3hr Shared Sailing Adventure

A Relaxing Way to See Toronto: The 3-Hour Shared Sailing Adventure

Imagine gliding across Lake Ontario, with the Toronto skyline shimmering in the background and the wind gently filling your sails. That’s exactly what you get with this 3-hour shared sailing tour around Toronto’s islands, offered at a reasonable price of $177.42 per person. Departing daily from May through September from Gone Sailing Adventures, this cruise combines scenic beauty, a touch of adventure, and a laid-back atmosphere.

What makes this experience particularly attractive is its small-group setting—only up to 12 travelers—giving you plenty of space to relax or get involved. For those who love to be hands-on, there’s the chance to take the wheel and try steering the yacht, making it suitable for complete beginners or seasoned sailors alike. The boat cruise also offers a chance to see Toronto’s iconic waterfront, including Sugar Beach, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, and Toronto Island lagoons, from a perspective you can’t get from land.

Two things we especially like about this tour are the flexibility it offers—whether you want to sit back on the deck’s beanbags and soak in the views or step up to the helm—and the personalized experience due to its small-group nature. The relaxed pace and scenic route make it a perfect escape for a romantic outing, a casual day with friends, or even a solo adventure.

One potential consideration is the weather dependence, as sailing is safe and enjoyable only in good conditions. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the tour will be canceled with options for rescheduling or a full refund.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of relaxation, scenic beauty, and a touch of adventure. It’s especially appealing to those new to sailing, keen to see Toronto from a unique vantage point, or simply looking for a peaceful break on the water.

Key Points

• Scenic route around Toronto’s islands and harbor, with views you can’t get from land
• Flexible participation—sit back with beanbags or steer the yacht yourself
• Small-group tour for a more personalized and intimate experience
• Ideal for all skill levels, no sailing experience needed
• Weather-dependent, with options for rescheduling or refunds if canceled
• Departing daily from May to September, making it a seasonal highlight

Exploring the Toronto Sailing Adventure in Detail

Setting the Scene: What You Can Expect

This 3-hour shared sailing cruise is designed to be accessible and relaxing. From the moment you arrive at Gone Sailing Adventures on Queens Quay, you’ll find yourself drawn into a calm, welcoming atmosphere. The boat itself is a licensed sailing yacht, crewed by experienced sailors eager to share their passion and knowledge. The tour’s duration—around three hours—strikes a great balance, offering enough time to see the sights without feeling rushed.

The departure from Toronto’s harbor means you’ll start by cruising through the western channel, heading towards the Toronto Islands. This part of the journey offers sweeping views of the city skyline, including the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and waterfront condos. The small size of the group enhances the experience, making it easy to chat with fellow travelers or focus on the scenery.

The Highlights of the Route

Once outside the harbor, the boat exits through the Eastern Gap—a waterway that separates the Toronto mainland from the islands—and heads toward Humber Bay and Lake Ontario. Here, the sailing conditions are usually ideal for a gentle breeze, making it perfect for those new to sailing or anyone who just wants to enjoy a peaceful cruise.

Sail past highlights like Sugar Beach, with its bright pink umbrellas and lively atmosphere, and Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, a historic beacon that adds a charming maritime touch. The tour also takes you through the Toronto Island lagoons, where calm waters and scenic views create a postcard-perfect setting. Some evenings, you may even catch local sailing races, adding an energetic splash to the backdrop.

Onboard Experience: Relax or Take Control

One of the most charming aspects of this tour is its flexibility. If you’re content to sit back and enjoy the breeze from the deck’s beanbags, you can do just that. The deck provides a comfortable spot to take in the sights, sip a drink (note: alcoholic beverages are not included), and relax as Toronto’s skyline glides past.

For the more curious or adventurous, there’s the opportunity to take the helm. You don’t need prior experience; the crew is there to guide you if you want to try steering the yacht. As one reviewer, Mike_B, enthusiastically shared, “Crew were the best,” and the experience was “one of the most incredible” he’s had. This hands-on involvement can make the adventure even more memorable and personal.

The Return Journey and Final Views

As the cruise winds down, the boat passes back through the Eastern Gap and along Toronto’s shoreline, offering views of Sugar Beach, HTO Park, waterfront hotels, condos, and the city’s fire station. The final leg is an easy cruise back to Queens Quay, leaving you with a sense of calm and a camera full of stunning photos.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

Your ticket includes the licensed crew and the sailing yacht—a significant value considering the personalized attention and the intimate group size. Alcoholic beverages are not included, so if you want a drink, you’ll need to bring your own or buy one onboard if available. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to fit into your Toronto itinerary.

The tour is designed to be suitable for most travelers, requiring only basic mobility. It’s a good idea to check the weather before you go, as sailing relies heavily on good conditions. The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, reflecting confidence in safe weather windows and the need for flexibility.

What Past Travelers Say

The rave reviews are a testament to the tour’s popularity. Mike_B called it “one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had,” highlighting the crew’s quality. Christy_W noted how “very relaxing” the cruise was and highly recommended it. Such feedback shows that this is a well-loved experience, especially for those looking to unwind and enjoy Toronto from a different perspective.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This sailing adventure suits a wide range of travelers. Beach lovers and city explorers alike will appreciate the combination of urban skyline views and tranquil waters. It’s perfect for first-time sailors or those who prefer a calm, scenic cruise without the crowds. The opportunity to participate actively makes it appealing to those who want to learn a bit about sailing, while the relaxed atmosphere benefits those simply seeking peace and quiet.

It’s a particularly good choice if you’re visiting Toronto during the summer months, when the weather is most predictable and enjoyable. Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers will find this a memorable, unhurried way to spend an afternoon or evening.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This 3-hour shared sailing adventure offers a great mix of scenic beauty, relaxed pace, and optional participation. For the cost, you get a personalized, intimate experience on a well-maintained yacht, with views that are hard to match from land. The serenity of being out on Lake Ontario, combined with the chance to see Toronto from its waters, makes it stand out among city tours.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic, and slightly adventurous way to experience Toronto, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s particularly suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with a touch of activity and a lot of relaxation. And thanks to the positive reviews, you can trust that the crew will do their best to make your day on the water memorable.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Do I need sailing experience to join?
No, no prior sailing knowledge is required. The crew is there to guide you if you want to steer, but sitting back and relaxing is perfectly acceptable.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy multiple sights without feeling rushed.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and consider bringing layers, especially if it’s windy or cooler in the evening. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also recommended.

Are alcoholic beverages allowed on board?
Alcoholic drinks are not included in the tour price. You can bring your own, but check if there are any restrictions or available options onboard.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best for older children who can sit safely and enjoy the experience. Check with the provider if you have concerns about specific age groups.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is 415 Queens Quay W, Toronto, near public transportation, making it easy to reach.

This sailing adventure offers a refreshing way to see Toronto from a new angle—peaceful, scenic, and engaging. Whether you want to relax on deck or try your hand at steering, it’s a memorable outing that combines the best of Toronto’s urban and natural sights.