Toronto Ahoy!

Who doesn’t enjoy a boat ride on Toronto Harbour a glorious sunny day?

Toronto Harbour from Harbour Star

Toronto Skyline from Harbour Star

How About a Tour Boat on Toronto Harbour?

Tourists on Harbour Star Tour Boat

My Fellow Tourists on the Harbour Star

As I was exploring Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre, I noticed tour boats docked at the pier. Sometimes, boat tours and even those hop-on hop-off bus tours can be the right thing to do. I just don’t like to wait in line or spend a lot of time on them. When I learned that the Harbour Star was just about to leave for a 45-minute tour through some of the lagoons and canals of the 14 Toronto Islands, I bought a ticket and climbed aboard.

Along the Way

Condominium Developments on Toronto Waterfront

Condominium Developments on Toronto Waterfront

Location, location, location! There isn’t a shortage of condominium developments in Toronto and these along the waterfront seem to have met that classic real estate requirement of having a great location. King’s Landing is the building with the staggered level pyramid shape on Queens Quay.

Toronto Skyline

Toronto Skyline

Plane landing at Billy Bishop Airport

Plane Landing at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

This might look a little scary, but it’s just a plane coming in for a landing over Hanlan’s Point to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Toronto has an island airport that has flights to over 15 cities in Canada and the United States. It’s named after Billy Bishop, a Canadian fighter pilot hero of World War One. To get to the airport from the mainland, you take a 90-second ferry ride. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, that is the shortest scheduled ferry ride in the world. There are now plans to build a tunnel to the airport as well.

Hanlan's Point Ferry Dock

Hanlan’s Point Ferry Dock

Hanlan’s Point is named for the the Hanlan family that settled on the Toronto Islands in 1862. Our tour guide told us a couple of interesting things about the area as we passed Hanlan’s Point Ferry Dock. There are plaques at the dock to commemorate Babe Ruth’s first home run as a professional player. It happened nearby at what was Hanlan’s Point Stadium on September 5, 1914. She also noted that there is a popular clothing optional beach located on the point. However, willow trees blocked that view as we sailed along.

Island Yacht Club

Geese and Boats at Island Yacht Club

Island Yacht Club

Island Yacht Club

Kayaks along the Allan A. Lamport Regatta Course

Kayaks Along the Allan A. Lamport Regatta Course

Bridge connecting Ward's Island and Centre Island

Bridge Between Ward’s Island and Centre Island

Red  at Toronto Island Marina

“Red” at Toronto Island Marina

Heading Back

Toronto Skyline from Harbour Star

Toronto Skyline from Harbour Star

Queens Quay Terminal

The Boardwalk at Queens Quay Terminal

Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre

This tour gives just a glimpse of the islands as seen from the Harbour Star and was just right for me that day. There are other boat tour options and ferries from the mainland docks to Centre Island. There you can disembark to enjoy an amusement park, concession stands, and all kinds of recreational activities, like biking and boat rentals. Sounds like a good way to spend a summer day!

For more information:

City Sightseeing Toronto

Toronto Islands


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45 thoughts on “Toronto Ahoy!

  1. Leigh

    Toronto has such a different feel to it when seen from the water – especially on a sunny, summer day. What a fantastic selection of shots Cathy.That’s quite a mess of condos! I hadn’t appreciated how filled in it actually is.

  2. Nancie

    I always enjoyed Toronto when I went there for business, but never wanted to live there. Your shots are great, and the city does look fantastic from the water. (BTW…I was able to get you added to Mr. Linky after a bit of tinkering!)

  3. Mary @ The World Is A Book

    Beautiful shots, Cathy. I love that skyline picture. I’ve always loved boat tours since it gives one such a different perspective of a city. This looks like a wonderful tour I’d gladly do if I visit Toronto. I didn’t know too much about the city but it I’m adding it to my Canada places to go.

    1. Cathy Post author

      Those boat rides are quite popular. I was glad that I could just jump on one ready to leave port. I’m not much for waiting in lines.

    1. Cathy Post author

      You’ve got a great city there! Hope I get back again soon. I’m sure there’s lots outside of the city I should see, too.

    1. Cathy Post author

      “Red” just kind of grabbed my attention. There were actually a lot of boats I would have liked a ride on that day.

  4. Allison

    Toronto is a place I’ve heard so many great things about, but haven’t seen for myself yet. Thanks for the photos and inspiration!

  5. Christy

    I was just looking at booking a trip to Toronto and the surrounded areas this morning, so this post is perfect timing! On another note, did you meet up with Ayngelina while you were there?

    1. Cathy Post author

      Be sure to check out my other Toronto posts, too. You’ll love the city. Ayngelina and I tried to get together, but timing didn’t work out. 🙁

  6. Mhie@travelentz

    We’ve been in Toronto last year. Its only 4-5 hours by car from Michigan we’re we stayed at. I agree with you location is always important. Toronto is expensive place to stay but your photos are inviting to visit the place. I never been in this place wish to visit and explore Toronto in our next adventure.

    1. Cathy Post author

      Nice that you live in the great state of Michigan! Lots to do there and I’ve got fond memories of camping at lakes there when I was a kid. 🙂

  7. Jackie Smith

    I am with you on the boat tours and the hop on, hop off. Sometimes they are the best way to save precious travel hours, pick out what you want to see and then head off on your own. These photos are great; I love the blue sky. . .we haven’t seen a lot of that in the Seattle area lately.

  8. Kristina

    Great set of pictures! Reminded me instantly of my friend’s series that he did on the Toronto Dragon Boat Race over there some time ago and it’s been published! You should consider offering those pics to some Toronto tourist office because it sure did make me wanna go there soon after seeing them!

  9. Turkey's For Life

    Oh lucky you that you just happened to be passing as the boat was ready to leave. I’m with you, I don’t like queueing for things like this but if the opportunity arises… 🙂 Look like it was worth it, too. Great photos.
    Julia

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