To call Toronto a “hidden” gem” for Western New Yorkers might be a bit of a stretch. After all, it’s a major international metropolitan city just a few hours away, packed with attractions and reasons to visit.
An actual hidden gem? City Cruises Toronto and its ability to showcase the city from a unique perspective: the water.
“I think that there's a lot of people from Western New York who to make the trip up to Toronto. However, they might not know that we're around,” says Greg Bechkos, vice president of sales and marketing for City Cruises Canada. “People travel to see a sporting event, or they might go see the CN Tower or Ripley's Aquarium—but those are all in close proximity to our port in Toronto Harbor.”
Just a few minutes’ walk from some of the city’s biggest draws, City Cruises offers narrated sightseeing cruises. The 60-minute excursion goes around the Inner Harbor, into the Toronto Islands and even provides an up-close view of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, so the planes soar overhead.
“It's a live narration, so you're not listening to a recording,” Greg says of the sightseeing cruise. “It's actually somebody telling the stories of the sights and scenes and Toronto landmarks with a little bit of humor built into the commentary, as well.”
For those with a little more time on their hands, City Cruises also offers lunch, dinner and weekend brunch cruises. The American-to-Canadian conversion rate offers a price that’s hard to beat, according to Greg; at the current rate, a dining cruise for $85 CAD costs $60 USD.
“It's advantageous for our American friends to join us,” he says. “Not only do we welcome them with open arms, but with the exchange rate, your money goes further up in Canada. A brunch or a three-course plated meal plus a cruise for that price point—that's great value for anyone looking for some dining but want to do it a little different.”
Whatever cruise you choose, you’ll find it comes with a certain vibe—there’s DJed music, a cash bar, and an open-air top level to truly take in the sights.
The experience doesn’t stop with cooler temperatures; the cruises operate into the holiday season, complete with themed decorations. The vessels are all climate controlled, so regardless of the weather outside, you can enjoy the views.
“There's no better way to see the Toronto skyline than from the water.” says Greg. “As great as patios can be, just imagine a patio out on the water.”
Toronto dining cruises run from April through December. Book your cruise today at citycruises.com/Toronto.
