You can sail on Canada's largest tall ship in Toronto this month

Grab your sailor cap and strap on your floaties because the Toronto Waterfront Festival is back this summer with some huge special guests.

The highly anticipated summer celebration, presented by Redpath in partnership with the Waterfront BIA, takes place from June 28 to 29, 2025, at Sugar Beach.

There will be interactive activities, live entertainment, food vendors and more for all ages to enjoy.

And for the first time since 2019, a fleet of majestic tall ships will be sailing in for the Toronto Waterfront Festival for guests to get up close with.

Toronto Waterfront Festival

"We are very excited to have the Tall Ships back in Toronto after six years and, for the first time ever, we are thrilled to be able to offer sailaways on Empire Sandy, Canada’s largest tall ship," said Victoria Mahoney, event co-producer.

"There will be no shortage of nautical entertainment and activities for visitors. From sea shanty singers to tall ship themed menu items from our food vendors, we hope our visitors will have a maritime."

Although festival general admission is free, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to board and explore the tall ships and meet the crew members.

The 2025 fleet coming to the Toronto Waterfront Festival features all schooners as well as three ships that have never visited the city before.

Empire Sandy, Canada's largest tall ship, will even offer visitors the chance to sail on the biggest passenger ship of her kind.

Toronto Waterfront Festival

There are four sailings on Empire Sandy a day, including the popular sunset sail each evening. It is recommended that guests grab their tickets before they sell out.

And don't miss the Parade of Sail on Friday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which will see the impressive fleet of historic tall ships take sail.

Nautical fans will find plenty to see and do on shore at the Toronto Waterfront Festival.

This year's event is expanding to Sherbourne Common, featuring family-friendly activities, partner giveaways, food vendors like WuBaEats and Real Empanada Corporation, and more.

You can also check out activations from the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian Coast Guard, Live Green Toronto and Moccasin Identifier.

The 2025 festival is presented by Redpath Sugar, with support from The Waterfront BIA, Billy Bishop Airport, Menkes Developments, George Brown College, the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, and the City of Toronto.

The Toronto Waterfront Festival takes place on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Sugar Beach and Sherbourne Common.