Sailing with 'Sophisticated Lady'

'Sophisticated Lady' Resting on the Boardwalk

The gardens come alive with the charming sounds of birds and the talented musicians who play concerts hosted twice weekly beneath the drooping willow tree. How lovely to sit on our deck and be serenaded by the silky strains of a violin or saxophone.

The Boardwalk on Marina Quay West

The harbour is dotted with sailboats, canoes and the ever-present ferries filled with cheerful faces on their way to enjoy beautiful Center Island.

We are very happy to be part of the cruise boats offering guests a truly unique view of the Toronto skyline and Center Island, and an amazing experience aboard.

The Cruise Yacht 'Miss Toronto' Tied up at the Bustling Harbourfront Center

Our guests are always amazed at how tranquil and serene the rivers are that slowly meander inside the islands. The hustle and bustle of the city simply drops away and you feel like you are hundreds of miles away with only lush green on all sides.

The Rivers of the Toronto Islands

As you enter the river the sounds change to the rustle of leaves as the breeze nestles the trees, the gentle water sloshing on the hull and the chirps of the baby swans and ducks calling for their parents. Any stress and worries you had seem to disappear like the sight of the city, seemingly far behind.

All around you are endless green lawns, curving scenic bike trails and sun dappled picnic tables. The beaches beckon you to don a suit (or not on the clothing optional one!) lay out your towel and soak up some rays. As we cruise down the river each curve brings a new secluded nook to view and the many ponds are edged by delicate lily pads and teeming with wildlife. There is even a very old haunted lighthouse to stir your imagination!

The rivers are one of our favorite parts and both visitors to Toronto and those who have lived here for years fall in love with this secret river of serenity.

One of the wonderful things about offering day sails in Toronto is that we really get the best of two worlds. We can cruise in the picturesque calm harbour and river with stunning views of the city skyline and then we can head out onto the lake and have a fantastic sail around past Ontario Place and far side of the islands.

The Schooner 'Empire Sandy' Sailing Outside Ontario Place

The winds are great for sailing and everyone has a blast sitting on deck and feeling the breeze blow through their hair as we cut through the waves. Its an exciting thrill that none of the motor cruise boats can offer that makes your cheeks glow and your soul feel fresh and alive!

On the far side of Ward Island is a secluded beach where we often anchor and our guests can leap off the side of the boat or slowly immerse themselves in the warm, clear water off the open lake. Its the perfect way to cool off on those 30 something days we have been having. One of our charters was a group of seventeen year olds who turned up the tunes and spent hours jumping in and out of the lake... It was the highlight of their day!

Early in July we were able to offer special fireworks sunset cruises that were hugely popular. The Symphony of Fire is an event hosted by Ontario Place and a local radio station every year. Several different countries compete in a competition of firework displays set to music. These are truly spectacular to watch from the boat. They set them off from a huge tanker anchored off shore and as dusk approaches boats of every description and size begin to gather in a floating circle around the barge. The excitement is so thick in the air that you can actually feel it as you gather on deck. The fireworks take on a whole new dimension and thrill when they begin to go off right over your head exploding out of the pitch dark surrounding the boat. I have never seen fireworks like these, the skill and complexity is impressive and the fact that they all explode right on beat to the stirring music is unreal! One night it was extremely humid and foggy. As we gently floated beneath the black sky we couldn't even see the barge because the fog was so thick. The fireworks seemed to erupt straight out of the water! The air was so heavy that the smoke from the explosions hung like a huge cloak and added to the spooky surreal feeling of the night. Unforgettable! (Sorry, no pictures... too dark!)

All summer long Harbour front has cultural, artistic and world festivals and concerts that surround us on all sides. Every day we wonder what unique sight or sound will we experience. The band shell on the docks offers free concerts every weekend and guests love slowly floating by listening to the stirring sounds of African drums, the haunting pan flutes of Mexico or the soulful jazz beats of New Orleans. We have seen giant life-size puppets magically hover and surge through the crowds, fire-jugglers leap and dance leaving trials of flames in their wake, and Caribbean revelers spread joy and laughter with their brilliant costumes and spirit. Toronto really comes to life in the summer, she throws off the grays and heaviness of winter for bright swirling celebrations of joy and the good things of life. Even the CN tower comes alive with its spectacular new lights that transform the dull shadowy building into a brilliant focal point of light, movement and joy. You can't help but gaze up and feel happy as the colors flow and dance thousands of feet above you.

The Spectacular Lights of Toronto Harbourfront

Every night as we sail past Ontario Place we are delighted by the Chinese Festival of Lights. Hundreds of life-size Chinese lanterns decorate the shoreline and paths. The lanterns fill the night with their soft, warm colors and the delicate textures and shapes of each lantern sooth your eye as you drift by. It really is a lovely sight to see. Viewing it from the water adds a whole mystical quality to the exhibit that enhances its exotic flavors.

This summer really has been a whirl of new faces, beloved familiar ones, great people and experiences and hot sun filled days cooled by the lake breezes. We wish we could have put pictures of everyone we've had onboard this summer, but obviously space became an issue!! We can' t wait to see what September holds!

"Sophisticated Lady" is still here to offer more of these wonderful day or evening cruises in September and we would love to see any old friends and welcome new ones. Let us share with you the very unique experience of cruising Toronto's Harbour and Islands! We have specials running through the rest of the season offering great prices for groups of 6-15, with great food, great wine, and great company!!

Mouth Watering Food Aboard 'Sophisticated Lady'!!

Just drop us a line for details if you'd like to know more! Take care everyone and we'll look forward to seeing you aboard soon!!