Ontario Tourism Blog

EXPLORE ONTARIO BY WATER

By Natalie Saturday, August 17, 2024

With plenty of sunny summer days left you may be thinking about hiting the water for a scenic boat excursion. Whether for a family outing, or a romantic evening on the water, Ontario, with its stunning lakes and rivers, offers numerous opportunities for memorable boat excursions. Here are our top companies that provide some of the best boat tours in the province.

 

Boating Excursions in Toronto: Explore the City from the Water

People sitting on a sailboat

For those seeking adventure and unique experiences on the water in Toronto, the city offers a variety of exciting boating excursions perfect for all ages.

Pirates Life Theatre & Escape Room provides a fantastic family-friendly activity where participants can join a theatrical pirate crew and enjoy an immersive performance & boat cruise! They also have multiple locations in Barrie, Hamilton and Ottawa. With sliding-scale prices everyone has a chance to enjoy the show and kids 3 and under sail for free!

Gone Sailing Adventures caters to those looking for a more traditional sailing experience. Take in incredible city views as you sail through Toronto Harbour, Island Lagoons and Lake Ontario on a shared or private luxury, sailing or motor yacht! Great for families, wedding proposals, birthdays, photo shoots and more!

Lastly, City Cruises Toronto offers a range of sightseeing and dining cruises that highlight Toronto’s iconic skyline and waterfront.Experience a Premier Dining Cruise on the water with distinctive service, chef-prepared menus, live entertainment, and unbeatable views. Or hop aboard fun, informative, and fully narrated Sightseeing Harbour Tour.

 

Boating Excursions in Eastern ON: Explore the Majestic 1000 Islands

A scenic view of islands and a boat

Discover the enchanting beauty of the 1000 Islands region with some of the best boating excursions departing from Toronto.

Explore the Islands on a traditional sightseeing cruise with 1000 Islands Cruises. See Boldt & Singer Castles aboard the fastest tour boat, the ‘WildCat’–a safe soft-adventure, fun for all ages. Indulge in a relaxed, casual dining experience aboard their Lunch or Dinner Cruises,

1000 Islands Rockport Cruises provides a unique perspective with their Heart of the Islands cruise, featuring close-up views of opulent mansions and serene island landscapes, showcasing Boldt Castle on all tours.

For those looking for an extended adventure, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines offers multi-day riverboat cruises with 4-7 night cruises on the beautiful & historic St Lawrence & Ottawa rivers. Explore the renowned St. Lawrence Seaway, see the picturesque 1000 Islands, visit the historic ports of Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal, & Quebec City.

 

Boating Excursions in Central ON: Discovering the Heart of Cottage Country

A boat on water with people waving

Central Ontario is home to some of the most picturesque waterways, and what better way to explore them than through unique boating excursions?

30,000 Island Cruise Lines offers an unforgettable experience navigating the intricate network of islands in Georgian Bay. Venture off the beaten path this summer aboard the Island Queen or their new zodiac-style Islander! Offering sightseeing cruises through Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands and tours to island restaurants and secluded islands for guided hikes!

Meanwhile, Muskoka Steamships offers a nostalgic journey aboard their historic vessels on Lake Muskoka. Step back in time with a cruise on one of Muskoka Steamships’ historic vessels. Operating out of Gravenhurst, these steamships offer scenic tours of Lake Muskoka, showcasing the region’s grand cottages and serene landscapes. The RMS Segwun, North America’s oldest operating steamship, is a must-ride for history enthusiasts.

 

Boating Excursions in Niagara:Discover the Beauty of the Falls and Beyond

A waterfall and a large boat

Niagara is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls, but it also offers some of the most captivating boating excursions in Ontario.

Niagara City Cruises provides an exhilarating close-up experience of the majestic Niagara Falls. Their iconic Voyage to the Falls tour allows you to feel the mist and hear the roar of the mighty falls up close or enjoy a nighttime cruise with stunning illuminations and fireworks above.

Additionally, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours offer an adrenaline-pumping ride through the turbulent waters of the Niagara Gorge, combining thrills with the natural beauty of the region. Choose between their open-topped Wet Jet where you will get completely soaked or enjoy the same thrill as the wet tours, but you can stay totally dry inside their enclosed Dry Freedom Jet.

 

Boating Excursions in Northern ON: Discover Pristine Waters

A boat passing through a canal

Northern Ontario is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, offering some of the most serene and picturesque boating excursions.

Parry Sound Cruise Line takes you through the breathtaking 30,000 Islands of Georgian Bay, known for its rugged beauty and crystal-clear waters. Departing from Parry Sound they offer an afternoon Cruise, dinner cruises, sunset cruises, and private charters.

Meanwhile, the Chief Commanda II Boat Tours in North Bay provide a relaxing voyage across Lake Nipissing. Join one of their cenic cruises & take in the stunning Ontario sunset from the water, from 1.5-4 hours. Enjoy Spectacular views and explore the Manitou Islands, a Callander Bay Sunset or visit the historic French River in a comfortable catamaran.

Both of these boat tours are perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in Northern Ontario’s pristine waters and untouched landscapes.

Ontario’s diverse and scenic waterways offer a wealth of opportunities for boat cruises, each providing unique and unforgettable experiences. Check out our directory for boating excursions and  plan your next maritime journey with Summer Fun Guide.

Natalie

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