Toronto: Father’s Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner

Celebrating Father’s Day in Toronto offers plenty of options, but a cruise around the harbor combines the city’s vibrant skyline with a relaxed, memorable meal. While we haven’t personally sailed on this particular cruise, the reviews and details paint a picture of a charming afternoon or evening on the water, perfect for families looking to spoil dad with a special experience.

What immediately appeals are the delicious buffet meals featuring fresh, market-inspired ingredients and the stunning views of Toronto’s skyline — especially at sunset or dusk. Plus, the inclusion of a complimentary gift for Dad and activities for kids adds a thoughtful touch. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the entertainment options for children can be limited, which is something to keep in mind if you’re expecting a full-blown kid-centric event.

This cruise seems best suited for families wanting a relaxed, scenic celebration with good food and a bit of fun on the water. If you’re after a special, low-key way to honor dad that combines natural beauty with city views, this experience might be just right. But for those seeking a more lively or activity-packed event for children, you may want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: The cruise offers panoramic vistas of Toronto’s skyline, making it ideal for photo opportunities and memorable moments.
• Flexible Dining Options: Choose between brunch or dinner, with vegetarian, vegan, and Halal options available on the buffet.
• Family-Friendly: Kids can enjoy activities, and infants under three cruise free, but the experience may lack extensive entertainment for children.
• Value for Money: The inclusion of a complimentary gift for Dad and the buffet-style meal provides good value, especially considering the duration and quality.
• Ease of Access: Located at Queen’s Quay, with nearby paid parking and public transit options, though downtown traffic can be heavy.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users, which could be a drawback for some travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

A two-hour cruise on the Toronto Odyssey provides a surprisingly intimate way to see the city’s waterfront. Starting at Queen’s Quay, the vessel departs from a convenient spot near public transit and parking, though heavy downtown traffic suggests an early arrival is wise if you’re driving.

The itinerary is straightforward: board, enjoy your buffet meal, take in the views, and return. It’s not a long voyage, but that’s part of its charm — it keeps things relaxed and manageable for families, especially those with young children. The boarding time varies depending on whether you choose the brunch or dinner cruise, so planning your arrival carefully is essential, as latecomers are not permitted.

The buffet meals are a standout feature. With market-fresh ingredients and options catering to vegetarians, vegans, and Halal diets, everyone can find something to enjoy. The reviews highlight the delicious food and beautiful presentation as a major highlight, with some noting the desserts are a nice touch too. One reviewer appreciated the buffet selection and called it “awesome,” reinforcing the value of a chef-prepared meal during a scenic outing.

Skyline views are the real star. Watching Toronto’s cityscape light up at sunset or during daylight hours offers a different perspective than on land. We loved the way the cruise maximizes natural beauty and urban sights simultaneously. Many reviews mention the “good music” and the overall relaxing atmosphere, making it clear that this cruise is more about enjoying the moment than high-energy entertainment.

However, not all reviews are glowing. One commenter was disappointed that the promised activities for kids and special gifts for fathers fell short, describing the event as more like a birthday celebration with a DJ and limited kid-focused entertainment. This suggests that if your main goal is active entertainment for children, you might want to explore other options.

The atmosphere varies from calm to lively, depending on the time of day and crowd. The evening dinner cruise tends to be more romantic and subdued, perfect for couples or families with older children. The brunch cruise, starting at midday, offers a bright, cheerful setting suitable for a more laid-back family celebration.

Value-wise, the cruise is reasonably priced considering the included buffet and the scenic vistas. The complimentary gift for dad adds a nice personal touch, making it feel like a special gesture rather than just another meal out.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Arrival and Boarding:
Arriving at Queen’s Quay well before your scheduled boarding time is advisable due to high traffic and limited parking. The vessel, Toronto Odyssey, departs from a well-situated dock at the South/East Wall of Queen’s Quay Terminal, which is accessible by both car and public transit. Parking options include Harbourfront Centre and Southcore Financial Centre, though these can fill up quickly during peak times.

