Toronto is launching a new way to travel across the waterfront

Toronto is introducing a new water shuttle service this summer that'll connect key and growing neighbourhoods across the city's inner harbour for an alternative to road travel along the often-congested waterfront.

The pilot service, dubbed the East-West Shuttle, will run from June 5 to Sept. 7 to connect emerging waterfront communities in the Port Lands, central waterfront, and western harbour through a speedy, scenic route with three stops.

The shuttle is set to operate seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., running between Portland, Yonge Slip, and Ookwemin Minising. The west stop (Portland) will be located just steps away from Bathurst Quay, Harbourfront Centre, and the Music Garden, while the central stop at Yonge will be walking distance from Union Station.

The East-West Shuttle is set to launch on Friday in Toronto. Photo: Anton Wong.

Ookwemin Minising, the east stop, provides a gateway to the Port Lands, Cherry Beach, and direct access to the Distillery District, Corktown, and Biidaasige Park.

The shuttle will be operated by Toronto Harbour's York Bay Marine Services, which boasts over 20 years of experience in managing the Toronto Island Marina, Toronto Harbour Nautical Centre, Island Yacht Club, Kiss n' Sail at Yonge Street Slip, as well as marina infrastructure across the Toronto Islands.

The pilot is supported by the City of Toronto, Waterfront Toronto, and the Toronto Port Authority, and will run for an initial three-year term. The project stems from a recommendation in the Sea Bus Feasibility Study, which analyzed the potential for a fixed-route marine passenger service that could operate in the city’s inner harbour.

"Toronto's waterfront is one of our greatest assets, and initiatives like the East-West Water Shuttle pilot help people experience it in new and exciting ways," Mayor Olivia Chow said.

"This pilot is about testing how we can better connect our waterfront communities, improve mobility along the harbour, and give residents and visitors another way to enjoy our city's public spaces. As we continue to build a more connected waterfront, we are focused on practical, people-centred solutions that bring Toronto closer together."

It's highly encouraged to make your reservation online in advance to guarantee your seat on the shuttle. Fares start at $15 per person, per direction of travel, plus HST and a three per cent service fee. Tickets can also be purchased on-site at the docks.

Three stops along the city's inner harbour will be serviced by the shuttle. Photo: Anton Wong.

To begin, shuttles will transport 12 passengers at a time, although the City notes that a second and third vessel may be added if there's increased demand, and departures could be increased to every 30 minutes during peak periods.

Fares on FIFA World Cup match days and weekends between June 12 and July 2 will be $5 for a shuttle between Ookwemin Minising and Portland Slip, with extended service hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

If you're heading to the Toronto Islands, partner water taxi operators will also be present at Portland, Yonge, and Ookwemin Minising.

You can find the Portland stop at 585 Queens Quay W., the Yonge stop at 1 Queens Quay E., and the Ookwimen Minising stop at the south bridge at 242 Cherry St.