Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario — Toronto is a city known for its famous CN tower, dynamic sub-cultures, tranquil green spaces and incredible 5-star restaurants. This is a city that truly offers something for everyone, including nature lovers, foodies and shopaholics.

See this popular Canadian city from a different perspective when you join one of the many boat tours in Toronto. Marvel at the incredible scenery offered by Lake Ontario and its surrounding waterways as you enjoy a leisurely boat cruise that will make your trip even more memorable!

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in Toronto.

What are the most popular boat tours in Toronto?

When looking for a boat trip in Toronto, you’ll find that you have many different options to choose from, including harbor cruises, sailing yacht trips to the nearby islands and so much more.

Harbor cruises in Toronto

Take a leisurely cruise around Toronto’s picturesque harbor and enjoy views of the city’s skyscrapers and other iconic sites, including the CN Tower. This tour provides the perfect opportunity to get amazing photos of the major Canadian city as you admire its beauty!

In addition to the harbor, you’ll also visit the Toronto Islands, a chain of 15 islands that are connected by bridges and pathways. One of the highlights is getting to see the Gibraltar Lighthouse, which is well over 200 years old.

Make your way back to the Queens Quay Terminal and enjoy the views of the bustling harborfront, filled with all sorts of yachts and boats. After a fun-filled 1-hour excursion, you’ll say goodbye to the captain and step back onto solid ground.

Niagara Falls day trip from Toronto

The world-famous Niagara Falls, which attracts over 14 million visitors every year, is only around 130 kilometers southwest of Toronto. Take the opportunity to see this natural wonder when you join a Niagara Falls day trip from Toronto that includes a boat cruise.

Some of the places you’ll see on the way include the Hydro Power Station, the Floral Clock, the Niagara Gorge and the Whirlpool Rapids, all of which provide amazing photo opportunities. Take some time to admire the falls in all their glory before embarking on your boat cruise.

Your guide will escort you to the boarding area, where you’ll get on a comfortable boat that will take you toward the base of the falls. Keep in mind the boat cruise portion of the tour is not available during the winter months.

Tall ship boat cruise in Toronto

Treat yourself to a truly special experience in Toronto when you book a tall ship boat cruise in Toronto. Tall ships are traditional-rigged sailing vessels that were popular throughout the 20th century, although their rig was first developed sometime in the 1600s.

The tall ship you’ll be sailing on is a gorgeous 3-masted 1930s schooner that looks like it comes straight out of a historical movie. After you’ve enjoyed a 30-minute cruise around Toronto’s harbor, you’ll sail further out on Lake Ontario, enjoying the gorgeous views of the islands.

An expert crew is not only there to ensure your safety, but they’ll also entertain you as they sing sea shanties and fire the ship’s cannon. A variety of food and drinks can be purchased onboard the ship for a nautical dining experience.

Sailing yacht cruise of Toronto Harbor and Islands

Feel the wind in your hair as you set sail and explore Lake Ontario aboard a comfortable 41’ sailing yacht. An experienced captain and crew will handle steering the boat and maneuvering the sails as you relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Toronto skyline.

Sail past Tommy Thompson Park and the Toronto Islands, keeping a lookout for the Gibraltar Lighthouse, which is more than two centuries old! If you’re interested, your captain is more than happy to teach you a few sailing basics and let you take the helm.

There are a few different options to choose from, including sunset sails, 2-hour cruises, 3-hour cruises and private experiences. Whichever option you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll enjoy a memorable experience in Toronto.

Toronto city tour plus Harbor cruise

Make the most of your time in Toronto by combining a city sightseeing tour with a harbor cruise. This is a popular tour option for newcomers to the city, who want to get a better idea of Toronto’s layout and the main attractions on offer.

After a convenient hotel pickup, you’ll make your way to various landmarks in the city, including the CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market and Queen’s Park among others. Your knowledgeable guide will provide you with fascinating info about each site you visit and can answer your questions.

