Explore Toronto's Best Boat Docking Options

Toronto, Canada, is a beautiful lakeside city with plenty of options for docking your boat. From full-service marinas to outdoor and indoor storage facilities, Toronto caters to diverse boat owner needs. The city offers both on-water and land storage options, with some marinas providing boat maintenance, cleaning, and winterization services. The choice of docking location depends on factors such as budget, boat size, and the level of convenience desired.

Bluffers Park Marina

The marina provides flexible boat dockage and storage options, accommodating various boat sizes and types. They offer both floating and fixed docks, with rates starting at $95 for floating docks and $105 for fixed docks. The rates include additional features such as hydro, water, parking passes, and pump-outs. Bluffers Park Marina also provides transient docking options for those who need a temporary space.

Security is a priority at Bluffers Park Marina. The facility is gated and monitored by security cameras, ensuring the safety of docked and stored boats. The marina also offers maintenance and repair services, providing peace of mind for boat owners.

In addition to its practical features, Bluffers Park Marina boasts an impressive list of amenities. It is home to Toronto's only authorized Mercury dealer on the water, and it has three boat mechanics on-site. The marina also features two restaurants, a snack bar, and a big sandy beach, all just 20 minutes from downtown Toronto at the foot of the Scarborough Bluffs.

Whether you're a seasoned boater or just starting out, Bluffers Park Marina offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities to meet your needs, making it a top choice for docking your boat in Toronto.

Outer Harbour Marina

If you're looking for a place to dock your boat in Toronto, the Outer Harbour Marina (OHM) is an excellent option. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Toronto, OHM offers a unique view of the city and convenient access to both Lake Ontario and Toronto's inner harbour. With over 620 slips, OHM is one of Canada's largest freshwater marinas and can accommodate vessels of various sizes, including extra-wide options for boats up to 90 feet in length.

The marina has recently undergone significant renovations, including the addition of modern innovative floating docks, an outdoor BBQ pavilion, a Marina Café, and wireless internet access. OHM is also the only marina in the GTA to offer heated indoor boat storage, which is a valuable feature during the cold winter months.

In terms of rates, OHM offers seasonal summer berthing, transient/visitor docking, and various winter storage packages. As of February 1, 2024, their seasonal summer berthing rates start at $157.00/ft LOA or Dock Length, while transient/visitor rates start at $2.70/ft per day, both including hydro, water, and parking. They also offer outdoor and indoor winter storage packages, with prices varying depending on the size of your boat and the specific options chosen.

OHM boasts a Diamond designation in the Boating Ontario Clean Marine Eco-rating Program, reflecting its commitment to environmental best practices. The marina also provides easy-access diesel and gasoline pumps, updated washrooms with showers, and a secure winter storage area. With knowledgeable and friendly staff, OHM ensures a pleasant and convenient docking experience for boaters in Toronto.

Harbourfront Marina

For boat owners seeking a short-term docking solution, Harbourfront Marina provides transient docking rates. Boats under 40 feet are charged at $2.70 per foot per night, while vessels 40 feet and above incur a rate of $3.25 per foot per night. This flexibility is ideal for those who want to enjoy the nearby cultural food and arts festivals, explore the Toronto Islands, or visit the Music Garden, all located in the vibrant Harbourfront area.

If you're planning to stay for an extended period, Harbourfront Marina also offers seasonal and monthly docking rates. The seasonal rate, covering the period from May 1 to October 15, is $132 per foot per season. Alternatively, you can opt for monthly dockage at a rate of $45 per foot per month, allowing you to enjoy the marina's facilities for 30 consecutive days.

With its convenient location and varied docking options, Harbourfront Marina is a popular choice for boat owners seeking a base in Toronto. Whether you're visiting for a short time or planning an extended stay, the marina's rates and proximity to the city's attractions make it a top choice for docking your boat.

On-land storage

Toronto has a range of on-land storage options for boats. Here is a detailed and instructive guide to help you choose the best option for your vessel:

• Storing Your Boat at Home: If you have the space, storing your boat on your property is a convenient and cost-effective solution. Ensure your local regulations permit on-site boat storage, and keep your boat away from trees to prevent leaf and debris accumulation. This option is ideal for smaller boats that can fit in a garage, driveway, or barn.
• Marinas: Marinas offer both on-water and on-land storage options, often with staff to assist in maintenance, cleaning, and winterization. They can accommodate larger boats and offer slip/dock storage and dry dock lifts. Bluffers Park Marina, for instance, is a full-service marina located 20 minutes from downtown Toronto.
• Outdoor Boat Storage Facilities: These facilities provide designated outdoor parking spaces for your boat. They are cost-effective but may not offer the same protection as indoor storage. Two types of outdoor storage are available:
• Covered Boat Storage: These spaces have canopy-like covers to shield boats from weather conditions.
• Uncovered Boat Storage: These are open-air parking spaces without any overhead cover. Consider shrink-wrapping your boat for added protection in colder climates.
• Indoor Boat Storage Facilities: Indoor facilities offer enhanced protection for your boat. There are two main types:
• Boat Storage Warehouses: Warehouses may offer stacked or unstacked storage options, but accessibility may be limited.
• Indoor Storage Units for Vehicles: These units have garage-style doors and provide more accessible and private storage.
• Boat Parking Facilities: If you're looking for a convenient parking spot near Toronto, facilities like My Storage offer secure and easily accessible locations. They cater to various boat types and sizes, providing short-term and long-term parking options.

When choosing an on-land storage option, consider factors such as boat size, climate, budget, and the level of protection offered. Additionally, ensure your boat is properly measured and placed on a trailer before renting a storage space.

Marinas near downtown

Toronto has a range of marinas near downtown where you can dock your boat. Here are some options:

Bluffers Park Marina

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Toronto, Bluffers Park Marina is Toronto's only full-service marina. They have over 400 boat slips for rent and are the only authorised Mercury Dealer on the water in the Toronto area. They offer both floating and fixed docks, with rates starting at $95 for floating docks and $105 for fixed docks. They also provide additional services such as boat launching, fuelling, and winter storage.

Harbourfront Marina

Harbourfront Marina is located on the central Toronto Waterfront, offering easy access to Toronto Harbour and Lake Ontario. It is one of the closest marinas to the city core, with quick access to local shops, major attractions, theatres, and concert venues. They offer seasonal, monthly, and visitor docking options, with rates starting at $132 per foot per season.

Island Marina

Island Marina is situated on the west side of Toronto Island. They offer two types of docking rates during the summer season: Class A and Class B. Class A docking costs around $100 per linear foot, while Class B docking is priced at approximately $97 per linear foot. Island Marina accommodates boats up to 40 feet in length and provides hydro, water, and parking for all dockage options.

Outer Harbour Marina (Ports Toronto)

Outer Harbour Marina is located on the eastern end of Toronto Island and offers both seasonal and transient dockage. Their seasonal summer berthing rates start at $147 per foot, while transient rates start at $2.70 per foot per day. They also provide additional services such as pump-out, mast storage, and boat trailer storage.

These marinas offer a range of options for docking your boat near downtown Toronto, each with its own unique features and rates. Be sure to contact the marinas directly for the most up-to-date information and to inquire about availability.

Frequently asked questions