"Believe me, my young friend there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
Club motto from Ratty, in Kenneth Grahame's The Wind In The Willows
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About Us
Who are we?
We are boating enthusiasts who believe the Toronto area needs an affordable waterfront facility for small dinghies, catamarans, canoes and kayaks. For nearly 40 years, we have been providing low-impact, low-cost access to Lake Ontario.
Where are we?
Lake Ontario, just minutes by car or bicycle from downtown Toronto. We are part of a close-knit community of boaters in the Outer Harbour, next to Cherry Beach. No need to trailer your boat or lug it around - we are located right on the water with ideal facilities for any canoe, kayak or small sailboat. Map
What do we do?
We paddle, we sail, and we enjoy what Lake Ontario has to offer. Our legendary Laser and catamaran races provide a spectacle for local beachgoers every Tuesday and Thursday evening in high summer, and on Sundays in the fall when dusk comes earlier.
Who runs the club?
We do. Our members pitch in to tend to the facilities. A volunteer executive of about ten members keeps the club solvent and organized. The Commodore is 'The Chief Rat', the Treasurer is 'Money Rat', the Secretary is 'Paper Rat' etc. In a nod to Toronto's marine heritage, our 'Club House' is the bridge house from an old lake freighter and is affectionately known as Toad Hall.
What does it cost?
We believe in affordable access to the water, so our membership cost is only $225 per year. There is a first year initiation fee of $150, plus a key deposit of $20. So your first year will cost you $395.
When do we operate?
We are usually the first people on the water in April, and the last ones out in November when we historically have our end of season regatta.
What do you need?
All you need is a simple 'dry-sailed' boat (dinghy, catamaran, canoe or kayak) and gear, the modest membership fee, and your enthusiasm for experiencing Lake Ontario. We do not accommodate motorboats, personal watercraft, inflatable, keelboats, or boats that require mooring.
