Ahoy Rentals: Helping People Discover Kingston One Adventure at a Time
By Jenna Norman
Published: September 24, 2026
What started as a passion for the outdoors, turned into nearly 30 years of doing what he loves, all because he was willing to take a chance.
A Passion That Became a Business
As a kid, Andrew remembers looking out at the Ottawa River, watching the sailboats glide effortlessly across the water. He was fascinated by the freedom of boats being carried by nothing but the wind. That feeling stayed with him long after childhood, eventually becoming the foundation for the business he runs today.
In 1997, Andrew opened Ahoy Rentals after a trip to Kingston sparked an unexpected idea. While visiting, he wanted to rent a sailboat, but there was nowhere to do so. He was shocked, seeing as Kingston is known as the freshwater sailing capital of Canada and even hosted the sailing events for the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.
Having learned to sail while living in Basel, Switzerland, not being able to sail in the freshwater sailing capital didn’t make sense to him. As he puts it, “it was like going to Switzerland and not being able to ski”. That realization inspired him to create the adventure he felt Kingston was missing.
Building Ahoy Rentals
With the help of a few locals, Andrew found the old windsurfing building along Kingston's waterfront. It was the perfect location to bring his vision to life. What started with just eight bikes, five sailboats, and four kayaks has grown into a fleet of 35 bikes (pedal and electric), 40 kayaks and paddleboards, and five sailboats.
Listening to Customers
Ahoy Rentals has evolved by simply listening to the people it serves. As customers visited, Andrew noticed the same questions coming up again and again. Rather than saying no, he saw each question as an opportunity.
“Do you take people out sailing?”
Today, guests can book private sailing charters with a skipper, for a relaxing picnic on the water or a sunset sail along Kingston's beautiful waterfront.
“Do you teach sailing lessons?”
Now, Andrew offers private sailing lessons for one or two people, giving beginners the confidence to learn the basics before renting a sailboat themselves.
By listening to what people wanted, he adapted the business to meet their needs. Andrew says “it’s live market research” that has allowed Ahoy to bloom into what it is today.
Safety Comes First
While Andrew's passion for the outdoors is obvious, his commitment to safety is just as important.
Every customer receives the proper personal protective equipment before heading out on the water. His team provides paddling instructions, explains where it's safe to paddle, asks if guests can swim, ensures life jackets fit properly, and keeps a close eye on changing weather conditions.
To Andrew, “safety is paramount”.
For added peace of mind, Ahoy Rentals has a safety boat ready in case someone needs assistance getting back to shore.
Making the Outdoors Accessible
One of the things Andrew is most proud of is making the outdoors accessible to everyone, even first-time paddlers. Many people arrive having never kayaked before, unsure if they'll be able to do it. Andrew always reassures them that “we are right here” and “if you can see us, we can see you”.
It's a simple promise that helps people feel comfortable enough to try something new.
More than anything, Andrew wants every visitor to leave Ahoy Rentals with a smile. He wants people to have a great day, create lasting memories, and experience something different.
He loves “the sheer joy people get” and enjoys sharing his passion for the outdoors with visitors near and far.
Sharing the Best of Kingston
His team's local knowledge has also become part of the Ahoy Rentals experience. Whether someone is visiting for a few hours or a full weekend, they're always happy to recommend places to explore around Kingston.
When asked what every visitor should experience while they're in the city, Andrew didn't hesitate. Here are three of his favourite local recommendations:
-
Visit the S.S. Keewatin – Andrew recommends experiencing this historic steamship both from the water and by touring it inside. Seeing it from the water gives you a true sense of its impressive size, while exploring the interior offers a glimpse into what life aboard the ship was like when it was in service. As Andrew says, "Kingston is very lucky to have something like the S.S. Keewatin.
-
Chill at Juniper Café – Grab a coffee or a bite to eat while enjoying beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River, Wolfe Island, and the wind turbines in the distance. One of Andrew's favourite things about the café is its peaceful atmosphere. There are no cars, making it unlike anywhere else.
-
Cycle to Wolfe Island – Take the 30-minute ferry ride across to Wolfe Island and explore the charming village of Marysville and its local businesses. For more experienced cyclists, the quiet country roads winding through the island make for an unforgettable ride.
If you ask Andrew for one piece of travel advice, it's to spend more than one day in Kingston. He believes there's simply too much to experience in a single visit, from incredible restaurants and locally owned businesses to beautiful heritage buildings and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Looking Ahead
As Ahoy Rentals approaches its 30th anniversary in 2027, Andrew looks back with immense gratitude.
He's not only thankful for the thousands of customers who have supported the business over the years, but also for the Kingston community that has embraced him since the beginning. Every spring, as the boats and bikes return to the waterfront, neighbours stop by to say hello. Over the years, many have told him that seeing Ahoy Rentals set up for the season is a sign of summer coming back.
For Andrew, there's no greater compliment.
He's proud to call Kingston home and feels fortunate to share everything he loves about the city with both longtime residents and curious visitors. As Ahoy Rentals enters its next chapter, his hope remains the same as it was nearly 30 years ago: to continue creating safe, memorable, and fun experiences that help people discover the beauty of Kingston from the water and beyond.
Jenna Norman
Hi! I’m Jenna, one of the Marketing and Events interns for Downtown Kingston. I recently graduated from the Business Administration – Marketing program at St. Lawrence College. I have a passion for finding creative ways to connect people with the places and businesses that make a community thrive. Being born and raised in the Kingston area, I’m proud to call this city home and am excited to help share the stories that make Downtown Kingston such a special place.
