As summer craziness ramps up, I’ve been looking for a reset, something to help me hit ‘pause’ amidst the chaos. I found it in a City Cruises Toronto lunch cruise around Toronto Harbor.
Reminiscing on trips I’ve taken to Toronto, I think of the concerts I’ve attended and the lively nightlife that comes along with any major city. But I had no idea that just five minutes from the Rogers Centre, there is a little slice of waterfront paradise right on the boardwalk.
The sound of music spilling out of patios and glimpses of ice cream cones and picnics in the sun lured us to Toronto’s Harbourfront neighborhood, where my brother and I passed boats of all shapes and sizes before arriving at a fleet of vessels labeled “City Cruises.” The dock was easy to spot and barely a two-minute walk from our parking spot. We found a towering yacht named the “Odyssey,” which is where we spent our Friday lunch hour (or two).
A charming boarding area with shady trees, potted flowers and bench seating made the short wait an enjoyable one. Excitement buzzed in the air as we were welcomed aboard by smiling faces of the crew and the cool breeze of the vessel’s air conditioning. Even docked, the sleek dining room surrounded by large windows made for some great views.
Warm bread and tunes from the DJ started us off as we decided on our three-course menu options—we couldn’t resist adding a fourth with the crispy bruschetta appetizer.
Exploring the open-air rooftop deck with a mimosa proved the best way to spend our time between courses—the scenery made it hard to put my camera down. Even on a hazy June day, a clear view of the CN tower jutting from the Toronto skyline made for a picture-perfect backdrop.
The feeling aboard The Odyssey was like a party without the crowds—we always had enough room to sit back and relax in our own area. Between the sounds of families laughing, glasses clinking and a couple overheard ‘happy birthdays,’ it felt like everyone was finding something to celebrate, even just the simple joy of “me time.” I usually prefer dry land, but the ride was extremely comfortable and just the right amount of time to soak up the sun and the sights without feeling stuck at sea.
Our waitress grabbed us when our mains were ready, so we could spend every second taking in views without our food getting cold. I opted for the tangy Atlantic salmon and my brother got the honey sesame chicken. The main portions left just enough room for our dessert of choice—flourless chocolate cake.
As the boat circled back to the dock, I couldn’t help but feel totally refreshed. Summertime reset in Canada’s largest city? Achieved.
City Cruises Toronto offers brunch, lunch and dinner cruises around Toronto Harbor through December, and the climate-controlled vessels can host private events and charters all year long.
Featuring Niagara City Cruises, City Cruises Toronto and City Cruises Gananoque, City Cruises Canada boasts the best sightseeing experiences and finest dining cruises on the water. Niagara City Cruises - rated as Canada’s top visitor experience, gets you deep into the mist, up close and personal with the power of Niagara Falls. City Cruises Toronto offers a range of dining, cocktail and sightseeing cruises, as well as private events and charters, with unparalleled views of Toronto’s iconic city skyline. City Cruises Gananoque offers breathtaking voyages through the 1000 Islands archipelago where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario.
