Sometimes when you are in Toronto with kids, you just need something easy and fun that doesn’t take a whole day. That is what led us to try the Oriole, one of City Cruises’ sightseeing boats on Lake Ontario. The Oriole is a white and blue replica of a Great Lakes steamship, with two decks that make it feel open and breezy without being overwhelming for little ones.
We booked it as part of our Toronto CityPASS, where it is listed as the “Toronto 60-Minute Sightseeing Harbour Tour.” It ended up being one of the most relaxing activities of our trip, giving us a fresh view of the skyline while keeping the kids happily entertained. Here is our honest review of the Oriole, with everything you need to know before boarding.
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First Impressions of the Oriole
At first glance, the Oriole looks charming and classic. It is smaller than some of the other boats at the Harbourfront, like the big Showboat, but that turned out to be a plus for us. The size makes it approachable, easy to board with kids, and less overwhelming compared to larger vessels.
The two-level design is simple but inviting. The top deck is open air, perfect for skyline views and breezes, while the lower level is covered and shaded, which is helpful on hot or cooler days. Right away, it felt like a good balance between comfort and sightseeing.
Boarding and Getting Settled
The Oriole boards at the Harbourfront Centre, a lively area right on Lake Ontario with plenty of places to walk around before or after your cruise. Boarding itself was quick and organized, and staff helped guide the line onto the boat smoothly. Families with strollers managed fine thanks to the ramp, although it is worth noting that bathrooms are located downstairs and the upper deck requires stairs.
Boarding the Oriole, one of City Cruises’ classic vessels departing from Toronto’s Harbourfront.
A useful tip is to arrive at least 20 minutes early. Traffic downtown can be heavy, and parking garages nearby fill up fast, especially on weekends. We parked a short walk away, but it took longer than expected to get settled. If you are coming from CN Tower or Ripley’s Aquarium, plan for about a 15 minute walk.
Once on board, we had the choice of sitting on the shaded lower deck or heading up to the open upper deck. We grabbed seats upstairs for the views, and they were absolutely worth it. The boat did fill up, so getting there early also helps secure the best spots.
The Cruise Experience
The moment the Oriole pulled away from the dock, the views became the highlight. From the water, the CN Tower looks massive, and the Rogers Centre, Sugar Beach, and Toronto Islands all came into sight. The boat passes landmarks like the Redpath Sugar Factory, HTO Park, and of course the skyline itself, which is picture perfect on a clear day.
We appreciated that the ride was smooth and calm the entire time. The live narrator gave commentary about Toronto’s history, waterfront, and neighbourhoods. It was interesting, though at times hard to hear over the noise of the crowd.
On the positive side, the top deck felt like the best spot on the boat. With the breeze, open view, and plenty to look at, it was the highlight of the cruise. The lower level was a good backup option if kids needed shade or if the weather turned chilly. Overall, it was exactly what we expected, a low key, family friendly sightseeing ride.
How the Kids Enjoyed It
For our kids, the Oriole was one of the easiest activities of the trip. They loved being outside, spotting planes overhead, and pointing out landmarks like the CN Tower and other boats in the harbour. The fact that the cruise is only 60 minutes long worked perfectly, just enough time to keep them engaged without anyone getting restless.
The open deck offers some of the best views of the city.
The upper deck was their favourite, and when they needed a break from the sun, we moved downstairs where they could sit with snacks and still peek outside. Because the boat is smaller than some of the big ferries, it felt safe to let them move around a little without worrying they would disappear in a crowd.
Best of all, the cruise itself was the entertainment. We didn’t need to pull out tablets or scramble for distractions. The views and the ride kept their attention the whole way.
Final Verdict: Is the Oriole Cruise Worth It?
For us, the Oriole was absolutely worth it, especially since it was included in our Toronto CityPASS. On its own, it is a solid sightseeing option if you want an easy hour long activity that works for both adults and kids. You get unbeatable views of Toronto’s skyline, a relaxing break from walking around downtown, and just enough narration to make it feel informative.
It is not a luxury cruise, and you should not expect a full meal or wide open seating. But as a family friendly way to see the city from a different angle, it delivers exactly what it promises. If you are already planning to visit CN Tower or Ripley’s Aquarium nearby, adding the Oriole cruise makes for a perfect combo.
Our verdict is that the Oriole is a worthwhile addition to any Toronto itinerary with kids, and a smart use of your CityPASS ticket.
Beaver Adventurous
Every journey is an adventure waiting to happen, so I dive in with a smile and an open mind. From spontaneous road trips to carefully planned escapes, I’m here for the memories, the mishaps, and everything in between!
