Top Sailing schools in Toronto, Canada

Unprofessional behaviour, lack of punctuality and lack of accommodation for their mistakes. They likely overbooked and had the customers suffer for it.

Other people are living lame lives while we're sailing in Toronto, truly one of the coolest pass times anyone can pick up in this city. Awesome club, awesome folks, awesome times.

I joined TISC back in 2022 when I moved back to Toronto after finishing grad school. Since then I’ve made countless friends and connections at the club. It helped me fall back in love with sailing and being on Toronto Island during summer time is wonderful.

This is the best kept secret of Toronto! Cottage right downtown Toronto! Access to the island from a private dock and the ability to retrieve from the public back to the quiet nature. Sailing, people, and the location are all a 5 star experience!

Do not join this club. Many of the members are extremely racist. If you are not white (and Anglo-Saxon) they will systematically exclude you from club functions, including gatherings, dinners, even sailing on the boats themselves. No amount of trying to be nice or improve your sailing skills will change that. Shameful behaviour from a club where the members live in a multiracial, multicultural city like Toronto and interact with racialized people on a daily basis.

Yesterday we went to this office to rent a boat and we were really excited and looking forward to it. We arrived at the office around 5:30pm and the person with short hair who was at the office was supper unfriendly with miserable manors and clearly knew nothing about customer service or just caring about people in general. We were told the minimum you can rent is an hour so it’s too late now as you have to be back by 6:30pm and it takes 15 minutes to do the paper work. We suggested to pay for an hour but still be back 5 minutes before 6:30pm as we just wanted to use the boat for 30 minutes near by instead of their normal route. We were totally rejected and given poor excuses. We asked the person to talk to a manager and they called the manager but didn’t explain the situation precisely and told us it’s not possible.

And just to be fair, the other person who was outside near the boats who we initially spoke to was very friendly and helpful.

Harbourfront Centre Sailing and Powerboating hosted a multi-race sailing regatta as a Corporate event for my coworkers and I. Upon arriving, the staff were incredibly hospitable and welcoming to us. We began with some basic training and safety instructions, and then we were quickly out unto the water! There were 14 of us total, and we split unto 4 different sailboats, each one with its own instructor. With the guidance of our instructors, learned the basics of sailing, and each of us had a chance to try the various maneuvers to manipulate the sails and guide the boat. We had time for multiple races, cruising around Lake Ontario with a perfect view of the Toronto skyline. The team had a great time and would love to do it again!

July 2023 Cansail course taken here with wonderful instructors.
The clubhouse and setting are much like having a cottage up north.

My 7 friends and I rented two boats today. Upon our return, we were told there was “damage” done to the boat. Upon clarification, they stated that there was a boat fender missing and that since it was missing, I had to put $50.00.

My problems with this situation.

1) The burden of proof is on the company to PROVE there was boat fender on the boat by means of either documentation and/or pictures of which none were available.

2) I reviewed my camera footages and I found that the boat fender that was missing actually went missing 5 minutes into my boat ride as it was floating on the harbour. When showing the front desk, they said “they couldn’t do anything about it” since the manager, Emma wasn’t available on long weekend ; one of the busiest days of the year.

3) The company’s logic was that since the boat fender was missing upon return, it was ultimately my responsibility to pay up even though the boat fender went missing as I literally pulled out of the docking bay, which means it was CLEARLY not tied properly or inspected properly prior.

A suggestion for all other customers - either go elsewhere OR take pictures before and during your trip - you never know which one of them will become helpful.

As for me, I am waiting a call from the manager Emma.

Update: The manager called and argued the same point but eventually, she said she would not charge us the $50.00.

3 weeks ago I had never been in a sailboat, and tonight I passed my Cansail 1&2 course and can sail a boat! The club offers unlimited use of its fleet (subject only to a sailors' skill level and experience). The folks at the club are inclusive and welcoming and it's a grassroots all-hands-on-deck kind of vibe. Feeling so lucky and excited for the rest of the sailing season. 10/10 would recommend.

