One of the most iconic local paddles in Niagara is known as “The Shipwreck Paddle.” Launching from Abino Bay and hand-railing the shoreline toward Point Abino, this route packs an incredible amount of scenery, history, and big-water character into a single day. From the heritage lighthouse to the freshwater surf beaches and the eerie remains of the wreck itself, this area has become one of my favourite training grounds and a key location for our Niagara Level 2 courses.
Launch Site
The best launch is the public boat launch on Point Abino Road South. Arrive early—on summer weekends this place fills up fast. The next closest launch is Crystal Beach, which adds roughly 10 km to the round-trip distance.
Approximate Address:
471–949 Point Abino Rd S, Ridgeway, ON L0S 1N0
There are no washrooms at the launch, but town is only five minutes away by car.
The Point Abino Lighthouse
Point Abino Lighthouse is one of the region’s most striking pieces of heritage architecture. Built in 1918, it’s positioned directly on the shoreline and stands like a sentinel guarding the entrance to Abino Bay. From a kayak, the view is unmatched. On calm days you can paddle right to it and see the exposed foundation—on rough days it feels every bit like a coastal Atlantic headland.
The lighthouse marks the transition point from sheltered bay paddling to the open-water environment along Pleasant Beach. Conditions can change quickly here, which is one reason we use this area in our Niagara Level 2 sea kayak progression.
Surf Beach & Open Water
Point Abino and Pleasant Beach are famous freshwater surf breaks. When the southwest wind is running, this stretch produces clean, surfable waves and draws kiteboarders and surfers from across Ontario. For kayakers, the exposure is real—conditions can shift from calm to chaotic in minutes.
I’ve had everything here, from glassy morning paddles to 1M+ breaking waves. This is not a casual recreational route. It’s real open water with very real consequences.
To paddle this route safely, you should be fully equipped with:
- a true sea kayak with bulkheads
- immersion gear
- re-entry/rescue skills
- a group capable of handling surf and breaking waves
The Shipwreck
The shipwreck sits just offshore on the far end of the route. It’s an exposed wooden and steel structure that rises out of the lake in jagged, impressive formations. On calm days you can paddle right through the skeletal remains—sunlight filters through the planks and rusted beams like a cathedral built by accident.
On rougher days, the wreck becomes a hazard. Breaking waves wrap and rebound off the structure, creating unpredictable lateral energy. We only approach it in conditions where the group is stable, controlled, and mentally prepared.
Trip Length
The full route from the Point Abino launch is approximately 16 km round-trip. Depending on conditions, this can be an easy scenic tour or a demanding big-water paddle. Always check the marine forecast and plan conservatively.
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