Boat Launches
Chatham-Kent's waterways offer a variety of choices for boaters. Whether you are sailing on Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair or planning a trip up the Thames or Sydenham Rivers, Chatham-Kent has eight (8) free public boat launches for both motorized and non-motorized boats.
* Please note that 118 Brock Street, Shrewsbury is private property and not the location of the Shrewsbury Boat Launch.
Need to report a problem at a boat launch? Create a Service Request online anytime!
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Boat Docks
Wallaceburg Docks
Located on the Sydenham River, these overnight transient docks are open from mid-May to Labour Day and available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Enter the Sydenham River at the forks, continuing to Wallaceburg Municipal Docks.
Boater washrooms and shower facilities are located behind the library (209 James Street), Civic Square Park (779 James Street), and Sitting Park (905 James Street). Keys to access these facilities must be picked up at Glasstown Brewery (331 James Street) during their operating hours. To obtain a key you must present a valid boating license and driver's license with matching names on each license. A refundable key deposit is required.
Free Amenities
- 8-12 ft. draft at the dock
- Located in downtown Wallaceburg with shopping, dining and lounges available
- Restrooms/showers
- Electrical connections
- Garbage disposal
- Water access
Please visit our Bridges page for information on bridge openings.
Downtown Chatham Docks
Overnight transient docks along the Thames River in Downtown Chatham allow you to park your boat and enjoy restaurants, cafes, pubs, boutiques and shops. Docks are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Enter the Thames River at Lighthouse Cove on Lake St. Clair. Follow the river (mid-point is approximately 21 feet in depth) for a leisurely 3-hour cruise (5 miles per hour) to the Chatham Docks.
A boater's washroom and shower facility is available on the north side of the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre (315 King Street West). Keys to access the facility must be picked up inside the Civic Centre during regular business hours.
Free Amenities
- 8-10 ft. draft at the dock
- Restrooms/showers
- Garbage disposal
- Shopping, restaurants and lounges within walking distance
Downtown at West End, Thames River: Lat. 42° 19.92 Long 81° 28.12
Loran Co-ordinates: Lat. 42° 19.92 - Lon. 82° 28.12 TD1 31035.17- TD2 49990.11
Bridge Heights
Approximate clearances depending on water levels:
- Prairie Siding Bridge height is fixed at 22 ft.
- Parry Bridge height is fixed at 21 ft.
- Lacroix Street Bridge is fixed at a height of approximately 25 ft. About 1/4 mile past the Lacroix Street Bridge, the Downtown Docks begin on the south side of the river behind the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre.
- Third Street Bridge is fixed at a height of about 22 ft.
