Toronto Harbour Boat Tour

A harbour boat tour is one of the best ways for families to experience Toronto's famous skyline, and it creates memories that last far longer than the cruise itself. Multiple operators offer family-friendly tours departing from the Queens Quay waterfront, ranging from narrated sightseeing cruises to tall ship sailing adventures.

City Cruises Toronto operates the most popular family sightseeing tours. Their 1-hour narrated harbour cruise takes passengers through Toronto's inner harbour, past the Toronto Islands, and along the waterfront, with live commentary identifying landmarks including the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, the Harbourfront Centre, and the residential towers that define Toronto's modern skyline. Boats include both covered indoor seating and open-air upper decks, giving families flexibility for weather conditions.

Departures run multiple times daily during the May-October season.

For a more adventurous experience, the Tall Ship Kajama is a three-masted schooner that offers 2-hour sailing cruises on Lake Ontario. This 1930-built vessel gives families a genuine sailing experience — watching the crew raise the sails, feeling the boat heel in the wind, and standing on the wooden deck of a ship that looks like it sailed out of a history book. Kids who love pirates, boats, or maritime history find the Kajama especially thrilling.

The longer duration and sailing element make it a memorable upgrade from a standard tour boat.

Sunset cruises are available from multiple operators and offer the most photogenic experience. Watching the sun set behind the Toronto skyline while on the water is genuinely spectacular, and the city lighting up as darkness falls creates a magical atmosphere. These cruises tend to sell out, so advance booking is recommended.

Practical considerations for families: harbour cruises operate seasonally from May through October. Water temperatures keep the harbour cool, so bring a warm layer even on hot summer days — it is always cooler on the water. Motion sickness is rarely an issue in the calm inner harbour, but it is worth being prepared if anyone in the family is sensitive.

Most boats are stroller-accessible. Onboard food and drinks are available but marked up, so bringing your own snacks is advisable.

City Cruises is included in CityPASS Toronto, offering a bundled discount when combined with other attractions. Both operators offer online booking with prices lower than walk-up tickets. Children under 2 are typically free across all operators.

The departure points along Queens Quay are steps from the Harbourfront Centre, Toronto Islands ferry terminal, and multiple waterfront restaurants, making it easy to build a harbour tour into a full waterfront family day.