I moved back from Barcelona to Toronto in July last year, and was anxious to get back into sailing again. I chatted with Westwood, and made contact with Julia (who was in Membership) and she convinced me to join. Well, the sailing is cold (compared to the Mediterranean) but the people are incredibly warm, lots of fun, and really live the sailing life. Plus, you can't beat 'cottage in the city' vibe here. I'm happy & proud to have joined this wonderful club!

The club has a great social environment, with friendly and helpful members. The club facility has a cottage like atmosphere. There are few issues to mention though. I became a member last summer and joined the White Sail Clinic to learn sailing. After a week of course, I failed with some other members. I was told, I can only sail as a crew with a qualified member. As a new member , it was not east to find a qualified member to sail with and I could not sail as many as I wanted to. The contradiction is; club is accepting you as a member with the full payment of the membership, but after one week, telling you that you can only sail with a qualified member. The Clinic has to be done pre-requisite to membership and only who qualify can become a member. This way, people will not waste their membership. I recommend to learn sailing somewhere else and then become a member at J-Town.
I had an Ear infection after falling down from the boat at the dock during the Clinic. If you happen to fall down from the boat make sure to take prevention as it takes around 10 days for bacteria to infect your ear. I suffered for 3 months and first day pain was immense. The still water of the artificial bay in front of the club causes bacteria to grow easier.

Endlessly good times on Toronto Island, and that's even before you start sailing! Best decision even to join this club! I learned to sail and met a whole bunch of amazing people.

Had so much fun! My boyfriend took an online boating license so that we could boat around Toronto Island and back to Harbour. They gave us a 2 hour time slot and that was plenty enjoy for us to just chill on the boat and enjoy the scenery.

Great club to practice sailing, take CANSail courses, get into racing and socialise. Looking forward to next season!

Excellent club, great way to learn sailing in a fun, friendly environment.

This sailing club has HOT SHOWERS and a washroom! That's a deal for me. Besides, it is on the island, making me feel I leave Toronto and its worries behind. I discovered TISC two years ago, and now, I look forward to the sailing season with so much joy and enthusiasm!

Mooredale Sailing Club is a community sailing club by Cherry Beach, Toronto. The club has a unique learn to sail program that combines the professionalism of certified instructors and the coaching from our experienced members. Most of the members have joined the club without any prior sailing experience. Mooredale Sailing Club is a unique place: strong from a 40-year of experience, the club has build up a fleet of close to 30 club owned sailboats that are freely accessible to all the members

Westwood Sailing Club is a not-for-profit co-operative sailing and social club. Since 1967, Westwood has provided affordable access to sailing in Toronto. We're located near Cherry Beach, giving you great access to Lake Ontario.

Membership to Westwood Sailing Club provides you access to a fleet of dinghy sailboats (Albacores, Lasers, and Catamarans), which are available for all members to use. Our affordable membership includes unlimited sailing, access to classes with Sail Canada instructors, and use of our waterfront clubhouse.

Sailing in Toronto! Founded in 1967, now Toronto's most active and fun-loving sailing club. Cheap lessons and a boatload of new friends! Come sail with us!

It was ok. The Lund boats that are supposedly described as a 5 seater don’t actually have 5 seats. Its two seats and some small uncomfortable benches around the border of the boat. If you’re sitting at the rear seat near the motor be prepared to have a loud engine in your ears and a mouthful of exhaust fumes. Basically the drivers will enjoy the ride the most. An hour isn’t really enough and for some reason they’re only allowing one hour rentals due to covid, I still don’t get why. It’s a good facility to rent a water craft and get away from the city. Boats should be better suited for more comfort.

A wonderful spot in the city.

Westwood has the BEST sailing instructors in the city. In three years I've gone from total beginner to participating in an international sailing competition in Nova Scotia that was an epic adventure. I can't recommend giving it a try enough!

Overall a great experience! Met nothing but detail-oriented employees who helped us out with the reservations, check-in, training, and docking. Weather couldn't have been better, water was smooth, and views were great!

