The 66th annual Toronto International Boat Show launches Jan. 19 to 28 to connect consumers and the boating community with the industry’s top boat dealers, manufacturers, retailers, services, and experts at Exhibition Place.
Said to be North America’s largest indoor boat show, the 10-day event includes the world’s largest indoor lake for boating (and wakeboarding), free boat rides and demonstrations, stand-up paddleboard races, seaflea races, and exhilarating wakeboarding and waterskiing shows.
Boaters can also enjoy an all-new glow in the dark immersive boating experience with colourful LED lights on the lake.
On First Look, Friday, Jan. 19, organizers anticipate dozens of product unveilings across the show floor among 500 exhibitors; and welcomes the boating public to rendez-vous, re-connect, and rev up for the upcoming season.
"No other show in Canada can boast the most product launches from the marine industry, the most comprehensive offering of educational resources for new boaters, and the most-ever seminars and hands-on demonstrations for a wide array of boating interests and lifestyles," a news release states.
The show features more than 440 free seminars, eight seminar locations, and new engaging speakers, including record-breaking solo kayaker Mark Ervin Fuhrmann who just completed his 11,000-kilometre adventure at 65 years young.
Returning highlights include the Great Canadian Fish Tank, antique and classic boats, Boating Resource Centre, Cottage Country for accessories, and the Ontario Sailing Booth, where visitors can try virtual sailing, and learn about sailing programs for women, sustainable initiatives, and the newest in sail technology and sports, including kiteboarding and windsurfing.
The Indoor Wakeboard Canadian Championship takes over on opening weekend, Jan. 19 to 21, when the best riders from across the country converge to compete, including reigning Canadian champions Riley Dillon (men) and Kelsey Chiappa (women).
Visitors can whet their appetites après-boating at the NEW Traeger Grills Flavour Stage featuring cooking demonstrations, barbecue recipes, and sampling.
DATES:
Jan. 19 to 28, 2024
LOCATION:
Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place
TICKETS:
Ticket prices range from $5 to multi-day passes; General admission tickets are $25. No admission charge for kids age 16 and under.
WEBSITE: www.TorontoBoatShow.com
2024 Toronto International Boat Show Highlights:
First Look Friday (Jan. 19): A preview opportunity for the boating community to come together, and for industry and exhibitors to celebrate new product launches and special announcements on the show floor which will be live streamed and hosted by Water Ways television personality, Steve Bull. A portion of ticket sales from First Look Friday will be donated to the show’s partner charities. Stay tuned for the official schedule of product launches, special guests, and exhibitor events taking place on First Look Friday.
NEW – Glow in the Dark Boating: Boating enjoyment doesn’t have to be limited to daylight, in fact it’s even more fun for all ages when it’s glow in the dark! The Toronto International Boat Show is debuting a new immersive experience that offers visitors to enjoy boating activities such as kayaking and pedal boating - in the dark - guided by colourful LED lights on the vessels and surrounding The Lake.
New Products Showcase: In addition to First Look Friday where some of the most exciting new products for 2024 will be unveiled, the Toronto International Boat Show is Canada’s BIGGEST and ONLY event with thousands of boats and accessories from the industry’s top manufacturers and dealers. More new products are launched than anywhere in Canada; and expect more electric boats, surfboards, motors and NEW green technologies than ever before!
The Great Canadian Fish Tank – A 40ft aquarium stocked with native Ontario marine species, where fishing enthusiasts and novices can gain tips and techniques to cast, lure, and catch the big one. New seminars include product reviews for anglers, bass fishing topics, and electronics for your fishing boat.
Celebrate Antique and Vintage Boats: 2024 marks the 43rd year that the Antique and Classic Boat Society-Toronto has been celebrating the magic of antique, vintage, and classic watercraft with an in-water boat show. Canada’s rich boating history spans over 100 years; and Ontario is home to an amazing array of antique mahogany launches, cedar strips, classic fiberglass runabouts, and ski boats. Get up close to the craftsmanship of these beautiful boats and learn about the history behind them.
Get Into Sailing: Join Ontario Sailing and some of the most innovative and exciting companies, products, technologies, activities, and programs to get into sailing from hands-on virtual sailing to the world’s first robotic sailing mark, and information sessions and seminars. North Sails is proud to partner with Ontario Sailing to bring the latest in wing foiling to clubs across Ontario. Discover a new generation of high-performance products featuring the most advanced materials and technology including the latest products in kiteboarding, windfoiling, and windsurfing that will be on display.
NEW Traeger Grills Flavour Stage: More than your average BBQ, Traeger Wood-Fired Grills will have you BBQing, baking, roasting, braising, grilling and smoking with the confidence of a true pitmaster. Impress family and friends with flavourful creations at the cottage, or on a boat, with recipes and grilling tips. Come see daily cooking seminars (G267 in Mariners Marketplace) such as how to grill fish four ways – and stay to enjoy some of the delicious prepared samples!
440 New Seminars: Boating experts from around the world will be on stage to educate, inspire, and entertain audiences by sharing their spellbinding adventures, advice and expertise on a variety of boating subjects and interests. As boats evolve, trends emerge, and lifestyles change, so do the seminars: from learning about electric boats electric motors, navigation technology, discovering new adventures and boating destinations, and new watersports such windfoiling. Newly added speakers include record-breaking Canadian kayaker Mark Ervin Fuhrmann who just completed his 11,000km solo adventure at 65 years young. Click here for seminar speakers and schedules.
Boaters Resource Centre: Various boating authorities and recreational organizations including Parks Canada, Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, Transport Canada, and Boating Ontario to name a few, will be on hand to provide unbiased answers and information to empower safe boating, confidence, and preparation to get out on the water and discover the boating lifestyle. The Show offers plenty of educational resources from licenses to boat insurance and boat-handling for boaters of all skill levels.
The World’s Largest Indoor Lake for Boaters: Put some summer in your winter at the world’s largest indoor lake for boaters; the only place in Canada to get out on the water in January and enjoy FREE boat rides in a kayak or pedal boat. Sign up for wakeboard lessons and learn from the experts! And so much more!!
PLUS - Grab a seat on shore to watch professional wakeboarders at Winter Wake Fest Slam Dunk, or catch the Mad Scientist Water Ski Show, and some of the world’s top riders who will make your jaw drop as they compete during the Indoor Wakeboard Canadian Championships on opening weekend. The competitive spirit continues with Indoor Seaflea Races and Stand-Up Paddleboard Races taking place daily throughout the show.
2024 Toronto International Boat Show Hours
Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place
First Look Friday (Preview) – Jan. 19
1 to 7 p.m.
Jan. 20 – 28, 2024:
Weekdays (22 to 26)
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturdays (20 and 27)
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 21
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 28
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
