Toronto's inner harbour is experiencing a surge in marine activity, with the Waterfront BIA reporting record numbers for ferry ridership, ticketed tours, and private charters in 2025. The organization announced 'significant gains' across several categories, signaling a strong recovery and growth in waterfront tourism.
Ferry Ridership and Tour Growth
Ferry round trip tickets increased by 10% in 2025, rising from 1,390,358 to 1,525,850. Ticketed tours saw a 26% jump, from 307,004 to 385,942, while private charters surged 31%, from 2,048 to 2,689. These figures represent all-time highs for Toronto's inner harbour, according to the Waterfront BIA.
'When you see more than 2 million people riding the ferry and water taxis to the islands, families piling onto boats for tours of the inner harbour, that's the waterfront at its finest,' said Tim Kocur, executive director of the Waterfront BIA. He expressed optimism for continued growth, citing the upcoming World Cup and a new east-west water shuttle pilot that will drop passengers at the Port Lands for the first time.
Water Taxi and Employment Trends
Despite the overall positive numbers, water taxi ridership dipped 6% in 2025, from 683,000 to 642,689 passengers. Peak employment on commercial passenger vessels also fell 7%, from 842 to 781 workers. However, both metrics remain significantly above pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, water taxi passengers numbered just 209,952, and employment peaked at 459. The BIA noted that water taxi ridership has nearly tripled since 2019, reflecting a lasting shift in how people move through and experience the waterfront.
Investments in Waterfront Infrastructure
The BIA's report coincides with major investments in Toronto's waterfront. The Ontario Provincial Police recently announced plans to build a new detachment at Ontario Place, which will include support for a marine unit. Additionally, city hall secured federal and provincial funding for the $3-billion Waterfront East LRT project. Kocur told the Toronto Sun that once completed, the project will create a '10-km waterfront-wide experience.'
Toronto is also preparing to launch its first electric ferry in the coming months, with names for two electric ferries expected to be announced before summer. Full ferry service resumes on May 13, offering more opportunities for residents and visitors to explore the islands and harbour.