Only thing I'd recommend is to book in advance and try to go on a weekday because there's a lot of water traffic to navigate through (ferries, water taxes, canoers, kayakers, etc.)

Great sail club - If you weren't gazing at the great view of downtown Toronto across the water, you'd think you're in cottage country. Members have use of the club's dinghys and catamaran and have access to sailing courses. The club is very social with members staying for a BBQ and an adult beverage after sailing. Membership is limited and does sell out so recommend joining early.

Had a great experience renting a powerboat. The staff were helpful and explained the rules, boundaries and how to operate the boat well. The ride itself was beautiful, lucky for us we went out in the evening and got to see the sunset over the city. Going through the islands was really nice as well, very relaxing and scenic. Highly recommend, will be back to go again.

Excited for another sailing season at this magic sailing cottage. Doubly excited knowing that this years Albacore Internationals are held in N.S., so I am expecting some *extra* racing enthusiasm. Wee.

Have been a member for over a year. Club is fantastic! Great instructors, existing members are very welcoming and friendly. Unlike other clubs, everyone is allowed to participate in all races and events (including new sailors). It's a great place to make new friends and bring old friends. There is no judgement.

Seriously the best. Great sailing, great training, but more importantly, a solid community.

Took my first sailing lessons here, instructors were very friendly and competent. However not much social event compare to other club. Some older members are not very welcoming to new member and don't not feel welcome. Will most likely not sign up again next year.

I took beginner lessons at Westwood Sailing Club five years ago and been a member ever since. It's a great place to learn to sail. But there's a lot more than lessons - there's weekly BBQs, parties, races, regattas. Short bike ride from downtown. We're not a fancy yacht club. It's like a co-op - your membership gives you access to a fleet of sail boats. It's laid back. Come down after work. Go for a sail with a friend. Share in a BBQ. Drink a beer. Nothing is better than being on the lake in the summer.

This is my 13th summer at Westwood. I go at least 3 times a week, rain or shine (prefer shine) - racing, helping new sailors improve their sailing, just going sailing for the pleasure of it, or just going to the club to sit and swap stories with old friends and new.

Lake Ontario is a fabulous ever-changing wonder of nature. Its so sweet to have this access to the water not far from the heart of the city. I love this club.

I learned to sail at Westwood and it has been a fantastic experience. After 3 years, we now participate in some very competitive regattas and races. I am amazed that so few people know about this affordable summer sport and activity. What I like the most is that I can sail any day or evening of the week as it is so close to the city, yet it feels so secluded and relaxing.

I joined St James Town Sailing Club (J-town) in 2012 and have spent the last three summers learning how to sail. You learn to sail on their new fleet of Albacores and then move on to also sail Lasers as well as Nacra 500 Catamarans.

I really love the club. It's very welcoming to new members. New sailors can sign up for classes and different training courses that they run through out the sailing season. It's truly a great community.

They also throw great parties at their club house. I'd highly recommend checking them out! It's just like having a cottage in the city :)

I have been member at different clubs in different cities. St. James Town Sailing Club has been the most enjoyable club I have encountered.

It is close to downtown, but when you are there, you have escaped the city.

I have referred friends and all of them are still members and really enjoyed the learn to sail programs. As a more experienced sailor, I have found all of the members welcoming and eager to help others integrate into the club.

Overall a great club. Active, fun members whom create a fabulous atmosphere. The well run classes, social activities, continued learning and racing events allow new sailors to competitive sailors to enjoy the community club experience.

I cannot imagine sailing anywhere else.

Great club! Totally a cottage in the city. Nothing's as good as drinks on the deck after all day out on the harbour. Wicked sailing, great parties and socializing, awesome regattas. Courses and clinics are awesome too. Wouldn't want to spend the summer anywhere else.

This place is incredible!

If you are thinking about learning how to sail, this place makes it incredibly easy and fun. The people are extremely warm, down to earth and love to have a great time. The club has a lively social aspect to it and it's a great place to make new friends.