It’s time to ditch the streetcar and hop on a boat. Toronto’s new water shuttle is officially beginning to welcome passengers aboard for a sun-drenched transit across the city’s inner harbour.
On June 5, Toronto’s East-West Shuttle kicks off the season, offering travellers the option to trade driving on the pavement for riding the waves.
The summer pilot project will operate for an initial three-year period from June to September, and connect to three stops, according to Waterfront Toronto.
“The East-West Water Shuttle Pilot is an exciting step toward realizing the full potential of Toronto’s harbour and a meaningful demonstration of what a world-class waterfront city can offer its communities,” said George Zegarac, president and CEO at Waterfront Toronto.
The project is operated by York Bay Marine Services, which manages multiple waterfront facilities — including Kiss n’ Sail at Yonge Street Slip, Toronto Island Marina, Island Yacht Club and Toronto Harbour Nautical Centre, along with marina infrastructure on the Toronto Islands.
“As Toronto’s waterfront community continues to grow, we anticipate that marine transportation in the harbour will complement land-based alternatives, which has occurred in New York, Sydney and Stockholm,” said Bill Duron, chair of York Bay Marine Services.
Here’s what to know about the shuttle.
Toronto East-West Shuttle route map and stops
Map of the stops on Toronto’s East-West Shuttle.
East-West Shuttle
Shuttle stops will include Toronto’s new island, Ookwemin Minising, to provide direct access to Biidaasige Park.
The stop will be located at 242 Cherry St. and become a gateway to the Port Lands, Cherry Beach, and the Don River mouth, with direct access to the Distillery District and Corktown.
An already existing stop that will be part of the pilot’s route is the Yonge Street Slip at 1 Queens Quay E. to serve the central waterfront. It will be within walking distance from Union Station, the Financial District and Scotiabank Arena. And it will also connect to Sugar Beach, the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and the St. Lawrence Market.
Lastly, the shuttle will also have a Portland stop on the west harbour at 585 Queens Quay W., just steps away from Bathurst Quay Commons, Harbourfront Centre and the Music Garden. Streetcar connections will be located at Bathurst and Queens Quay.
When does the East-West Shuttle run?
Toronto’s East West Shuttle schedule.
East-West Shuttle
Service on the East-West Shuttle will run seven days a week from June 5 to Sept. 7. It will depart every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost to hop on the East-West Shuttle
Tickets to the East-West Shuttle can be purchased online in advance or at the dock upon arrival. Fare starts at $15.
However, during World Cup match days and weekends in Toronto between June 12 and July 2, passengers will be able to ride the shuttle between Ookwemin Minising and the Portland Slip for $5.
As part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Legacy Program, the shuttle will also run with extended service during this period from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“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,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
“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.”