Bond Park Boathouse, operated by the Town of Cary, offers boat rentals for all ages and abilities on Bond Lake within Fred G. Bond Metro Park, including pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, row boats, and Sunfish sailboats. All life preservers are supplied with every rental, and no experience is necessary except for sailboats.
Pedal Boats run $10 per half hour (up to 4 people, 700 lbs max). Kayaks run $10 per hour (solo, 325 lbs max, or tandem, 500 lbs/2 people max). Canoes run $10 per hour (2 adults + 1 small child, 700 lbs max). Row Boats run $10 per hour (up to 4 people, 500 lbs max). Sunfish Sailboats run $25 per 2 hours (up to 2 people, 400 lbs max, sailing experience required — classes are offered for those without).
Beyond rentals, the Boathouse offers a range of sailing, kayaking, and canoeing lessons for all ages, along with group programs and outdoor education for schools and youth groups. A small shop sells bait, cane poles, snacks, ice cream, snow cones, and drinks, with a screened porch overlooking Bond Lake for a snack break. Private boat launching is available for boats under 16 feet with no gas motors, either by daily fee ($5) or a seasonal launch pass ($40 resident / $55 non-resident, valid Feb-Nov).
Boat rentals are first come, first served (no advance reservations), with renters required to be 18+ to sign the liability waiver. Hours vary seasonally, closed November-March, with peak summer hours running into the evening on weekends.
For families and individuals near Cary looking for an affordable, well-equipped pedal boat, kayak, canoe, or sailboat rental, Bond Park Boathouse offers a straightforward, city-run operation right on Bond Lake.
