Hartley Bay Marina
2870 Hartley Bay Rd, French River, Ontario P0M 1A0 Canada
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About
4.5
#1 of 1 motel in French RiverLocation
4.9
Cleanliness
4.5
Service
4.6
Value
4.4
Get More out of Your Outdoors through Hartley Bay Marina. Stay in our traditional fishermen style cottages or access the French River Delta and Provincial Park with our secure parking and launching facilities. Fish, paddle, camp, explore or just relax!! Experience the French River the way you would like with all of the amenities a full service marina can offer. New this year!! Learn more about the outdoors by joining us on one of our guided experiences. Hope to see you soon!
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Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
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Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
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Charming
Location
2870 Hartley Bay Rd, French River, Ontario P0M 1A0 Canada
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Sudbury Airport
41.1 mi•
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Toronto Pearson Intl Airport
172.4 mi•
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Detailed Reviews
Great access point into The French River. Staff and dock guys are very VERY helpful getting the boat into the water. Was a little nervous at first but these guys know what they are doing. Easy access to a few of the other lodges around but will try staying here in 2021 as well. Great service!!!!!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My son and I stayed here for a few nights in one of the cottages and our vacation could not have been more perfect. Nestled in a beautiful location with a lovely view over the bay, the cottages are very clean, well equipped and very comfortable.
I have spent over half my life in the tourism and customer service industry and from the moment we arrived was blown away from the level of hospitality and kindness from every interaction. Every single time a staff member walked past us we were greeted with a warm smile and made sure we had everything we possibly needed. Any questions were answered with loads of information. The guys working down at the marina were always showing my son the best spots to stand on the dock to fish from and lots of pro-tips on catching the big one. We were treated more like family than guests - including my son receiving birthday wishes all around and even a few birthday gifts.
Saying thank you to everyone simply just doesn’t feel enough. It is rare that I am speechless, however I cannot put in to words how grateful I am for the memories we were able to make. It was truly an unforgettable experience that would not have been possible without the wonderful people of Hartley Bay Marina.
I have spent over half my life in the tourism and customer service industry and from the moment we arrived was blown away from the level of hospitality and kindness from every interaction. Every single time a staff member walked past us we were greeted with a warm smile and made sure we had everything we possibly needed. Any questions were answered with loads of information. The guys working down at the marina were always showing my son the best spots to stand on the dock to fish from and lots of pro-tips on catching the big one. We were treated more like family than guests - including my son receiving birthday wishes all around and even a few birthday gifts.
Saying thank you to everyone simply just doesn’t feel enough. It is rare that I am speechless, however I cannot put in to words how grateful I am for the memories we were able to make. It was truly an unforgettable experience that would not have been possible without the wonderful people of Hartley Bay Marina.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Working at an establishment on the Lower French River, I accessed the river, and left vehicles, at Hartley Bay Marina for nearly twenty years. The service has always been friendly and efficient. It is an excellent place for those wanting to start/end a canoe trip in French River Provincial Park.
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Date of stay: October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am terribly disappointed in the hartley bay marina's customer service and completely unprofessional interactions with me as a customer. I was there a couple of years ago and had also found that the staff spoke to me in a very rude and condescending manner. I told myself the owner was just having a bad day and went on to have a good weekend in the beautiful french river.
Coming back this year with friends after a parking misunderstanding involving someone else's truck being confused with my own, I was shocked at how I was spoken to in a totally unacceptable manner by the owner once again. I politely told him that there was no need for him to get angry at me. Then once inside to register I told the cashier that I thought it was really wrong to be talking to a customer the way I had been spoken to, he became extremely rude and defensive and said "well we can end this transaction right now"!!!
Wow! I have never been treated like this and were it not for being a planned trip with friends I would have turned around and left right there! I was also over charged by one night upon leaving but chose to just cut my losses and leave in order to avoid another confrontation.
In my opinion, these people do not deserve to be running a business if they continue to treat their customers that way, and stongly suggest others in finding somewhere else to enjoy the french river. It's a shame because I enjoy the area but I can say that I will definitely NEVER GO BACK to the Hartley bay marina.
