Toronto International Boat Show

Date: January 12 - 20, 2013
Location: Show map
Direct Energy Centre
100 Princes' Blvd
Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

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Boat Show Features:

World's Largest Indoor Lake for Boaters

Everyone's favourite showstopper – The Lake – is back to Put Some Summer in Your Winter!

The world's largest indoor lake for boaters returns to Ricoh Coliseum for the 2013 Toronto International Boat Show, where novice and experienced boaters can get their feet wet by taking advantage of FREE boat rides from Discover Boating in canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and inflatable boats.

Containing more than one million gallons of water from Lake Ontario, The Lake takes six days to create and offers an educating and entertaining experience second to none! Click here for all the "Features on the Lake."

Fun for the Whole Family!

As the temperature drops, so too do the options for parents looking for activities to plan in the middle of winter for the entire family. Look no further than the Toronto International Boat Show to entertain, educate and offer unique activities that bring summer fun indoors. Ever wonder what luxury yachts look like inside?

The Toronto Boat Show has more than a million square feet of show space at the Direct Energy Centre packed with awe-inspiring boats to see and tour, marine accessories ranging from canoes and kayaks to fishing rods and wakeboards, and free seminars, demonstrations and on-water entertainment.

All activities are FREE with admission, making the Toronto International Boat Show the best entertainment value for your dollar. Children 16 years and under are admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult.

Discover Boating Centre

A wealth of FREE resources and unbiased experts are on hand at the Discover Boating Centre to answer every boating question and help boat show visitors navigate their way to getting out on the water.

Whether you are new to boating or already an experienced boater, our boating experts can help you figure out the perfect boat to fit your lifestyle and budget. They can provide advice on everything from destinations and new activities to try, to boating courses, safety information, accessories, maintenance, docking tips, and much more.

You can even pick up a boat-shopping guide to use at the show, plus lots of free information, including magazines and DVDs to take home with you.Drop by the Discover Boating Centre and find out why life is better with a boat!

Canadian Yachting's Island Village

Remember the blue, very blue water, the sun that's so warm it touches your soul, and the irresistible happy faces that make you smile? It is the Caribbean!

Feel the magic again. At Canadian Yachting's Island Village, located in the SailFest section (Hall D) of this year's show, enjoy the authentic island sounds and tastes of the Caribbean, while island country representatives and charter boat companies help design your next vacation!

 

 

Duma the Famous Wakeboarding & Boat-Driving Dog!

Back by popular demand, Duma is making waves again at the 2013 Toronto International Boat Show.

This one-of-a-kind Jack Russell Terrier not only wakeboards but also drives the boat on The Lake! It's an awe-inspiring, entertainment-packed show for the entire family.

Duma will meet her fans for photos and more after each show, twice daily, January 18 to 20.

Great Canadian Fish Tank

A 40-foot long aquarium filled with 5,000 gallons of water and stocked with native Ontario marine life, the Great Canadian Fish Tank is the perfect teaching tool for pros to share their tips with anglers of all ages.

It literally provides the fish-eye's view of how fish react to different lures and different techniques.

Daily seminars demonstrate how various fish react to various types of bait, step-by-step casting methods, and the latest tips on how to catch "the big one"!

New Product Showcase

If there is a new product on the market, one of the first places you'll find it is at the Toronto International Boat Show. The latest and most innovative products from eye-catching boats to handy new boating accessories will be featured at individual exhibitor booths. Just look for the "New Product" starburst sign.

Kids Boating Zone

The love of boating can start at any age so start them young at the Kids Boating Zone where the Toronto Boat Show has created a safe and fun place for kids to take a break from navigating the show floor.

Mom and Dad can relax and enjoy a slice of Pizza Pizza while the kids embark on a fun-filled paddleboat ride on our mini-lake specially designed for kids only.

SailFest

The most popular sailing yachts in Canada are open for boarding, and you'll find dinghies and inflatables nearby. Yacht clubs, sailing associations and cruising destinations are onboard as well. Set your compass further north to shop the Industry Building for cruising and racing accessories and the latest electronics.

Kids Fishing Zone

Share the thrill of hooking a big one with the kids at the Kids Fishing Zone – a live trout pond at the Toronto Boat Show. Expert anglers and television hosts Leo Stakos and Ron James of Rogers Sportsnet – Fish TV will take your children from their first cast to their first catch with plenty of laughs in between.

More than 140 FREE Seminars!

Boating experts from around the world educate, inspire and entertain at the 2013 Toronto Boat Show, sharing their experience and expertise on everything from boating basics to spellbinding boating adventures.
Seminar information will be posted when announced.

Derek Hatfield

Derek has represented Canada in three single handed around the world races and has become Canada's most experienced and successful offshore racer. He will talk about his podium finish and record breaking Velux 5 Oceans single handed round the world yacht race and his next steps in a career that has spanned over a decade and 200,000nm single handed racing.

Visit Derek at the seminar stage as he talks about TAKING ON THE WORLD, ALONE and in SailFest at his booth.

 

 

The Classics

Supporting the preservation of Canada's rich and diversified nautical heritage, and evoking wonderful memories of past adventures and family stories, the Antique & Classic Boat Society will have classic wooden and fibreglass boats on display at the show.

