The Best Boat Rentals Near Scarborough

For planning purposes, expect smaller powerboats for 2–6 people to start around $100–$200 per hour, mid‑size cabin cruisers and yachts for 8–15 guests to run roughly $180–$300 per hour, and larger event yachts for 20–50+ passengers to range from about $600 to $1,100+ per hour. Most outings have a 2–4 hour minimum. Prices often include the captain on larger boats, basic safety gear, and fuel for short local cruises; taxes, gratuity, and add‑ons like catering or special docking are typically extra. Weekday daytime slots are usually the best value. (getmyboat.com, torontobreeze.ca)

You’ll find a mix of comfortable options for groups and celebrations, including motor yachts and cabin cruisers for parties and sunset cruises, standard powerboats for quick lake hops, sailing yachts for relaxed cruises, and guided fishing charters. Availability and pricing vary by date and group size, but these are the most commonly listed categories in the Toronto market.

If you’re booking a captained charter, you don’t need a licence. For driving yourself, Canada requires proof of competency; that can be a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or, for short‑term rentals, a completed Rental Boat Safety Checklist provided by the rental company. If you plan to operate your own powered vessel inside Toronto’s inner harbour (downtown), PortsToronto also requires a Powered Vessel Operator’s Permit (harbour licence) in addition to your PCOC. (tc.canada.ca, boatingontario.ca, myboatcard.com, portstoronto.com)

Most east‑end departures use Bluffer’s Park Marina at the base of the Scarborough Bluffs and the adjacent Bluffer’s Park Public Boat Launch. Many Toronto‑wide charters also stage east of downtown from Ashbridges Bay Park’s boat launch or from Outer Harbour Marina in the Port Lands; all are a short cruise from the Bluffs and the open lake. Always confirm the exact meeting point in your booking details. (bluffersparkmarina.ca, waze.com, toronto.ca, app.wanderlog.com, portstoronto.com)

The signature highlight is the Scarborough Bluffs—towering clay cliffs that rise up to about 90 metres along 15 kilometres of shoreline—plus sandy coves and the photogenic Bluffer’s Beach. Cruising east reveals the mouth of the Rouge River and the wetlands of Rouge National Urban Park; look west on clear days for wide‑angle views of the Toronto skyline as you approach the Beaches and the Outer Harbour. (en.wikipedia.org, toronto2anywhere.ca, parks.canada.ca, portstoronto.com)

A captained charter includes a professional skipper who handles the vessel, route, docking, and weather calls—great for celebrations or first‑timers. Self‑operated rentals put you at the helm; you’ll need proof of competency (PCOC or the rental safety checklist), and if you intend to enter Toronto’s inner harbour under your own power you must also hold the local Powered Vessel Operator’s Permit. Many guests choose captained trips so the planning is effortless and the group can relax. (tc.canada.ca, myboatcard.com, portstoronto.com)

Yes—families are welcome. By law, every person on board must have a properly sized Canadian‑approved lifejacket or PFD, and most operators provide them. If you’re bringing an infant, ask in advance about sizing; Transport Canada advises parents to bring an appropriate infant device if the operator doesn’t carry one, and many recommend waiting until children are at least 9 kg (20 lb). Keep little ones in lifejackets whenever on deck. (tc.canada.ca, tc.canada.ca)

Most captains welcome snacks, cakes, and non‑glass beverages; coolers and Bluetooth sound are commonly available. Ontario’s alcohol rules are strict: open alcohol is generally only permitted on boats with permanent cooking, sleeping, and toilet facilities, and only when the vessel is docked or at anchor. Your captain will advise what’s allowed for your specific boat and itinerary. (boatsmartexam.com, myboatcard.com)

Some boats allow dogs, often with a size limit or a cleaning fee. Confirm before booking, bring a pet lifejacket, keep pets leashed around docks, and plan a shorter first cruise if your dog is new to boating. Policies vary by vessel and captain.

Captains monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada marine forecasts and may adjust routes, delay, or cancel if winds or storms are unsafe. Typical warning thresholds include Strong Wind (20–33 knots) and Gale (34–47 knots). If a captain cancels for weather, you’ll be offered a free reschedule or refund per the listing’s policy; if conditions look marginal, morning departures usually have calmer water.

Absolutely. Yachts with comfortable seating, sound systems, and swim ladders make the Bluffs a scenic backdrop for photos, toasts, and sunset cruises. For larger groups, Toronto also has bigger event vessels with per‑hour packages; book early for prime Saturdays and sunset slots in summer. (getmyboat.com, torontobreeze.ca)

Peak boating season runs roughly from late May through early September when air temperatures are warmest in Toronto. Popular long‑weekend and event dates include Victoria Day (late May), Canada Day (July 1), the Civic Holiday (early August), and Labour Day (early September). Ashbridges Bay typically hosts major holiday fireworks, and Labour Day weekend brings the Canadian International Air Show over Toronto’s waterfront. For smoother water and easier parking, try weekday mornings or late‑afternoon golden hour. (currentresults.com, todocanada.ca, cias.org)

Yes—many groups cruise west from the Bluffs toward the Exhibition Place/Ontario Place area to view the show. In 2025, the Air Show runs August 30–September 1 from about noon to mid‑afternoon, with practice flights the Friday before. Plan extra travel time, expect traffic on the water, follow your captain’s instructions, and book well in advance as these dates fill up quickly.