Ontario's abundant waters make the province a truly special place. It is home to four of the five Great Lakes, as well as more than 250,000 lakes and over 100,000 kilometres of rivers, containing about one-fifth of the world's fresh water. Cruising is a great way to experience the wonders of Ontario's waters, offering visitors and locals alike a different way to see places they thought they already knew.
City Cruises Canada: A Fresh Perspective
"For many Ontarians and people who visit these areas, Niagara, Toronto and the 1000 Islands are familiar destinations, but it is a completely different experience when you see it from the water," says Greg Bechkos, vice-president of sales and marketing at City Cruises Canada. "You have got the power of the water and a fantastic vantage point to see the skyline and natural beauty."
City Cruises Toronto takes passengers far away from the hustle, bustle and traffic of city life. A variety of cruises are offered, including dinner, brunch and lunch cruises, a 60-minute sightseeing tour, and holiday and festive cruises such as Father's Day brunch and dinner.
"When you are on the water at Toronto Harbour, it is a relaxing experience. Everything slows down," Bechkos says. "Toronto is such a fast-paced city and cruises provide a fresh way to take in the skyline, with beautiful, sweeping views of the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Toronto Islands and the city's waterfront."
Exploring the 1000 Islands
In Gananoque, visitors can climb aboard a variety of cruises exploring the 1000 Islands scattered across the St. Lawrence River. A variety of sightseeing tours are available, from a one-hour scenic tour departing from Gananoque to a five-hour cruise that includes a stop at the historic Boldt Castle.
"You can learn more about the 1000 region and the stories behind the cottages and landmarks," Bechkos says.
Niagara Falls: From Water and Sky
Niagara City Cruises takes passengers directly into the mist of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. "It is one thing to see the scale of the falls from street level; it is a different experience when you are down on the boat," Bechkos says. "We offer the closest way to experience the falls – you can hear and feel the roar of the mighty falls, and you have got the mist splashing in your face. It is a truly immersive, massive experience from the vantage point of the water."
Beyond cruising, the region offers another unique experience of the falls: from the sky. Niagara Takes Flight is a flying theatre experience featuring a 55-foot domed screen showing cinematic visuals. Motion-based seats and other sensory effects like wind, mist and scent create the illusion of free flight. Guests soar over 56 kilometres of various landscapes before getting right up close to Horseshoe Falls.
"No matter how many times you have been to Niagara Falls, you have never seen it from the sky," says Kelly O'Neill, Niagara Parks' copy, story and content coordinator. "Every attraction we have offers its own unique viewpoint, but this one is quite different. It is also an opportunity to see all the surrounding landscapes."
Windsor and Beyond
In Windsor, Windsor Premier Cruises offers a variety of sightseeing cruises along the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair, including a sunset dinner cruise, an all-ages sunset cruise, a bridge tour that includes Gordie Howe International Bridge and Ambassador Bridge, and special events such as a 1990s retro dance cruise.
"The opportunity to take in both Canada and the U.S. in one view is unique, with iconic views of the Detroit skyline and the Renaissance Centre, passing under two international border crossings, docking in downtown Windsor and enjoying our five-kilometre greenspace on the waterfront, perfect for sunset views," says Jason Toner, vice-president of marketing and communications at Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. "Our cruises also let you see the closeness of Detroit to Windsor. I do not think many people realize just how close the neighbouring cities are."
Beyond these popular cruising destinations, visitors can enjoy numerous boating experiences throughout the province. Among the highlights is a Port Stanley cruise along Lake Erie aboard a seven-metre chartered yacht through Legends of Lake Erie. It offers a variety of private experiences, including family escapes, sunset cruises and gourmet picnics on the lake. In Hamilton, visitors can take in a sunset cruise with Grand River Cruises and enjoy a four-course dinner. Further north, visitors to Muskoka can enjoy expansive lake views, beautiful cottage architecture and rich wildlife with Muskoka Cruises, which depart from Port Carling and Bracebridge.
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe's editorial department was not involved.
