Toronto: Summer Sailstice Festival Sail

Partake in a transformative sailing experience at the Toronto Summer Sailstice Festival, where nature, culture, and the serene waters converge for an unforgettable celebration.

The Toronto Summer Sailstice Festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the summer solstice with an immersive sailing experience. Departing from the Spadina WaveDeck, guests will embark on a tranquil three-hour journey, enjoying stunning sunset views and an Indigenous ceremony that honors nature and culture. This intimate event, limited to just 10 participants, promises an unforgettable connection with the water and the land. But what makes this festival truly special?

Key Points

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  • A 3-hour evening sail around the Toronto Islands featuring an Indigenous Solstice Ceremony with music, dance, and drumming.
  • Opportunity to witness and participate in a cultural celebration on the water, connecting with nature and Indigenous culture.
  • Sail includes a circumnavigation of the Toronto Islands, anchoring at Hanlans Point for stunning sunset views.
  • Onboard experience features sunset toasts, hors d’oeuvres, and Indigenous storytelling, providing a peaceful escape from the city.
  • Tickets start at $200.95 per person, with limited capacity for an intimate experience led by a professional captain and crew.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Event Overview

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The Summer Sailstice Festival is a global event that unites thousands of boaters worldwide.

This unique sailing experience features an Indigenous Solstice Ceremony with music, dance, and drumming.

Departing at 6:30 pm from the Spadina WaveDeck, the festival lasts for 3 hours, providing a special opportunity to witness and participate in this cultural celebration on the water.

Sailing Experience

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Participants will circumnavigate the Toronto Islands, passing by Tommy Thompson Park and Gibraltar Point.

They’ll drop anchor at Hanlans Point to take in the stunning sunset views. Onboard, guests will enjoy sunset toasts, hors d’oeuvres, and entertaining stories from the Indigenous hosts.

This unique sailing experience offers a chance to connect with nature and learn about Indigenous culture through music, dance, and drumming.

The 3-hour journey provides a peaceful escape from the city, allowing participants to fully enjoy the tranquility of the waters surrounding Toronto.

Booking Information

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For those interested in attending the Toronto Summer Sailstice Festival, booking is available starting at $200.95 per person.

Reservations can be made without upfront payment, and cancellations are eligible for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The event is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a small group experience.

Reservations without upfront payment, full refunds up to 24 hours, and a small group of 10 participants ensure an intimate experience.

Included in the price are a professional captain and crew, hors d’oeuvres, and one beverage, with additional drinks available for purchase. Gratuities aren’t included.

Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure and note that the air temperature on the water is typically 5°C colder than on land.

Inclusions and Amenities

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A professional captain and crew are included to guide participants on the sailing experience.

The sailing tour includes hors d’oeuvres and one beverage, with additional beverages available for purchase. Gratuities aren’t included, allowing participants to tip at their discretion.

The event isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old, and no shoes are allowed on board – only barefoot sailing is permitted. Smoking and outside food/beverages are prohibited.

Minimum numbers are required to sail, and participants must check-in 30 minutes before departure.

Attendees should note that air temperature on the water is typically 5°C colder than on land.

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Important Guidelines

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Although the event sails rain or shine, it isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old.

The event is not suitable for children under 5 years old, even though it sails rain or shine.

Barefoot sailing is required, with no shoes allowed on board. Smoking and outside food/beverages are prohibited.

Guests must check-in 30 minutes prior to departure, as the minimum numbers are required to sail.

Plus, visitors should note that the air temperature on the water is typically 5°C colder than on land.

These important guidelines ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

The key guidelines are:

  1. No children under 5 years old.

  2. Barefoot sailing only.

  3. No smoking or outside food/beverages.

  4. Check-in 30 minutes before departure.

Indigenous Solstice Ceremony

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As the sun sets over the Toronto skyline, the Summer Sailstice Festival comes alive with an Indigenous Solstice Ceremony. The ceremony features captivating music, dance, and drumming, immersing guests in the rich cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples.

| Ceremony Component | Significance |

| — | — |

| Music | Connects participants to the rhythms of nature. |

| Dance | Symbolizes the cyclical flow of the seasons. |

| Drumming | Represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. |

The Indigenous hosts share stories and teachings, fostering a deeper appreciation for the significance of the summer solstice. As the ceremony unfolds, a sense of unity and reverence fills the air, creating a truly memorable experience for all in attendance.

Sunset Celebration

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Following the anchoring at Hanlans Point, guests are treated to a spectacular sunset celebration.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky erupts in a dazzling display of colors. Guests can:

  1. Enjoy sunset toasts and hors d’oeuvres while taking in the breathtaking views.

  2. Listen to entertaining stories from the Indigenous hosts, who share their cultural traditions and insights.

  3. Photograph the picturesque scene, capturing the serene moment as the day gives way to night.

  4. Bask in the serenity of the moment, savoring the unique sailing experience and the sense of community.

Toronto Islands Circumnavigation

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The sailing circumnavigation of the Toronto Islands offers guests a unique perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks.

Cruising past Tommy Thompson Park and Gibraltar Point, participants can soak in the serene natural beauty contrasted against the urban skyline.

As the boat drops anchor at Hanlan’s Point, guests can enjoy sunset views and toast the day with hors d’oeuvres and entertaining stories from the Indigenous hosts.

This intimate small-group experience provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the Toronto Islands by water and immerse in the Summer Sailstice Festival‘s solstice celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Dog on the Sailing Tour?

No, dogs are not allowed on the Summer Sailstice Festival sailing tour. The event guidelines specify that only participants are permitted, and there are no provisions for bringing pets aboard the boat.

Is There a Dress Code for the Sailing Event?

There’s no formal dress code, but the event suggests comfortable, casual clothing. Bare feet are preferred for sailing, and layering is advised as the air temperature on the water is typically 5°C colder than on land.

Can I Purchase Extra Alcoholic Beverages on Board?

Yes, additional alcoholic beverages can be purchased on board. The event includes one complimentary beverage, but guests are welcome to buy extra alcoholic drinks during the sailing experience.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The minimum age requirement for participants is 5 years and older. The event is not suitable for children under 5 years old, as specified in the important guidelines.

Is There Secure Parking Available Near the Departure Point?

There is no information provided about secure parking near the departure point. The event details focus on the sailing experience itself, without mentioning parking availability or options for guests.

The Sum Up

The Toronto Summer Sailstice Festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the summer solstice through an immersive sailing experience. Guests will embark on a tranquil journey around the Toronto Islands, enjoying hors d’oeuvres, storytelling, and the rhythms of music, dance, and drumming that honor nature and Indigenous culture. This intimate event promises an unforgettable connection with both the water and the land.

You can check availability for your dates here: