Toronto
From CruisersWiki
| Toronto Port of Entry
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Toronto, the capital of Ontario and the largest metropolis in Canada, is a vibrant and culturally diverse city with a population of roughly three million. Toronto's downtown is the heart of the Canadian financial sector and supports dozens of unique ethnic districts and cultural centres. Toronto spreads over more than 40 km of shoreline and 630 square kilometers; the Greater Toronto Area stretches over more than 100 km of shoreline from Burlington to Clarington and supports roughly 5.5 million people in a sprawling 7100 square kilometer region.
Toronto's harbour is among the busiest waterways in Canada during the summer, and the downtown core is protected from Lake Ontario's wind and waves by a string of quays and barrier islands. Numerous marinas dot the waterfront and the islands. Toronto is among the most expensive port cities in Ontario, with marina space, fuel, provisions and transportation all commanding premiums commensurate with Toronto's status as the country's largest business hub.
Charts
CHS chart 2077 covers the western end of Lake Ontario. CHS chart 2085 covers Toronto's harbour and the approaches to the city. Electronic charts for the Toronto area are included in CHS ENC chart pack V-CEN-B. The area is also reasonably well covered by CM93 charts, and is very roughly covered (albeit with most depth data and navigational markers omitted) in the USCG ENCs for Coast Guard District 9.
See also Ontario.
Weather
Spring in Toronto brings milder temperatures and blossoming flora as the city emerges from winter. Expect occasional showers and fluctuating weather, with temperatures ranging from cool to pleasantly warm.
Summer in Toronto is characterized by warm and humid conditions, with temperatures frequently reaching the high 20s to low 30s Celsius. It is a vibrant season filled with outdoor festivals, sunny days, and occasional thunderstorms.
Autumn in Toronto showcases beautiful foliage as the city transforms into a picturesque blend of red, orange, and golden hues. The weather becomes cooler, with mild temperatures ranging from crisp mornings to pleasantly warm afternoons.
Winter in Toronto is cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Snowstorms and icy conditions are common, creating a winter wonderland. Bundle up and embrace outdoor activities such as ice skating and skiing, or find warmth indoors in cozy cafes and cultural events.
Sources for Weather forecasts:
- https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/weather/ontario/toronto
- https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/on-143_metric_e.html
- https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/canada/toronto/ext
Passages
See Ontario.
Islands
Communication
Add here VHF channel for the coastguard, harbor masters. etc.
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Toronto's waterways are busy, but well marked. Most submerged hazards have been dredged or otherwise removed, courtesy of over 200 years of commercial ship traffic. Yachts and small boats must concern themselves primarily with collision avoidance; there are few places on the approach where a yacht can run aground as long as it stays more than a few dozen metres from shore. In the tighter canals between the islands and the branches of the Leslie Street spit, shallows and rip-rap on the banks might pose a concern to deeper draught vessels.
Western approach
A red and white vertical striped buoy marks the transition from navigation on the lake to pilotage in the harbour. From the buoy, the entrance to the Ontario Place marina lies at bearing 038 deg, the entrance through the Lakeshore breakwater at 309 deg, and the Western Gap to the inner harbour at 053 deg. Commercial airliners use the airport on the island, and yachts passing through the Western Gap must keep well clear of the buoyed area at the ends of the runway to avoid the risk of collision. In a north to northwest, or south to southeast wind, small aircraft sometimes use a runway that puts their flight path directly across the Western Gap, creating a potential conflict with tall-masted yachts. A ferry traverses the Gap to the airport (at 150 m, this might well be the shortest self-propelled ferry run in the country).
Eastern approach
A pair of lighted channel marker buoys and a flashing red lighthouse mark the entrance to the eastern channel, which yachts must share with the occasional 600-foot lake freighter. The channel is well marked and lit, with no significant submerged hazards. A channel branches off to the right, past the Leslie Street spit, towards the outer harbour marina; it, too, is well marked. Ashbridges Bay, to the east of the spit, is approached directly from the lake.
Entrance
Toronto is a port of entry/exit for Canada. For details see Entrance: Canada.
