and engine position; keep the boat secured and the engine clear of the ground while preparing.
Back the trailer down the ramp until the boat floats off cleanly. Have a friend on the dock to walk the boat to a temporary tie-up.
Park the tow vehicle and trailer in the lot. The Gores Landing public lot fills up fast on weekends.
Boat in the water, trailer parked, you're good. The whole process should take 5–10 minutes once you've done it a couple of times.

If you're new to launching a trailer, do not learn on a busy Saturday morning at a public ramp. Practice once at a quiet weekday launch first.

Coming Back: The Drive Home

The return trip can be busier than the trip out. Weekend afternoons on 401 west into Toronto can add 30–60 minutes.

Best return windows:

Saturday afternoon before 3 p.m.
Sunday morning before 11 a.m.
Weekday late evening after 7 p.m.

Worst return windows:

Sunday afternoon 2–6 p.m. in summer
Friday afternoons (cottage traffic going north meets Toronto rush hour)

Ready for the Drive?

Build a quote for your Mercury motor, before or after the trip, at mercuryrepower.ca. Live installed pricing in CAD.

Service requests for HBW: hbwservice.ca.

Phone: 905-342-2153.

Harris Boat Works | 5369 Harris Boat Works Rd, Gores Landing, ON | Since 1947

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to trailer a boat from Toronto to Rice Lake?: The drive from central Toronto to Rice Lake takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes in light traffic via Highway 401 east to Exit 472 in Cobourg, then County Road 18 north about 16 km to Gores Landing. Summer weekends and long-weekend traffic can make it two hours or more, so check the route before departure.
Do I need a special licence to tow a boat trailer in Ontario?: No special licence is required for most recreational boat trailers in Ontario. A standard Class G licence covers trailers with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) up to 4,600 kg, which includes the vast majority of aluminum fishing boats, bowriders, and smaller pontoons. Heavier trailers, typically large pontoons, cabin cruisers, or commercial setups, may require additional endorsements. Check your trailer's GVWR plate on the tongue if you're unsure. You do need valid trailer registration, functioning lights, safety chains, and proper weight distribution regardless of licence class.
What are the best boat launches on Rice Lake?: Rice Lake has several launch options, including Gores Landing near Harris Boat Works, Bewdley and Hastings. Facilities, parking and access rules can change, so check the current Township of Hamilton waterfront page and posted signs before towing. Serpent Mounds is not a public launch; Hiawatha First Nation says the site has remained closed to the public since 2009.
How do I prepare my boat trailer before a long drive?: Before any highway trip, check: coupler locked and safety chains crossed and attached; all trailer lights working (tails, brakes, turn signals); tires inflated to spec and lug nuts torqued; wheel bearings greased or repacked if sitting since last season; boat secured with the restraints and rated attachment points specified by the boat and trailer manufacturers; outboard positioned and supported according to the exact outboard, trailer and support-device instructions, with adequate ground clearance; bilge drain plug removed for travel; and no loose gear inside the boat. The two most commonly skipped items are bearing inspection and lights. Both can turn a 90-minute drive into a roadside breakdown.
What's the correct tongue weight for a boat trailer?: Tongue weight, the downward force the trailer places on the hitch ball, should be 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight. Too little tongue weight (under 10%) causes trailer sway at highway speed, which is dangerous. Too much tongue weight (over 15%) overloads the rear of the tow vehicle and reduces front-wheel steering effectiveness. Adjust tongue weight by moving heavy gear (anchor, battery, fuel) forward or back in the boat. Weigh it at a truck stop scale or use a dedicated tongue weight scale if you're uncertain.
Should I remove the bilge drain plug when trailering?: Yes. Ontario requires drain plugs to be removed or opened to drain the boat before overland transport, along with precautions to remove aquatic plants, animals and algae. Store the plug where you can find it. During launch preparation in the staging area, install and check the hull drain plug before the boat enters the water. Transport drainage and launch preparation are two different steps; follow the boat instructions for its drains.
What speed should I drive when towing a boat?: A good rule of thumb for towing a boat trailer is 100-105 km/h on Ontario highways. Most tow vehicles and trailers are rated for higher speeds, but stability control systems and trailer sway resistance work more effectively when you're not near the top of your rated speed. More importantly, braking distance increases significantly with a loaded trailer, maintaining a larger following distance is more important than exact speed. On tight two-lane county roads heading to Rice Lake, slow down further. The posted limits are set for cars.
How do I back a boat trailer down a ramp?: Backing a trailer requires moving the steering wheel in the opposite direction from where you want the trailer to go. A common technique: put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want the trailer to go. Go slowly, small corrections are easier than large recovery moves. Walk the ramp first so you know what's at the bottom. Have a spotter if possible. If you're new to backing trailers, practice in an empty parking lot before heading to a busy ramp. Most rookies take 3-5 attempts; most experienced towers have a bad day eventually.
Can I leave my trailer at the boat launch overnight?: Do not assume overnight trailer parking is allowed at a public launch. Check the current Township of Hamilton waterfront page and posted signs because parking and seasonal rules can change. At Harris Boat Works, storage or service customers can include trailer-parking needs in the service request before drop-off.
What should I check on my outboard before trailering?: Use the trailering position and support method specified for your exact Mercury model and trailer; do not assume one tilt-lock or transom-saver rule fits every rig. Confirm the engine is secured, steering cannot swing freely, the propeller has road clearance, and any flush plug is reinstalled. If the motor has not run this season, work through our spring outboard commissioning checklist before the first launch.

Harris Boat Works · 5369 Harris Boat Works Rd, Gores Landing, ON · (905) 342-2153

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