Gatineau, the fourth largest city in Quebec, sits on the northern banks of the Ottawa River, across from Ottawa, Ontario. This area is quite popular for the many boating opportunities that it offers. While visiting, many people take advantage of the ferries, tours and other water-based activities that are available. Many of the ferries carry people and vehicles between Gatineau and Ottawa, but there are also recreational ferries as well as riverboats, where you sightsee, dine and gamble. The area also boasts many marinas and other recreational boating opportunities. Visitors can bring their own boat, but many simply rent one from any of the many charters available in the area.
For those who will experience Gatineau in a motorized boat that they helm, Quebec, like all of Canada, requires them to have a boating license. A boating license from Quebec, any area in Canada or even the United States is acceptable. Failure to have such a card can result in fines and other penalties, and the charters will not rent to you without one. If you need a boating license, it is relatively easy to take the exam online, and after passing, the license arrives in the mail in 3-4 weeks. If you have less time than that, you can schedule an exam in Gatineau, and take the test when you arrive. They still mail the permanent license, but they will provide a temporary card immediately.
You only pay for your Boating License Exam once. If you don’t pass, you can try the exam again at no additional charge.
ASM Safe Safe Boating encourages boaters in all provinces to take a Transport Canada Accredited course to obtain the Canadian Boating License (officially known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card). ASM Safe Boating, through its partnership with BoaterExam.com, offers Transport Canada accredited courses and certification for the Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
If you operate a boat, you have to have a boater license. It’s the law. Without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, or boat operators license, you’re automatically subject to a $250 fine.
