Toronto is a city with world-class attractions, both on land and on the water. And in the summertime, the best way to enjoy the city and its beautiful weather is with a cruise, paddle, or boat ride complete with skyline views. There are so many things to do on the water in Toronto, and we’ve compiled the very best of them, with the help of the Waterfront BIA.
Take a look at Toronto’s best water activities and attractions and hop aboard for a summer of adventure.
Cruises
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On Toronto’s waterfront, there are tons of options when it comes to cruises with a view.
Harbour Tours Toronto offers live narrated sightseeing boat tours and private charters of Toronto’s harbour and islands.
City Cruises offers brunch and dinner cruises, as well as a Sights & Sips cocktail cruise.
Tall Ship Cruises Toronto‘s Kajama is a traditional 165-foot three-masted Schooner boat cruise and Toronto’s only Tall Ship boat cruise attraction, which sails daily from downtown.
Empire Sandy, another tall ship available for private events, is hosting a Full Moon Blues Cruise on August 12, described as “a memorable, jazzy night under the stars with stunning views of the city skyline featuring a live band and delicious dinner.”
Boat Rentals
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If you want to spend a day on the water in your very own vessel, Harbourfront Centre Sailing & Powerboating makes boat rentals affordable and accessible, whether you’re a beginner or a pro boater.
They offer a wide selection of sailing and powerboating courses, membership, and boat rentals, including sailboats, powerboats and yachts.
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Glow-in-the-dark kayaks
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What better way to enjoy a summer night than by gliding through Humber Bay in a glow-in-the-dark transparent kayak? Toronto Kayaks supplies the city’s only transparent-LED-light-and-bluetooth-equipped-hybrid-kayak-canoe, which you can rent by the hour.
Your rental also comes with a waterproof pouch for your electronics, bug repellent, a safety kit, and a life jacket, in addition to the boat, paddle, and bluetooth speaker — everything you need for an evening on the water.
Where: Book online
Music on the River
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Paddle boats, music, warm nights — put ’em all together and you have what might just be the coolest live concert experience Toronto has to offer.
Music on the River is a concert series right on the Humber River and you’ll get to paddle your way to the show.
Your ticket comes with a boat rental, paddle, lifejackets, access to the show, and a glowstick to wave along with the music.
Where: Humber River Paddling Centre, 9 Old Mill Road
Toronto Water Bikes
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Nothing beats being on the water on Toronto’s hot summer days. This year, you can check out an experience on the lake by renting water bikes.
Toronto Water Bikes will be open and available all summer to give you a new water sports experience!
Think “cycling meets water,” and a fun exercise while adventuring around the lake. The best part is you can get an individual bike or a tandem water bike for two.
Where: Book online
Canoes & Kayaks
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Whether you’re looking to get active on the water or you’re a paddling pro, there’s an adventure that’s just right for you at Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre, the most popular paddling centre in Toronto for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
Go for a solo paddle or get some friends together for a big voyageur canoe tour. You can also meet new people at an evening social paddle and BBQ, hosted by the centre.
Where: 283 Queens Quay West
Toronto Island SUP
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This spot offers stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking lessons, plus sunset experiences and evening yoga atop a paddleboard!
If you’re looking to hone your paddleboarding skills or simply get out on the water as part of your day trip to the Toronto Islands, this is the place to do it.
Where: 13 Algonquin Bridge Road