Berthing
There are two harbours: the original natural harbour, today named the "Inner Harbour", and the "Outer Harbour". The "Inner Harbour" has a number of marinas for recreational yachting and on it eastern side is the commercial port where ferries and cruiseships dock.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Marina Quay West
Marina Quay West is a 130 slip marina located adjacent the City of Toronto Music Garden and many condominium residences. If you are seeking a quieter location with greater slip availability, choose Marina Quay West. This area is best suited for boats 24 feet to approximately 50 feet and not intended for mega yachts. Water, electricity, toilets, showers, laundry (coin operated).
- [email protected]; Tel: +1 (416) 203 1212; Fax: +1 (416) 954 8164; VHF channel 68
- Address: Harbourfront Centre, 239 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8 Canada
- Hours: 09:00 - 18:00; Winter 09:00 - 17:00
- Prices: For the latest prices see Price Listing
Marina Four
Marina Four is a well protected 100 slip marina located within our central site, adjacent to the Concert Stage and the many activities that define Harbourfront Centre. The slips within Marina Four are best suited for boats 24 to 30 feet in length. Several visitor slips.
- [email protected]; Tel: +1 (416) 203-2620; Fax: +1 (416) 973-8030; VHF channel 68
- Prices: For the latest prices see Price Listing
John Quay
Dockage on John Quay is offered along the southern boardwalk adjacent to the Amsterdam Brewhouse at Pier 4. John Quay is not a protected marina but a linear boardwalk on the Inner Harbour just outside of Marina Four. This area is used exclusively for larger visiting pleasure craft and ships from approximately 40 feet to 200 feet in overall length.
- [email protected]; Tel: +1 (416) 203-2620; Fax: +1 (416) 973-8030; VHF channel 68
- Prices: For the latest prices see Price Listing
Ontario Place Marina
Ontario Place Marina [[Toronto#Ontario Place Marina|Ontario Place Marina]] 43°37.640'N, 079°25.001'W The marina has 240 berths for boats up to 90' on a seasonal, monthly, overnight or short term basis. Water, electricity, toilets, showers, fuel dock, laundry, ice. Pumpout, 24/7 security. It is a 10-minute drive or cab ride away from the heart of the city.
- [email protected]; Tel: +1 (416) 314 9858; Fax: +1 (416) 314 9988; VHF channel 68
- Address: 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6K 3B9
- Hours: From the first Saturday in May through to Thanksgiving Day (mid-October)
- Prices: For the latest prices see Price Listing
Outer Harbour Marina
Outer Harbour Marina [[Toronto#Outer Harbour Marina|Outer Harbour Marina]] 43°38.462'N, 079°19.437'W The marina has 600 berths, max lenth 100' (30 m), max draft 12' (3.6 m). Water, electricity, toilets, showers, fuel dock, laundromat, ice. Pumpout, 35 T travel lift, 5 T fFork lift, 8 T crane. Bo & engine repairs.
- [email protected]; Tel: +1 (416) 778 6245; Fax: +1 (416) 778 6250; VHF channel XX
- Address: 475 Unwin Ave.,, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4M 3M2
Bluffers Park Marina
Bluffers Park Marina [[Toronto#Bluffers Park Marina|Bluffers Park Marina]] 43°42.470'N, 079°13.687'W 400 berths, max lenth 70' (21 m). Full service, water, electricity, toilets, showers, fuel dock, laundry. Restaurant, pub. 20 minutes from downtown Toronto. Service by Great Lakes Yacht Service contractor.
- [email protected]; Tel: +1 (416) 266 4556; Fax: +1 (416) 266-7808; VHF channel 68
- Address: 7 Brimley Road S , Toronto ON, Canada M1M 1C1
Toronto Island Marina
Toronto Island Marina [[Toronto#Toronto Island Marina|Toronto Island Marina]] 43°37.454'N, 079°22.935'W 350 berths. Full service, water, electricity, toilets, showers, fuel dock, laundry. 30 T travel lift, tow service. Repairs. Deck Bar & Grill . Ferry to the mainland
- [email protected]; Tel: +1 (416) 203 1055; Fax: +1 (416) 203 1062; VHF channel 68
- Address: Box 81030, 89 Queens Quay W, Harbour Square PO, Toronto, ON, Canada M5J 2V3
- Prices: For the latest prices see Price Listing
Royal Canadian Yacht Club
Royal Canadian Yacht Club [[Toronto#Royal Canadian Yacht Club|Royal Canadian Yacht Club]] (RCYC) 43°37.395'N, 079°22.213'W Facilities offered to members of other clubs with visiting rights. All facilities, chandlery and repairs. Water taxi service to Downtown. Clubhouse in the city.