The tour ends with a relaxing harbor cruise, where you’ll get to see the city from a unique perspective with your newfound travel companions. Once the cruise is over and your half-day tour has finally come to an end, you’ll be taken back to your hotel by your guide.

How much do boat tours in Toronto cost?

Harbor cruises are usually the most affordable type of boat tour in Toronto, costing just US$25 per person for a 1-hour group excursion on Lake Ontario.

Tall ship boat cruises, which are similar to harbor cruises in their itinerary, usually cost around US$35 per person for a unique experience aboard a vintage vessel.

Niagara Falls day trips, which include a boat cruise, typically cost around US$120 per person for a full-day guided excursion to the falls from Toronto.

Sailing yacht tours in Toronto, lasting around 2 hours, usually cost approximately US$150 per person for a small-group experience onboard a comfortable sailing vessel.

Combination tours, which include both a city sightseeing tour of Toronto and a harbor cruise, typically cost around US$160 per person for a half-day excursion that includes roundtrip transfers.

Which places are seen?

When you join a boat tour in Toronto that takes place on Lake Ontario, you can expect to see many of Toronto’s famous sites from the water including the Toronto Harbor, the CN Tower and Billy Bishop Airport among others.

You’ll also get to see the Toronto Islands, which are 15 islands linked together with bridges, as well as the famous Gibraltar Lighthouse.

Toronto Harbor

The Toronto Harbor is located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. This vibrant area is filled with shops, restaurants and hotels, making it a popular destination for tourists. As you set sail, you’ll get to see the harbor from a different perspective and admire the variety of boats docked there.

The CN Tower

While Toronto is known for its shiny skyscrapers, none of the city’s other skyscrapers are nearly as tall as the CN Tower. Standing at an incredible height of 553.3 meters, the CN Tower is the world’s second-tallest freestanding building.

Billy Bishop Airport

Keep an eye out for airplanes heading to or from the Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto. This regional airport, which can be clearly seen from Lake Ontario, was previously known as Port George VI Island Airport.

Gibraltar Point Lighthouse

The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is over 200 years old and is the oldest existing lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Built in 1808, the lighthouse is one of the island’s main attractions and is steeped in fascinating history.

The Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a chain of 15 small islands located in Lake Ontario. The islands, which are all connected by pathways and bridges, are known for their cute cafes, charming architecture and laidback atmosphere.

How long does a boat trip last?

No matter how much time you’re looking to spend on the water, there’s a boat trip in Toronto to suit your schedule. Most boat trips that take place on Lake Ontario, which visit the harbor and Toronto Islands, typically last between 1 and 2 hours.

Combination tours that include a city sightseeing tour and harbor cruise last around 4 hours and Niagara Falls day trips with boat cruises are usually full-day experiences.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Boat tours in Toronto usually leave from specific locations within the Toronto Harbor area, which is located in a bay on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Popular departure points include Queens Quay West and the Gone Sailing Adventures offices among others.

You should aim to arrive at the meeting point stipulated by the tour operator at least 15 to 20 minutes before the tour’s departure time so that you don’t hold up the guide and other tour participants.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While not all boat trips in Toronto are wheelchair-friendly, there are some excursions — such as the tall ship cruise — that are suitable for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility.

Make sure you check accessibility before making a booking for a boat tour as a wheelchair user.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Toronto?

Summer offers the best weather for a boat tour in Toronto, but it's also the peak tourist season. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in late spring (May) or early fall (September), when the weather is still pleasant, but the tourist crowds have thinned out.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Toronto?

Travel tips

Book your tour in advance, speacially during the Summer season.
Always check the forecast for Toronto and specifically for Lake Ontario because weather conditions can change rapidly.
Wear layers, bring a light waterproof jacket, and consider bringing a hat and sunglasses.
Don't forget sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun.
Bring water and snacks, especially if you're out on the water for a prolonged period.
Check local event schedules, some events might increase boat traffic or even restrict certain areas.
Ensure you leave no trace, especially if you visit any of the natural spots or islands.

Boat Tours in Toronto