The boat is called the Harbour Star and it docks at the foot of Harbourfront Centre’s West Pier.
Map to the Harbour Star
Does the boat tour run 7 days a week?
Yes.
How long is the boat tour and how often does it depart?
The Harbour and Islands Cruise lasts 45 minutes (not including boarding and disembarking time) and it departs every hour and fifteen minutes. The first boat departs at 10:30 during the peak season and 11:45 during the shoulder season. Please feel free to contact us as your travel date nears for the most current information.
What is the operating season of the boat?
The Harbour Star operates on a 6-month season, roughly from May until the end of October. The exact start and finish dates of the season are determined largely by weather conditions so please feel free to contact us as your travel date nears for the most current information.
Where does the boat tour go and what will I see?
The Harbour Star spends about half the cruise exploring the Toronto Inner Harbour and the rest of the time traveling through the canals and lagoons of the 14 Toronto Islands.
Here are just a few of the sights you can expect to see from the boat
- Toronto’s amazing skyline
- City Centre Airport
- Hanlan’s Point
- Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
- Wildlife Sanctuary
- Centre Island/Centreville
- Island Yacht Club/Muggs Island
- Toronto Island Marina
- Forestry Island
- Allan A. Lamport Regatta Course
- Ward Island/Algonquin Island
- Royal Canadian Yacht Club
- Queen City Yacht Club
- Polson Pier
- RedPath Sugar Refinery
- Ferry Docks/Westin Harbour Castle
- Pier 6
- Queen’s Quay Terminal
- Harbourfront Centre
Can I bring my stroller on the boat?
Yes.
What happens if it rains?
We run rain or shine. If it’s raining, you’re welcome to sit on the lower deck of the boat where you’ll be warm and toasty. On this level you’ll find a bar and restroom facilities for your convenience. Otherwise, the upper deck is covered by a canopy so you could spend the entire cruise outdoors on a rainy day and still stay dry. If you’re concerned about getting wet, we will gladly provide you with an official City Sightseeing rain poncho at no charge.
Are there lifejackets on board?
As per Transport Canada regulations, we have more than enough life jackets on board for everyone to use in the event of an emergency. The Harbour Star itself comes complete with a full array of safety equipment that includes everything from fire extinguishers and life rings to a large inflatable life raft. All of our crew is fully certified and trained to use this equipment should the need arise.
Will I be sitting inside or outside on the boat?
It’s up to you. Three distinct seating options are available.
You can sit on the upper deck of the boat. This fully-unobstructed upper deck is the only one of its kind in Toronto, affording passengers a 360-degree view of the skyline and some of the city’s best photo opportunities. There is a canopy on this level that provides protection from the elements if need be.
Another seating option is the wraparound outdoor deck located slightly above water level. Passengers looking for some sunshine usually find a cozy seat here where they can relax and watch the waves lap up against the side of the boat.
The naturally-lit interior of the Harbour Star is laid out in bistro style and features tables and cushioned chairs as well as restroom facilities. Kick back and enjoy a cocktail here and watch the captain navigate through the harbour and into the canals and lagoons of the islands.
Is the boat tour narrated?
Yes. There is a live guide on board the boat who will deliver a fun, friendly, and informative commentary as the boat winds its way through the harbour and islands. This official City Sightseeing Toronto guide would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have and to offer thoughtful advice on how to make the most of your stay.
Will people of all ages enjoy the boat tour?
Absolutely. Over the years, we have hosted countless retirees, newlyweds, kids, infants and even newborns. Everyone will have an amazing time while traveling around on our classic Routemaster buses.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Although we are happy to store collapsible wheelchairs on board during the tour, we are currently unable to offer boat tours to those who are wheelchair-bound.
Will the water be calm during the boat tour?
The Toronto Inner Harbour is a natural harbour protected by the islands so, yes, the water is generally very calm. In addition, we spend about half the duration of the cruise winding our way through the canals and lagoons of the islands, where the water is usually flat calm.
What should I bring onto the boat with me?
If you have a camera, bring it because you’ll get tons of opportunities for postcard-quality photos of our ever-growing skyline as well as the flora and fauna of the 14 islands. Nature lovers and bird watchers might want to bring binoculars as our passengers have glimpsed everything from foxes and deer to cormorants and herons.
Does the boat stop on the any of the islands?
We offer a non-stop islands experience that is uninterrupted by awkward and time-consuming pickups and dropoffs. People typically join our tour and get a feel for the 14 islands in their entirety. If they notice a particular island during the cruise that’s of interest, we can direct them to the appropriate city ferry. The city of Toronto has been offering an efficient and inexpensive ferry service to Ward Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point for years.
