Highland Yacht Club
Toronto Yacht Club located in the beautiful Scarborough Bluffs
All-access pass to the best boating in Toronto that doesn’t break the bank.
Located at the Scarborough Bluffs, one of the most stunning features on Lake Ontario. Our mission is to create an exceptional Toronto Yacht Club experience through our amenities, culture, and fees.
You’ll want to take a tour of a potential club before joining. Most yacht clubs in Toronto will have a process for onboarding new members which starts with a meeting to ensure you’d be a good fit, then a tour to ensure that the club would be a good fit for you, followed up for the formal application process. Once an application has been submitted online, the Membership Committee will connect to set up an interview (chance to get to know each other). If the boat is approved by the Harbour Master and the applicant by the Membership Committee, an offer of Membership is usually made. The acceptance of that offer requires the payment of an initial membership fee, followed by haul out and launch storage fees. In subsequent years annual dues, the haul-out and launch storage fees are the only monetary obligations. As a self-help club, HYC members are required to contribute “time” or “work hours” on an annual basis. In 2024 that was set at 24h. Mandatory time spent during the haulout and launch efforts are counted within those hours.
How to become a member of a Toronto Yacht Club
What types of boats does Highland Yacht Club accept?
Highland yacht club is situated in The Scarborough Bluffs. Arguably one of the most beautiful natural parks in Toronto, the water at the beach is crystal clear and there is a park along the beach where you can have a walk and eat along with your friends and family. Directly on top of the Bluffs, there's a place called Cudia Park, breathtaking sunrise view overlooking the water and beach. Highland Yacht Club is beaming with members, friends and family enjoying the park, the events, and of course the boating!
Unlike most Yacht Clubs in Toronto, both Power and Sailboats are welcome at HYC, but incoming boats must meet the length and beam parameters of available dockage and land storage as determined by our Harbour Master. Generally, boats of 34’ x 11’ and less are acceptable, but confirmation by the Harbour Master is required for all new boats and member applicants. HYC welcomes diverse boat types, however boats equipped with sleeping quarters, a head and galley are the norm. HYC emphasizes community over exclusivity, but this is not a dry-sail club, so member boats are in the water for the season, and require an over-winter cradle for on-the-hard storage in the off season. Boats are expected to be in good working order and have a minimum of $2,000,000 liability insurance.
Racing
Highland Yacht Club is very active in the Basin Racing. Members from all 4 clubs on the island and their crew head out weekly to compete for bragging rights. We have spring, summer, and double hander series plus fun race nights focussed on those new to racing. There’s something for everyone.
Cruising
Monthly reciprocal cruises are happening throughout the season. Sign up and join other members to explore close and far ports on Lake Ontario. Highland Yacht Club members also enjoy reciprocal privileges, such a free boat dockage, at most clubs around Lake Ontario and into the St. Lawrence River. So, you can set out and explore all season long.
Our Social Events
We have events for all ages and interests from live music, happy hours, barbecues and a lobster boil. Find out where you fit.
Get in touch.
Let’s meet up to talk about boats, the club and see if we’re the right fit for each other.
“Lake Ontario’s Hidden Jewel of a Yacht Club.”
— Canadian Yachting Magazine