A new way to beat the downtown traffic complete with a skyline view is coming to Toronto’s waterfront this summer.
Starting June 2026, the East-West Water Shuttle Pilot will officially launch, offering a scenic shortcut across the city’s waterfront. Operated by York Bay Marine Services, the three-year project aims to transform the way Torontonians move between the east and west ends, offering a breezy trip across the Inner Harbour.
More Connections to More Destinations
The seasonal service is designed to bridge the gap between some of the city’s fastest-growing hubs. Spanning a four-kilometre stretch, the shuttle will connect three key stops:
- Ookwemin Minising (Port Lands): Providing a direct link to the brand-new Biidaasige Park and the eastern waterfront.
- Yonge Street Slip: Serving as the central anchor for those heading to the heart of the downtown core.
- Portland Slip: Located near Billy Bishop Airport, connecting the western waterfront to the rest of the circuit.
The journey from end to end is expected to take approximately 30 minutes, offering a scenic alternative to the congestion of the Lakeshore and Gardiner.
A Commute with a View
While the final pricing hasn’t been set in stone, fares are expected to be comparable to existing water taxis, which typically hover around the $13 mark. It’s a small price to pay for a front-row seat to the Toronto skyline and a departure from the usual subway or streetcar rush.
The pilot project is a collaborative effort between Waterfront Toronto, the City, and the Toronto Port Authority, acting as a sea bus test run to see if water-based transit can become a permanent fixture of our world-class waterfront.
The shuttle will run daily from June through September. Whether you’re a daily commuter looking for a change of pace or a weekend explorer heading to the Port Lands, you can catch a ride starting this June.
For more information, you can check out Waterfront Toronto’s official website here.
