Toronto’s skyline lit up for the holidays looks spectacular from the water. Some harbour cruise operators run festive brunch, dinner and party cruises in late November and December.
Holiday cruises
- Brunch and dinner cruises with holiday menus and city views.
- Private charters for holiday parties.
- New Year’s Eve cruises on some years. See New Year’s Eve in Toronto.
Schedules vary each year and depend on weather and ice. Check operators at Harbourfront and Queens Quay in the fall, and book early.
The Toronto Island ferry
The City’s ferry runs year-round, with reduced winter service, usually to Ward’s Island. A winter walk on the quiet islands offers stunning skyline views. Check the City’s ferry schedule before you go.
More waterfront fun
- Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Centre.
- Christmas at Harbourfront Centre.
- Waterfront walks along the Martin Goodman Trail.
What a holiday cruise is like
Toronto’s harbour cruises leave from the docks along Queens Quay, between York Street and Spadina Avenue. Holiday cruises usually last two to three hours and follow a loop past the Toronto Islands, with views of the skyline, the CN Tower and the city lights. Expect:
- A heated indoor dining room, often with large windows.
- Outdoor decks for photos (bundle up).
- Festive decorations and holiday music.
- A buffet or plated meal on brunch and dinner cruises.
- A bar with seasonal drinks.
When cruises run
The Toronto harbour cruise season mostly winds down in late fall, and winter departures depend on weather and ice conditions. Holiday and New Year’s Eve cruises are offered by some operators in some years only, so check operators’ websites in October and November and book early if you find one. If cruises aren’t running, a waterfront restaurant with a view is the next best thing.
The Toronto Island ferry in winter
The City of Toronto’s ferry runs all year from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street, with reduced service in winter, usually to Ward’s Island. The short crossing offers one of the best views of the skyline. On the islands in winter you’ll find:
- Quiet, snowy paths and almost no crowds.
- The boardwalk along the south shore facing the open lake.
- Ward’s Island’s cottage community, charming in the snow.
- Very few services: most island cafés and attractions close for the season, so bring snacks and water.
Check the City’s ferry schedule before you go, and keep an eye on the time for the last boat back.
Photography tips
The best skyline photos are taken from the Toronto Islands or the boat deck at blue hour, about 20 to 30 minutes after sunset (roughly 5 to 5:15 p.m. in December). Use a steady surface or a small tripod, and keep your phone warm in an inside pocket, as cold drains batteries fast. See Christmas photo spots in Toronto.
Holiday harbour cruises: FAQ
Are there Christmas cruises in Toronto? Some years, yes: festive brunch, dinner and party cruises have run in late November and December. Availability changes, so check operators early.
Does the Toronto Island ferry run in winter? Yes, with a reduced schedule, usually to Ward’s Island.
Tips
- Dress warmly; it’s colder by the lake.
- Bring your camera for sunset (about 4:45 p.m. in late December).
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