Coming back this year with friends after a parking misunderstanding involving someone else's truck being confused with my own, I was shocked at how I was spoken to in a totally unacceptable manner by the owner once again. I politely told him that there was no need for him to get angry at me. Then once inside to register I told the cashier that I thought it was really wrong to be talking to a customer the way I had been spoken to, he became extremely rude and defensive and said "well we can end this transaction right now"!!!
Wow! I have never been treated like this and were it not for being a planned trip with friends I would have turned around and left right there! I was also over charged by one night upon leaving but chose to just cut my losses and leave in order to avoid another confrontation.
In my opinion, these people do not deserve to be running a business if they continue to treat their customers that way, and stongly suggest others in finding somewhere else to enjoy the french river. It's a shame because I enjoy the area but I can say that I will definitely NEVER GO BACK to the Hartley bay marina.
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Date of stay: July 2013Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from HartleyBayMarina, Guest Relations Manager at Hartley Bay Marina
Responded Aug 1, 2013
We're sorry that your experience through our marina was not a great one. Providing friendly and courteous service is high on our list of priorities however we have rules and policies in place to ensure the safety of all persons and vehicles on our property and unfortunately we have to enforce them from time to time. We thank you for your feedback.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have been hesitant to leave this review but feel I need to. On labour day weekend I brought a group of first time canoeists to the French River for an adventure. Upon arrival the woman issuing the permits was amazing. Friendly and gave us the low down. All good so far. We did as she instructed and in a little over an hour we were Paddling on the French River. The day we beautiful and we were excited. The one thing we didn’t count on was the boaters. They seem to have ownership of this Provincial Park. Angry to slow down and fly past us at full throttle. We elected to stay on one site because of this. We enjoyed our 4 day trip.
Now here is where the story goes offside. We were Paddling in the rain on the way out. Actually hide on the side of shore away from a thunderstorm. After it cleared a little we continued to paddle. We were wet and Paddling our way out. Then we were in a small channel and saw a boat coming quickly. We went to the side of the channel to keep a clear passage for the boat to go through. It was a large type boat that had a front lift drop down and was pulling a 16 foot aluminum boat behind it. We thought it would slow down so it wouldn’t throw a wake on us. Well we were wrong. The boat went through at full speed ahead. I remind you that this channel was 50 feet wide. So after the boat sped through it threw a wall of water on each side. When this hit us it through us up on the shore. One boat filled with water others banged up from the roaches and of course everyone shook up. We were in disbelief that this just happened. As the leader especially never having anyone do this to us before.
Trying to shake off this disaster we arrived back at Hartley bay marina to see the boat right front in centre on the dock at the marina. Yes that’s right it’s the marinas boat. So once on shore I confirmed this by asking a worker who was driving this boat? He pointed out the other employee and I confronted this person and started to ask a question and he turned his back and walked away. It was a true f u moment.
This is why I have left this review. We will never ever use this company for anything again. I am seriously thinking of reporting them to the proper authorities as well. It was embarrassing to be treated this way in today’s day and age. This will also be reported to Ontario parks as they issue permits for this area. I have 11 witnesses in this event. It’s appalling and extremely dangerous.
Now here is where the story goes offside. We were Paddling in the rain on the way out. Actually hide on the side of shore away from a thunderstorm. After it cleared a little we continued to paddle. We were wet and Paddling our way out. Then we were in a small channel and saw a boat coming quickly. We went to the side of the channel to keep a clear passage for the boat to go through. It was a large type boat that had a front lift drop down and was pulling a 16 foot aluminum boat behind it. We thought it would slow down so it wouldn’t throw a wake on us. Well we were wrong. The boat went through at full speed ahead. I remind you that this channel was 50 feet wide. So after the boat sped through it threw a wall of water on each side. When this hit us it through us up on the shore. One boat filled with water others banged up from the roaches and of course everyone shook up. We were in disbelief that this just happened. As the leader especially never having anyone do this to us before.
Trying to shake off this disaster we arrived back at Hartley bay marina to see the boat right front in centre on the dock at the marina. Yes that’s right it’s the marinas boat. So once on shore I confirmed this by asking a worker who was driving this boat? He pointed out the other employee and I confronted this person and started to ask a question and he turned his back and walked away. It was a true f u moment.
