Paddling — Flatwater.
Frenchman's Bay is a barrier-beach coastal lagoon — sheltered flatwater between the east and west spits, distinct from the open-lake exposure most of the eastern-GTA Lake Ontario coast presents. Sea kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard launches start from Beachfront Park on the south spit and from the marina spits at the bay outlet.
The brief.
Two flatwater options inside the city: Frenchman's Bay (barrier-beach lagoon paddling, sheltered between the spits, exposed once you cross the bay channel into Lake Ontario) and lower Duffins Creek along the Pickering/Ajax boundary near Greenwood Conservation Area (sheltered creek-mouth paddling). Conditions on Frenchman's Bay are calmest in early morning before the lake breeze fills in; afternoon winds make for choppier conditions on the open bay.
Best season is May through October. The Pickering Harbour Company runs the marina cluster at the bay outlet and the City of Pickering page is the authoritative reference for the public waterfront.
2. places.
- 01
Frenchman's Bay
Barrier-beach coastal lagoon; sheltered flatwater between the east and west spits; sea kayak / canoe / SUP launches from Beachfront Park and the marina spits.
- 02
Lower Duffins Creek (Greenwood / Pickering–Ajax boundary)
Sheltered creek-mouth paddling near Greenwood Conservation Area.
Today's read.
Temperature (6.4°C) below the typical range.