7 ways to get on the water in Toronto
Summers in Toronto are lived on the water, but you don’t have to travel all the way to a cottage to do so. We have plenty of water activities for the whole family to take advantage of, right here in downtown Toronto. Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto’s waterfront is the most convenient spot to soak up some sun. Here are a few ways to get on the water:
gone sailing adventures
Get on the water in lux and style with sail boats and motor yachts . Tour through Toronto Harbour, Island Lagoons, and the Toronto Islands, with awesome views of the CN Tower and Toronto skyline. You can even pre-order from their catering and add food and drinks to your trip.
415 Queens Quay West
(416) 240-0202
Website
Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre
Paddle your way around the lake on a canoe, kayak or paddle board. Rentals are available at Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre, right beside Harbourfront Centre. If you’ve never tried, they also offer lessons.
283 Queens Quay West
(416) 203-2277
Website
Toronto Island SUP
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is a good workout and a peaceful way to roam around the island. If you haven’t tried it yet, now is the time. They offer lessons for newbies and rentals or SUP Yoga, SUP Eco-Tour or Night SUP Adventure for those wanting something more.
13 Algonquin Bridge Road, Ward’s Island
(416) 899-1668
Website
Mariposa Cruises by Hornblower
Sail the harbour on a cruise ship, with spectacular views of the city skyline. Choose from a Dining Cruise, a 60-minute Sip & Sail cruises with drinks and light bites or charter for your own private function.
207 Queens Quay West, Pier 6
(866) 627-7672
Website
Great Lakes Schooner Company and Cruise Toronto
The newly renovated Tall Ship Kajama will be operating as a patio until we are allowed to operate as a sailing vessel in 2021. Enjoy the views of the harbour with some food and drinks, which you can order on board of this beautiful 165-foot-long, 3-masted schooner built in 1930. Sailing will start again as soon as it’s able.
235 Queens Quay West
(416) 203-2322
Website
HARBOURFRONT CENTRE Sailing and PowerBoating
Get on the water in style with your very own boat. You can rent a small powerboat from 1 to 5 people to rip around Lake Ontario, without needing any experience OR you can rent a bigger powerboat or pontoon for up to 10 people, with an experienced driver.
Harbourfront Centre, 275 Queens Quay West
(416) 203-3000
Website
National Yacht Club
National Yacht Club now offers Kayak and Paddleboard Membership! The perfect home-base for your next paddling adventure, NYC is located close to the Toronto Islands and just a short paddle away from the peaceful lagoons of Centre Island and beautiful beaches at Hanlan’s Point. There is also free on-site parking.
1 Stadium Road
(416) 260-8686
Website
Ships2Shores
Ships2Shores is a pan-Canadian youth-led project developed by Toronto’s Broad Reach Foundation for Youth Leaders to increase youth engagement with, and participation in, the marine industry. The fund can enable 103 youth from across the country to participate in sail training programs, influencing their personal growth and development.
304 – 20 Lower Spadina
(226) 338-8270
Website
Tiki Taxi
Go to the island in island style. The Tiki Taxi is a great alternative to the public ferry boats to get to and from the Toronto Islands. They operate custom-built “Tiki” themed boats, decorated with real bamboo, reclaimed wood, and realistic synthetic thatched roofing, making for a fun, tropical experience. Rides are $10 and you don’t need to book in advance. Dogs, strollers and bikes are free.
Spadina Avenue at Queens Quay West
(647) 347-TIKI
Website
Pirate Taxi
Ahoy Matey, all aboard the pirate ship, ok – taxi. Hop on the pirate-themed harbour taxi from the waterfront to the islands and back, but they also have private booking options so you can host your own pirate party for up to 12 people.
HTO Park and Harbourfront Centre
(416) 838-TAXI
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