This is why I have left this review. We will never ever use this company for anything again. I am seriously thinking of reporting them to the proper authorities as well. It was embarrassing to be treated this way in today’s day and age. This will also be reported to Ontario parks as they issue permits for this area. I have 11 witnesses in this event. It’s appalling and extremely dangerous.
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Date of stay: September 2017Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It cost me 34 dollars to put my boat in the water and park my car and trailer. This was a greedy rip off. Key River marina charges 20 to launch and park. Penage marina charges 15 to launch and park. Wahnapetei is just 10 to launch and park.
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Date of stay: September 2016Trip type: Traveled with friends
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have been using the Palmers Marina for years to get to our family retreat on the French River. Prompt service both launching our boat and pulling it out and they always make the hassle of transferring stuff from our car to our boat a breeze. Also great for gas, water, and ice all week long. They also fixed my trailer for me while I was boating for the week. Saved me a day trip into Sudbury and fixing, more time to speed with the family. It's is a great family run resort.
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Date of stay: July 2013Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where to start! This trip was absolutely amazing! This was our first Canoe trip on the French river. We lucked out as it was just us and our guide! It was nice for both my partner and myself as it allowed us to have some us time as well as to experience something we both enjoy immensely. Our guide was so full of knowledge that there wasn't a question he couldn't answer. He showed us so much and allowed time for us to take in everything. The day there we got to canoe a little further than planned and found a beautiful and remote spot to camp for the night on the edge of a small rock setting. Watching the sunset from here was breath taking. Both myself and partner live and work in the GTA so this to us just made us feel like we were both finally back where we belonged. Every day after this was a great experience we never once had any issues. The food that our guide packed and prepared each day was perfect for our trip. His wife even made some home made goodies that really hit the spot when we needed a snack. We got to portage a couple times as well. We got to see the rapids and enjoy nature. I am not going to lie the bugs suck however you get the whole package or nothing. Just bring bug spray! The mosquitos are very persistent on wanting their dinner. We saw a bunch of wild life and I got to take some amazing photo's! We are looking forward to going back again this summer and exploring another section!
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Date of stay: August 2014Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â This truly is an amazing experience for those who like nature
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from HartleyBayMarina, Manager at Hartley Bay Marina
Responded Apr 28, 2015
We are glad to hear that you guys had a great time on your guided canoe vacations with Outervision Adventure tours!! Thanks for the review!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
If you are looking for a great place to fish,swim and have a BBQ while enjoying the beautiful view of the French River, this is the place! Cabins are clean,well maintained and very comfortable.The staff are all friendly and very informative, they make you feel part of the family. Marina staff are quick with all your fuel,bait ,etc. needs and there is plenty of dock space for your boat. Summer time wild blueberries are everywhere, can't beat the taste of wild blueberries. Great fishing all around bass, pike, pickerel etc. Nice place to relax for a couple days,even a week, don't forget your camera,it's worth the visit to Hartley Bay House and Marina.
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Date of stay: June 2013Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I went with my wife for a canoe week in the French River Delta in August 2013. The staff was very helpful, friendly and answered each of my 200 questions with endurance. Even my dog got some cookies for free from the boat house staff. Considering it is a monopole business as the access point for the Delta i didn't find the pricing too hefty. They took well care of my car while is was canoeing and even made a nice start and finish photo from me and my wife. The French River Delta is an amazing and beautiful place and the Hartley Bay Marina is a good start into the vacation! We'll come again.
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Date of stay: August 2013Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, the cost of a cottage would be $300. For one or two nights for two people. We do not rent boats here but you could rent one at Bear's Den Lodge (7058572757) and they will bring it here.
If you have any questions or would like to book please contact me back.
Margaret Palmer
Hartley Bay Marina
French River
"We just used their ramp to load and unload our canoe, did not stay in the cottages"Read full review
LOCATION
CanadaOntarioNortheastern OntarioFrench River
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hartley Bay Marina
Are pets allowed at Hartley Bay Marina?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.