Detroit River Canal Boat Launch

Credit card only via QR code — no cash. You scan at the gate and enter your plate number. Triple-check every digit because a wrong letter can get your rig towed, and that's a $700 retrieval. The system defaults to a ~$200 season pass if you're not careful, and there's no reversing it. Budget around $12-13 per launch.

This is one of the steepest ramps on the Detroit River. The entry channel to the river is a blind jig-jag — tight enough that two boats can't really pass at the same time. Coming back in from the water takes some finesse, especially with anything over 20 feet. The EZ Dock edges are showing wear and some welds have failed, so watch your footing.

During the spring walleye run, weekend waits can hit 45-60 minutes easily. Weekday mornings are your friend. Even in the off-season, early mornings can draw a crowd since this is one of the best access points for the upper Detroit River and south shore of Lake St. Clair.

They close at dusk and expect you gone — no exceptions. You can't leave a vehicle overnight. If you're running a long day on the water, keep an eye on the clock or you'll come back to a locked gate and a bad evening.

The lot has plenty of space and they've been expanding it, but it's gravel with serious potholes. There's no separate exit lane, so launching and retrieving traffic tangles up at the single gate. Security is solid though — Sam and Robert keep eyes on everything, so your truck and trailer will be there when you get back.