The Cruise Itself:
Once aboard, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and receive a complimentary gift for dad — a small but thoughtful gesture that sets the tone. The boat’s interior is comfortable and clean, but it’s the outdoor decks that truly shine, offering unobstructed views of the Toronto skyline, the waterfront, and beyond.

The Buffet:
The buffet is the centerpiece of the experience. Expect a variety of freshly prepared selections — from salads and hot entrees to desserts. The buffet aims to cater to diverse dietary needs, with vegetarian, vegan, and Halal options, making it inclusive for most guests. Several reviews praise the quality and presentation of the food, describing it as “awesome” and “delicious.” Desserts are the finishing touch, though some reviewers wish for more fruit or after-dinner sweets.

Entertainment and Activities:
Music plays a significant role, often provided by a DJ, creating a pleasant background ambiance. For families with kids, activities are available but limited, primarily centered on the fun activities for children and a captain hat for dad. One review specifically mentioned disappointment with the lack of kid-specific entertainment and activities, so if your children expect a party atmosphere, this cruise might not fully meet those expectations.

The Views:
Watching the city’s skyline light up while sipping a drink or enjoying your meal makes for a memorable experience. The views during sunset are especially stunning, casting a warm glow over the city and the water. These moments are ideal for photos or just soaking in the scenery.

Disembarkation:
After two hours, you’ll return to your starting point. The process is smooth, and the crew works efficiently, but arriving on time is essential to avoid missing the cruise or being rushed.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This experience is best suited for families, couples, or groups looking for a relaxed, scenic way to spend part of Father’s Day. It offers a peaceful environment combined with good food and beautiful views. If you’re hoping for a lively entertainment scene or full activities for children, you might find this cruise a little subdued.

Food lovers will appreciate the buffet’s quality and diversity, while urban explorers will enjoy the perspective of Toronto’s skyline from the water. Those seeking a memorable celebration for dad will find the complimentary gift and the special atmosphere a nice touch.

However, those with mobility issues should be aware that the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the limited onboard activities might not satisfy children expecting more engagement.

Final Thoughts

This cruise combines scenic beauty with culinary pleasure in a way that makes it a good value for a special occasion like Father’s Day. The stunning skyline views and well-curated buffet are the highlights — both of which create a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

We believe this experience suits families and couples who want a low-pressure, scenic outing that emphasizes quality time and good food. While it might not be ideal for those seeking high-energy entertainment or full accessibility, it’s a charming way to celebrate with loved ones on the water.

If you want to give dad a unique view of Toronto, topped with a tasty meal and a little personal touch, this cruise offers a memorable experience worth considering.

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FAQ

Is there parking available nearby?
Yes, paid parking is available at Harbourfront Centre and other nearby lots like Southcore Financial Centre. However, downtown traffic can be busy, so arriving early is recommended.

Can I choose between brunch and dinner?
Absolutely. The cruise offers both options — a 12:30 pm brunch cruise and an 6:30 pm dinner cruise, each with different boarding and cruising times.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children are welcome, and infants under three cruise for free. There are activities for kids, but some reviews suggest they are limited.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera for the views, some layers for varying weather, and a sense of relaxation. The buffet is included, so no need to worry about additional meals unless you want extras.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility issues?
Unfortunately, no. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, which is an important consideration if mobility is a concern.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?
No, drinks are paid separately, which some guests feel should be included, especially for special occasions.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts for approximately 2 hours, providing ample time for sightseeing, dining, and enjoying the atmosphere without it feeling rushed.

This Father’s Day cruise in Toronto offers a thoughtful blend of scenic vistas, quality food, and a relaxed environment. It’s perfect for those wanting to celebrate dad with a touch of elegance and local charm, provided expectations are aligned with the cruise’s more laid-back, family-friendly vibe.