TORONTO LAYS CLAIM to multiple accolades. As Canada’s largest city and the fourth largest in North America, it boasts a dynamic mix of cultures, history, striking cityscapes and scenic natural vistas. Its long-storied history dates from the early Native American tribes of the Iroquois and Mississauga, and the French traders and British settlers who carved out what has evolved into a modern hub of global business, nance, the arts and culture.
Today’s Toronto, also known as the 416, from its celebrated, original 416 area code, welcomes boaters as a dazzling waterfront destination with endless possibilities. Downtown pulsates with cafes, restaurants and the impeccable shopping opportunities at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre; theatres; sports venues for the Maple Leafs, Raptors and Blue Jays; and awesome concert venues in the retractable-roofed Rogers Centre. There are also must-see Canadian treasures such as the Royal Ontario Museum. And a city tour isn’t complete without ascending to the top of Toronto’s iconic landmark, the CN Tower — at 1,150 feet, it’s the tallest free standing structure in the Western Hemisphere and offers breathtaking panoramas of the city, day or night.
In the heart of the Toronto waterfront lies the 10-acre Harbourfront Centre, ideally situated along the shoreline of Lake Ontario and home to the marinas that are closest to the city, giving easy access to Toronto Harbour and Lake Ontario. Want to leave your boat docked? No worries, as three water taxi companies operate out of Harbourfront Centre, providing visitors with hassle-free cruising around the waterside attractions.
Your outdoor itinerary should include the Toronto Zoo; the Don Valley Brick Works, a former 1889 industrial site; Exhibition Place, now home to the oldest annual fair in the world, the Canadian National Exhibition; Ontario Place, with its soon-to-open Molson Canadian Amphitheatre; Echo Beach; and a trip to the celebrated Toronto Islands, which are accessible only by boat or ferry.
Save the Date
- Honda Indy Toronto
- Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
Where to Dine
- 360 Restaurant (301 Front Street West, 416-362-5411), the revolving restaurant atop the CN Tower, serves a seasonal, locally sourced prix fixe lunch and dinner menu that includes Canadian, vegetarian and seafood offerings.
- Bar Milano (207 Queens Quay West, 416-306-0424) affords a waterfront, al fresco dining experience with traditional Italian cuisine, including handcrafted pizzas.
- SOCO Kitchen+Bar (75 Lower Simcoe Street, 416-637-5465) presents a delightful combination of fresh local ingredients in its salads, soups, burgers and decadent desserts.
Where to Dock
- Island Yacht Club (416-203-2582, iyc.ca) This full-service marina accommodates vessels up to 80 feet and includes WiFi, pumpout services, boat cleaning and mechanical maintenance. It welcomes boaters with every amenity and its 140 docks to the scenic Toronto Islands.
- Marina Quay West (416-203-1212, harbourfrontcentre.com) Located just inside the Western Gap at Berth #213-215, the 200-slip marina serves vessels up to 50 feet with an onsite washroom, showers and coin laundry.
- John Quay (416-203-2620, harbourfrontcentre.com) South of the CN Tower near the southern boardwalk at Berth #248, the facility features a linear boardwalk on the Inner Harbour outside of Marina Four, and is available exclusively for vessels 40 to 200 feet.
