TORONTO—For 10 days in January, the Annual Toronto International Boat Show was incredibly busy and reportedly welcomed more than 60,000 boaters and visitors in this 66th edition of showcasing everything boating. The Expositor learned that more new products are unveiled at the Toronto Show than anywhere else in Canada.
Innovations and new trends abound–from Mercury’s zero-noise electric Avator motor to the world’s lightest electric-powered surfboard from Jetsurf. New zero-emissions, zero-noise Taiga Orca all-electric personal watercraft were on display at the show along with more traditional offerings. New introductions abounded as the marine industry’s showcased their top 2024 luxury boats, including pontoons, glow-in-the-dark boating, as well as providing the latest skinny on electrifying the boating industry.
When it was suggested to Linda Waddell, director of the Toronto International Boat Show, that “I have to win the lottery, so I can buy everything!” She responded “No, you don’t. Boating’s affordable these days. You can get the same benefits of a boating lifestyle whether you have a small budget or a big budget. My husband and I keep our power boat in Honey Harbour on Georgian Bay; we’ve been boaters for more than 45 years.”
“I spend a lot of time on Manitoulin, and have learned about the main marinas and ports, such as Little Current, Kagawong, Gore Bay, Meldrum Bay and South Baymouth,” noted this Expositor correspondent. “All lovely. And the watercraft sales outlets, such as Henley Boats, Berry Boats and Manitoulin Wind & Wave, who all bring great products to the power boater, sailors and watercraft/water sports enthusiasts.”
“We sure do know about these lovely ports and sales,” Ms. Waddell assured The Expositor. “One of our most popular seminar speakers is Roy Eaton, who shares his extensive knowledge of boating in the North Channel and Georgian Bay. His talk, ‘Summer in Paradise,’ inspires people to travel by boat to one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Because of Roy, people go there.”
Mr. Eaton has been the cherished friend of The Expositor correspondent for many years, and ably edited sailing parts of her novel, ‘The Boat That Brings You Home.’ “This is my eleventh year of presentations for the Toronto Boat Show,” said Mr. Eaton. “Two of these years have been produced on Zoom. My presentations over the years have changed with more emphasis on the North Channel due to so many boaters’ requests. At first, I described traveling on the Trent Severn waterway but now my presentation starts in Parry Sound and I take more time to describe the beauty of the North Channel.” Mr. Eaton is sponsored to travel to the Boat Show by the North Channel Marine Tourism Council (NCMTC), the Anchor Inn and The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (aka the Port of Little Current).
Mr. Eaton is the familiar voice of Manitoulin summer’s broadcast, ‘Manitoulin Cruisers Net,’ broadcast from The Anchor Inn in Little Current during July and August. During his broadcast Mr. Eaton provides the news and takes call-ins from thousands of boaters who check in on summer mornings. Boaters from many ports, while docked in Little Current, stop into his welcoming reception area at The Anchor Inn to say hello and pay their respects.
Asked about his favourite thing about presenting at the boat show, Mr. Eaton responds, “When each of my presentations are concluded at the boat show, to hear the excitement in new boaters who are so looking to cruise in the North Channel.”
Stan Ferguson, chair of the North Channel Marine Tourism Council told The Expositor, “This is our cruising market and we’ve been sharing information about this area for more than 30 years. We cover the areas from Manitoulin to Sault Ste. Marie, plus Killarney.” Mr. Ferguson has worked with Search and Rescue as a volunteer for as many years. “I’d tell my kids; we’ve got to go and get somebody and we did! Thankfully, it’s always been challenging and rewarding!”
Mr. Ferguson and his family owned and operated Harbour Vue Marina in Little Current for over 30 years. “While we sold it eight years ago, we still keep our boat there and keep getting to know our cruising area even better. Our daughter, Jill Ferguson, manages the Harbour Vue Marina, and we’re all looking forward to a busy summer.”
“Roy is absolutely the best ambassador for the North Shore and Manitoulin Island bar none,” said Michael Erskine, another member of the NCMTC. “His volunteer efforts on behalf of our region cannot be understated.”
Ms. Waddell is quite familiar with the North. “I attended Laurentian University and earned a degree in business with a specialty in sports and event management 35 years ago,” she said, adding she then began to produce boat shows. “It’s such a pleasure to work in this industry that provides people so much happiness. “The quality of life, going to the cottage and being near the water. Everything about what we do here helps to disconnect from the hectic stressful lives we lead. When you spend time on the water, together with your family and friends, you’re so connected. I know because I live it.“
“Our boat show helps people get ready for summer,” said Ms. Waddell. “Whether you’re ready to shop or simply browse and look around—while attending, you are invited to seminars, meeting and talking to people. Being here introduces you to the boating lifestyle and many decide to become boaters because of their experience here at the boat show. The industry is all together here, so many experts, which makes this an easy place to ask questions and learn.”
Another popular daily seminar at the boat show, ‘Boat Buying Basics–Advice for New and Experienced Boaters,’ with a panel of four industry experts—is great reason to attend the boat show. The seminar allows people access to personal helpful information about the boat buying process, whether it is a first purchase, or trading up.
“The boating industry offers incredible career opportunities,” Ms. Waddell continued. “New this year, our popular educational hub called the Marine Technical Training Centre, providing many opportunities and pathways for careers in the marine industry. In partnership with Georgian College and Boating Ontario, which is the industry trade association, it’s a large display showcasing opportunities for young people who may be interested in what a rewarding career looks look. There are advisers here to demonstrate and provide an opportunity for you to stop by and try the trade. This was a hands-on experience, working on engine and electrical components.”
The Toronto International Boat Show attracts people from all over Canada, including The Expositor’s correspondent and her sailing friends from New York City.
“With our attendees, we’ve learned their primary goal is to purchase everything they need for the summer,” Ms. Waddell said. “Having more than 1,000 boats on display right here and for sale, plus thousands of accessories and services, this is a one-location opportunity to become immersed in getting everything you need.”
Asked if any new trends might help people get into boating at an affordable level, Ms. Waddell responded affirmatively. “Yes, the terrific new membership-based boat-sharing clubs are now available, like Skipperi Canada. This club offers new app technology with locations around Ontario to help those who want to try boating for a day or a few days throughout the summer and are not ready to buy yet.”
More information about the Toronto International Boat Show can be found on their website at TorontoBoatShow.com.
