News Release

March 11, 2026

The City of Toronto is inviting Toronto residents to help choose names for two new fully electric ferries as part of the modernization of the Toronto Island Ferry fleet. These will be the first new ferries in more than 60 years and will carry more than three times as many passengers as the vessels they are replacing. They will provide better boarding flow, upgraded accessibility features, and modern amenities, helping meet growing demand. The ferries will also reduce emissions and support a more sustainable waterfront.

To mark this historic milestone, the City is launching a public vote to name the two new electric ferries. A committee, comprised of both City staff and community partners, developed a shortlist of eligible names and residents now have the opportunity to select the final names through a four-week online public vote.

Ferry name shortlist:

Bluebell II: Inspired by bluebell wildflowers found on the Toronto Islands;
Blue Current: Represents water currents and the clean electric energy powering the ferry;
Great Lake Dancer: Captures the motion and energy of Lake Ontario;
Harbourlight III: Highlights the glow of the harbour and skyline lights guiding waterfront travel;
Harbour Swan: Inspired by swans in Toronto Harbour; symbolizing graceful, quiet movement;
Island Willow: Named for the willow trees lining Island pathways;
Lady of the Quays: Reflects Toronto’s waterfront quays and welcoming harbour presence;
The Harbour Passage: Highlights the ferry connection between the waterfront and Islands;
Toronto Islander: Celebrates the connection between Toronto residents, visitors and the Island;
Water Strider: Inspired by insects gliding smoothly across water, mirroring the ferry’s movement;
Discovery VI: Celebrates exploration and travel across Toronto Harbour;
Island Chickadee: Named for Islands’ chickadees, symbolizing curiosity and nature;
Cloudbreaker: Evokes ferry cutting through harbour skies and cloud reflections.

How to vote  

All Toronto residents are invited to vote online on the City’s webpage. Voting closes on Monday, April 6, at 11:59 p.m. and the two winning names will be announced this spring. Voting is limited to one vote per household. 

How were the shortlisted names chosen 

Names on the shortlist were selected for their alignment with the City’s Property Naming Policy and Transport Canada requirements. The committee prioritized non-commemorative names that reflect Toronto’s waterfront, natural environment, geography and themes of movement and connection. All names were evaluated to ensure they are unique, easy to pronounce, clearly distinguishable in marine communication, welcoming to a broad audience and suitable for long-term public use. 

The first ferry, arriving in late 2026, will carry both passengers and vehicles, and the second ferry, arriving in early 2027, will carry passengers only. Following delivery, each vessel will undergo several months of commissioning, crew training and lake trials before entering service. More information on the City’s new electric ferries is available online. 

Quotes:  

“These new electric ferries represent a historic investment in Toronto’s waterfront and a major step forward in building a cleaner, greener city. As the first new ferries in more than 60 years, they will help modernize this vital service while supporting our commitment to net-zero emissions. I’m excited for residents to help choose names that will carry these ferries—and Toronto—into a more sustainable future.”
-Mayor Olivia Chow 

“Toronto is getting new, higher capacity, faster, electric ferries that will make the trip to Toronto Island Park even better. Boat naming is a long-standing tradition and I’m excited that Torontonians get to be a part of naming the new ferries. As we continue to revitalize the waterfront and welcome visitors from near and far, these new ferries will connect more people to Toronto Island and all it offers.”
-Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York) 

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.