Pinawa offers two spots to launch boats, one on the west side of the marina across from the Sundial and one on the east side of Willis Drive, south of the beach.
Notice
Boat launch fees/paid parking around the Boat Launch is in effect as of SATURDAY JULY 5 2025
In order to launch a boat, boaters must pay for a pass (day pass or seasonal). See the table below for daily and seasonal rates.
Pinawa Paid Parking areas surround both boat launches.
Day passes can be purchased using a smartphone and credit card through Pinawa’s payment system (HONK website)
QR codes will be posted at boat launch locations
Scan the QR code with a smartphone and access the link
From there, you can pay on your phone with a credit card
Note: if you have paid to launch your boat, you do not need to pay to park your vehicle in the surrounding parking areas while you are boating. Input your license plate into the HONK website when paying to launch your boat to access this benefit and ensure you are not ticketed.
Seasonal passes also grant access to free parking at the Sundial and the boat launch while you are boating.
Seasonal passes must be purchased from the Municipal Office (36 Burrows Road) during regular office hours (8:30-4:30)
Boat Launch Day Pass (Resident and Non-resident) | Seasonal Boat Launch Pass (Non-resident) | Seasonal Boat Launch Pass (Resident pass required) |
$10.00 | $75.00 | $25.00 |
Important Notice
Please note that BEFORE launching a boat into the Winnipeg River watershed, it MUST be properly decontaminated to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Failing to properly comply with the provincial regulations on decontaminating boats and other watercraft can result in fines up to $2500.
Please visit the website below for more information on AIS:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/stopais/spread/decontamination.html
Why is there a boat launch fee?
The increased boat traffic that comes during the summer months puts more wear on the launches. The fees help upkeep the boat launches so they can continue to provide access onto the beautiful Winnipeg River.
How can I pay the boat launch feet?
All day pass payment (for boat launches and parking) is taken through the HONK website. Scan the posted QR code on the signs with a smartphone and pay using a credit card. Seasonal passes are purchased at the Municipal Office (36 Burrows Road) during regular office hours (8:30-4:30)
If I’m a resident, do I need to pay to launch my boat?
Yes. The boat launch fee still applies to residents of Pinawa. However, a seasonal launch pass is offered at a reduced rate. Please see the Boat Launch Rate table for reduced rates.
I paid to launch my boat. Do I still have to pay to park?
If you pay to launch your boat, you do not have to pay to park in the boat launch parking area or in the Sundial parking area.
However, if you wish to park in a different area, such as the Suspension Bridge or the Diversion Dam, you will have to pay to park in the areas that do not accompany the boat launch.
How long does a seasonal boat launch pass last?
The seasonal boat launch pass is valid until the boating season is finished, to the discrepancy of the individual boater.
What if I want to purchase a seasonal boat launch pass when the Municipal Office is closed?
If the office is closed when you want to purchase your seasonal boat launch pass, purchase a boat launch day pass. Come to the office in the following couple of days with your receipt for the boat launch day pass and a discount will be provided to the seasonal boat launch pass equivalent to the amount spent on the day pass.
What is watercraft decontamination and why do I have to do it?
Transferring a boat from different watersheds without adequately decontaminating the boat can result in transferring aquatic invasive species. The Winnipeg River currently does not contain zebra mussels, but the increased boat traffic into our river increases the likelihood of their transfer if proper regulations are not followed.
Failing to comply with provincial watercraft decontamination laws can result in fines up to $2500.
More information on Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), the damage they cause to ecosystems and equipment, and what you can do about them can be found here.
What if I lose my boat launch pass?
Any pass, including boat launch passes, resident passes, or seasonal resident passes can be replaced for a fee of $40.