Step back into history, and experience the evolution, workmanship, and innovation that brought us to the boats we continue to enjoy today.

Visit this display in the Galleria Lobby.

Safety First

Learn about the importance of Boating Safety, a variety of free boating safety seminars offered by The Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons. Topics range from, First Aid on the Water to Choosing the right Personal Flotation Device (pfd). Be prepared and be informed!

Atlantic Challenge Canada & Youth Boatworks

Atlantic Challenge programs use replica naval gigs from the late 18th Century to teach sailing, rowing and traditional seamanship skills to youth. Programs have been offered in Canada since 1992 with the newest addition in Toronto, Youth Boatworks.

Youth Boatworks volunteers completed the newest 38-foot Canadian Atlantic Challenge Gig, Diversité complete with three masts and 10 oars. The boat was used on the Toronto waterfront throughout the summer providing an opportunity for youth to experience the thrill of rowing and sailing.

Every two years one of the 13 international member countries hosts an event and youth teams travel from around the globe with their boats to compete in an eight-day contest. In the summer of 2012, Atlantic Challenge Canada sent a boat to Bantry, Ireland to make up a fleet of 16 longboats in the international event.

One Girl's Ocean Challenge

Skipper Diane Reid represents the team of One Girl's Ocean Challenge, campaigning to participate in the 2013 Mini Transat Race from France to Brazil.  Diane will join 100 competitors racing single-handedly across 4,200 nautical miles in her 21-foot open class Mini Transat Sailboat.

Visit Diane and her boat in SailFest (Hall D) and learn more about her dream to race in one of France's most popular and publicized sports!

Special Preview Night

Mark your calendar now for the Special Preview Night - Friday, January 11, 2013.

The evening is a truly unique shopping experience! Guests can preview the show's 550 marine exhibits while enjoying live entertainment and delicious food and beverage. Plus, they have the opportunity to bid on live & silent auction items – including the latest in marine accessories and gifts with the proceeds going to charity.

Over the course of 11 years, the Toronto Boat Show’s Special Preview Night has raised more than $585,000 for initiatives that are close to the hearts of the boating community.

Cottage Country

There's something about being in cottage country that always puts you at ease and the quickest route there is through the Toronto Boat Show.

In the East Annex (next to The Lake) you'll find everything you need to complete the cottage experience – waterskis, canoes, kayaks, and a boatload of different gizmos and gadgets.

While you're stopping by the full-size cottage built by Confederation Log Homes, check out the selection of outdoor gear, docks and swimwear.

Careers In Boating

There's nothing better than making your passion your profession. Just ask those working in the recreational boating industry!

With fewer individuals coming up through the ranks to fill voids left by those retiring, the industry is experiencing a shortage of properly trained and skilled people. Currently, the main shortage is marine engine technicians, those who service and repair boats. Marine engine technician training is suitable for all ages and backgrounds and more specifically those straight out of high school and those in mid-life looking for a change or an exciting new career. Many also find the program provides a strong base for careers in other areas of the industry such as management, sales, distribution and human resources.

To learn how to become part of the recreational boating industry, visit www.careersinboating.com and talk to representatives from participating colleges or members of Boating Ontario.

Be sure to visit the Marine Engine Technician students from the Midland Campus of Georgian College that will be participating in live demonstrations.

Get Your Pleasure Craft Operators Card

On September 15th, 2009, it became law that ALL operators of power-driven pleasure craft must carry proof of competency onboard at all times. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is considered proof of competency, and you can write a PCOC exam at the Toronto Boat Show to earn your card, which is good for life.

For more information on educational programs to gain the knowledge needed to write the PCOC test, and on writing the test, visit any of the following booths at the show:

• BoaterExam.com, Booth G314
• BoatSmart! Canada, Booth G326, 1711, The Lake
• Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons, Booth 1828
• Forensic & Nautical Consultants of Canada Inc., Booth E326
• Safe Boater, Booth S3

Exclusive Boat Show Specials

Celebrating 55 years as the best place to see and buy boats, accessories and services, Canada's premiere boat show boasts more than 1,000 boats and hundreds of booths showcasing the latest in engines, electronics, marine gifts and accessories.

From fishing to cruising and family fun there are boats for every lifestyle, activity and budget. And there's no better time to buy. Offering exclusive onsite special deals, the Toronto Boat Show allows you to compare makes and models, secure insurance and financing, and gear up with the latest accessories – all at one time, under one roof!

As you navigate the show watch for Boat Show Special signs identifying deals available only during the nine days of the show!

Dates & Times:

• Saturday, January 12: 10am - 7pm
• Sunday, January 13: 10am - 6pm
• Monday - Wednesday, January 14-16: 11am - 8pm
• Thursday & Friday, January 17 & 18: 11am - 9pm
• Saturday, January 19: 10am- 7pm
• Sunday, January 20: 10am - 6pm

Admission:

Parking:

Surface Lots*
$14/day (before 6 pm)
Evening discounted rate: $11 (after 6 pm)

Underground Parking*
$17/day (before 6 pm)
Evening discounted rate: $14 (after 6 pm)

*Prices subject to change.

For more information, visit www.torontoboatshow.com.

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