Toronto International Boat Show. Now in its 66th year

 Ignoring the Vortex winter and bringing the beach to Toronto

By Stephen Weir photos by George Socka

The annual Toronto International Boat Show (TIBS), now in its 66th year, likes to say it puts a little bit of summer into the city’s winter. Two island nations are using their booths at the Boat Show, currently running at Exhibition Place, to go a step further, bringing warm, sunny beaches to TIBS.

St. Vincent & the Grenadines’ and Antigua & Barbuda’s tourism offices have pop-up displays among the majestic sailboats and sleek , cigarette-style motorboats on display at the popular annual event.

Their goal is to promote their islands' boating attributes to the thousands of marine enthusiasts attending Canada’s premier boat show—the largest indoor boat sale and exhibition in North America.

Earlier this week, Shamoi Richards, Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism expert for sailing, yachting, and airlift to the islands, was busy handing out Treasure Island guides and maps to visitors craving warm seas and sunny weather, even if only for a week.

“Honestly, I’ve been talking about local dive charters, fishing trips, and sailing boat charters,” said Richards. “Being here in this very cold weather, people feel warmer when they stop by this booth!”

A few metres away, Andrew Phillips, the assistant director of sales for St. Vincent & the Grenadines, was equally busy engaging with visitors who would rather be anywhere else than Ontario during this chilly season.

When the Caribbean Camera stopped by, Phillips was enthusiastically promoting the on-the-water attractions of St. Vincent & the Grenadines to an excited middle-aged couple bundled up in winter gear. It is evident that he is a strong advocate for aquatic environmentalism and the preservation of St. Vincent & the Grenadines’ natural beauty, both above and below its pristine waters.

The show is also about boats. From affordable kayaks to million-dollar cabin cruisers, over 500 exhibitors are showcasing their products and services. The Toronto International Boat Show’s iconic indoor lake—the world’s largest—is created by flooding an indoor hockey rink with over one million gallons of water.

It allows visitors to try out various watercraft, including kayaks, paddleboards, and dinghies, in a controlled environment.

Beyond these activities, the indoor lake hosts water safety demonstrations, boat-handling clinics, and wakeboarding stunt performances. The family-friendly event runs until this Sunday afternoon, offering visitors a chance to explore sleek yachts, enjoy interactive experiences, and dream of sunny escapes to the Caribbean. For anyone passionate about boating or seeking a Caribbean break from the cold, TIBS remains a must-visit winter event.