Toronto Waterfront Festival Announces 2025 Tall Ships Return
TORONTO, ON – The Toronto Waterfront Festival is set to welcome the highly anticipated return of the Tall Ships to Toronto’s shoreline. The event takes place on June 28-29, 2025 at Sugar Beach. This marks the beginning of summer with a fleet of historic tall ships available for public viewing and onboard tours.
The 2025 Toronto Waterfront Festival will feature a lineup of all schooners, including three ships making their first-ever visit to Toronto: Lettie G. Howard (built in 1893 and serving as a living history vessel for education and training), Ernestina-Morrissey (renowned for its unique place in immigration history), and Liberty Clipper (named after John Hancock’s revolutionary-era ship). Returning vessels include Empire Sandy, Canada’s largest passenger tall ship, and Pride of Baltimore II, which has visited over 200 ports across 40 countries.
The full 2025 fleet will include:
- Empire Sandy: Canada’s largest tall ship of her kind.
- Ernestina-Morrissey: Known for her unique place in immigration history.
- Liberty Clipper: Named after John Hancock’s revolutionary-era ship.
- Pride of Baltimore II, presented by Menkes: Has visited over 200 ports in 40 countries.
- Lettie G. Howard: Built in 1893 and one of the last surviving fishing schooners from the U.S.
- Canadian Coast Guard: Vessel TBC.
“We are excited to bring the tall ships back to the Toronto Waterfront Festival after six years,” said Michael Riehl, Chair of Water’s Edge Festivals & Events. “These ships each have a rich history, and we look forward to giving visitors the chance to see them firsthand.”
A Tradition on Toronto’s Waterfront
The Toronto Waterfront Festival has welcomed thousands of visitors, and the 2025 event aims to continue that tradition. 2019’s festival featuring the tall ships drew 250,000 attendees and generated nearly $6 million in economic impact for the city. The 2025 event will be smaller in scale, but organizers expect a strong turnout and engaging on-land activities
Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to step aboard these vessels, meet the crew, and learn about their background. New for 2025, attendees can sail aboard Empire Sandy, with four daily sail-away events, including a highly anticipated sunset cruise. Tickets for deck tours and sail-away adventures are now on sale, with limited availability.
The festival will also extend into Sherbourne Common with nautical entertainment, food vendors, activities, and giveaways. Additionally, attendees can explore the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Armed Forces, Coast Guard, Live Green Toronto, and Moccasin Identifier exhibits.
A Waterfront Celebration
The Toronto Waterfront Festival is proud to have Redpath Sugar as its presenting partner, reinforcing its longstanding support for the waterfront community. Additional 2025 partners include The Waterfront BIA, City of Toronto, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Menkes Developments, George Brown College, Porter Airlines, Westin Harbour Castle, and Tall Ships America.
Don’t Miss the Return of the Tall Ships!
The Toronto Waterfront Festival remains a highlight of the city’s summer calendar, bringing together history, culture, and entertainment. Whether stepping aboard these storied ships, taking part in interactive activities, or setting sail on Empire Sandy, this event promises an engaging waterfront event.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.towaterfrontfest.com and follow @towaterfrontfest on social media.
