Toronto Waterfront Festival 2025: The Tall Ships Return to Sugar Beach

Clear your calendars for June 28–29, 2025—because the Toronto Waterfront Festival 2025 is bringing the Tall Ships back to town, and it’s shaping up to be one epic weekend on the water.

The festival returns to Sugar Beach with two full days of deck tours, sail-aways, live entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities. And yes, you can actually sail aboard Canada’s largest tall ship, the Empire Sandy.

Climb Aboard the Tall Ships

Get your sea legs ready. This year’s fleet includes:

Empire Sandy – The only ship offering sail-aways, including sunset sails (tickets: $40)
Lettie G. Howard – A beautifully restored 1893 fishing schooner
Liberty Clipper – A steel-hulled replica of a historic Baltimore Clipper
Pride of Baltimore II – Known as “America’s Star-Spangled Ambassador”
SV Fair Jeanne – A former private yacht turned youth training vessel
Canadian Coast Guard – Meet the real crew and learn how they protect our waters

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You’ll need a deck tour ticket ($15) to board each ship (sold online and on-site). All tickets must be redeemed at the festival booth for wristbands.

More Than Just Boats

Besides the ships, the Toronto Waterfront Festival 2025 features:

Live shows on the George Brown Stage
Local eats at the Billy Bishop Picnic Lounge
On-land fun with the Canadian Armed Forces, Live Green Toronto, and more
Interactive programs for kids and adults alike

It’s all happening at 11 Dockside Drive, Sugar Beach. Hours run 10 AM–7 PM Saturday and 10 AM–6 PM Sunday.

Get Your Tickets Before They Sail Away

General admission is free, but ship access and sail-aways are ticketed. With tall ships only visiting every three years, this is your chance to step aboard, set sail, and start your summer on a high note.

For tickets and full event details, visit www.towaterfrontfest.com or follow @towaterfrontfest on social media.

Have you ever toured a tall ship? Which one are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments.

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