The following Tall Ship Procedures are in effect within the Port and Harbour of Toronto:

  1. A Tall Ship is defined as a vessel in excess of 18.3m (60 feet) overall height, waterline to topmost extremity.
  2. Vessels in excess of 29.3m (96 feet) overall height, waterline to topmost extremity, will enter the Inner Harbour using the Eastern Gap only. However, if these vessels wish to transit the Western Gap they must contact the Airport Operations office at (416-203-6942 extension 10) or VHF Marine Radio Channel 12 first.
  3. While in the Inner Harbour, Tall Ships must keep east of the line between buoys TT-14, EKO-15 and the line between buoy EKO-15 and the west side of Deep Pike Cut. All Tall Ships must stay in the navigation channel (as defined on chart 2085) if they are operating west of buoy TT-14.
  4. While in the area west of the Airport, Tall Ships must keep west of the line between buoys TAB and WKO-10 and south west of the line between buoys WKO-10 and WKO-11, WKO-11 and WKO-12.
  5. Departing the Inner Harbour
    1. All Tall Ships shall contact Airport Operations (APO) on VHF Channel 12 for clearance when approaching buoy TT-12 when they wish to transit the Western Gap from the east (Inner Harbour).
    2. When approaching the Western Gap from the east (Inner Harbour), vessels may do a self-navigation procedure when weather and water conditions allow for safe passage by calling into the APO when approaching buoy TT-12 east of the Western Gap and stating that when through the Western Gap, they will stay north of buoy TCB and north of buoy TAB. This route is known as “The Tall Ship Route”.
    3. Should weather and/or water conditions not be suitable for safe passage following the Tall Ship Route, vessels will need to hold their position and be instructed by the APO on the permitted passage.
  6. Entering the Inner Harbour
    1. All Tall Ships shall contact Airport Operations (APO) on VHF Channel 12 for clearance when approaching fairway buoy T Mo(A) when they wish to transit the Western Gap from the west (Humber Bay).
    2. When approaching the Western Gap from the west (Humber Bay), vessels may do a self-navigation procedure when weather and water conditions allow for safe passage by calling into the APO when approaching buoy T Mo(A) west of the Western Gap and stating that they will stay north of buoy TAB and buoy TCB at the west end of the Western Gap and when through the Western Gap remain in the navigation channel until past TT-14. This route is known as “The Tall Ship Route”.
    3. Should weather and/or water conditions not be suitable for safe passage following the Tall Ship Route, vessels will need to hold their position and be instructed by the APO on the permitted passage.
  7. These procedures are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to the Harbour Master’s Office at 416-462-3937.

Boaters Notice

PortsToronto is responsible for keeping the Toronto Harbour safe and navigable. See Boater’s Notices about everything from swimming in the harbour to obtaining permission for a marine event.

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A Power Vessel Operator’s Permit is required to operate a powered vessel in the Port and Harbour of Toronto.

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