Saskatchewan is a landlocked Canadian province, but that lack of coastline does not mean bad boating. In fact, Saskatchewan has earned a great reputation from boaters all over North America due its many rivers and its wide array of lakes, which number over one-hundred thousand. Lake Diefenbaker is particularly popular for the sail boating experience it provides, and there are even houseboats that you can rent for periods as short as an hour. Saskatchewan has tight integration between their lakes and rivers and the park system. So there are opportunities to drive motorboats, jet skis, kayaks and even whitewater river rafts, as well as camp, hike and so forth.
In Saskatchewan, you do not need a boating license for sailboats, kayaks and the like, but you do need a boating license for any powered vehicle. If you are looking forward to boating on the lake, then make sure you plan ahead. Fortunately, Saskatchewan makes it all relatively easy, and it is relatively inexpensive too. If you schedule ahead, you can coordinate your exam time with your arrival date. If you cannot get your license ahead of time, this is a great way to do it. They issue temporary licenses upon passing so you get full privileges immediately upon arrival.
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.