- [email protected]; Tel: +1 (416) 967 7245; Fax: +1 (416) 967 5710; VHF channel XX
Alexandra Yacht Club
Alexandra Yacht Club [[Toronto#Alexandra Yacht Club|Alexandra Yacht Club]] 43°37.950'N, 079°24.042'W Situated in the Western Channel, opposite Island Airport. Visitors' berths, and for members of clubs with reciprocal arrangements, the first two nights are free. Showers and washrooms in the clubhouse, pump-out facilities and fuel, WiFi. Close to Downtown.
- [email protected]; Tel: +1 (416) 260 8690; Fax: +XX (XXX) XXXXXX; VHF channel XX
- Address:2 Stadium Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 2R9
Island Yacht Club
140 docks. Full service, water, electricity, toilets, showers, fuel, WiFi. 25 T travel hoist, repairs. Restaurant. High frequency private shuttle
- [email protected]; Tel: +1 (416) 203 2582; Fax: +1 (416) 203 8492; VHF channel XX
- Address: 181 Bay Street, Brookfield PO, PO Box 30069, Toronto, ON, CanadaM5J 0A5
The National Yacht Club
The National Yacht Club [[Toronto#The National Yacht Club|The National Yacht Club]] (NYC) 43°38.018'N, 079°24.095'W water, electricity, toilets, showers, fuel, luandry, WiFi. Pumpout. Mast crane and drysail crane. BBQ Facilities. Water taxi service, all day long.
- [email protected]; Tel: +1 (416) 260 8686; Fax: +XX (XXX) XXXXXX; VHF channel 68
- Address: 1 Stadium Road , Toronto ON, Canada M5V 3H4
Anchorages
- In the inner harbour, designated anchoring areas are noted on the charts. These areas line the north shore of Centre Island as well as one bay off the Leslie Spit (shared with a yacht club on moorings) and are well sheltered from the prevailing winds, with a view of the downtown skyline.
- Because of the sheer number of boats competing for such limited space, it is rare to see many yachts anchored for extended periods in Toronto's harbours. Most visiting vessels end up at a marina berth.
Amenities
| Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Water | In the marinas |
| Electricity | In the marinas |
| Toilets | In the marinas |
| Showers | In the marinas |
| Laundry | In the Marina Quay West, Ontario Place Marina, Outer Harbour Marina, Bluffers Park Marina, and Toronto Island Marina |
| Garbage | ? |
| Supplies | |
| Fuel | Fuel dock in Ontario Place Marina, Outer Harbour Marina, Bluffers Park Marina, Toronto Island Marina, Alexandra Yacht Club, Island Yacht Club, and The National Yacht Club |
| Bottled gas | ? |
| Chandlers | ? |
| Services | |
| Repairs | In the Outer Harbour Marina, Royal Canadian Yacht Club, and Island Yacht Club |
| Internet | WiFi in the Alexandra Yacht Club, Island Yacht Club, and The National Yacht Club |
| Mobile connectivity | ? |
| Vehicle rentals | ? |
Provisioning
Give the names and locations of supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries, etc.
Eating out
Give the name of recommended restaurants, tavernas, pastry stores, etc.
Transportation
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ IATA) in Mississauga is about 30-50 minutes by car from downtown
- Union Station (YBZ IATA), 65 Front Street West. 5:30AM-12:45 AM or until last train
- GO Transit runs the commuter/regional transit network in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
- By car
Tourism
History
Give a short history of the port.
Places to Visit
List places of interest, tours, etc.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
References
See Canada.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Toronto and this page's details validated:
- Compiled from research (pilot books, internet, etc.) September, 2018 --Istioploos
Travels with S/Y Thetis
| This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
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Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos |
