Toronto to Niagara Hovercraft Service Takes Major Step Forward

A long-discussed hovercraft service linking Toronto and Niagara is finally moving closer to becoming a reality after Hoverlink Ontario announced Thursday it has secured a critical 30-year agreement to build a terminal along Toronto’s waterfront.

The slip, located at the south dock wall of Billy Bishop Airport, will serve as the departure point for the high-speed hovercrafts, which promise to deliver passengers to Niagara’s Port Weller in just 30 minutes (a trip that typically takes over 90 minutes by car).

“This milestone clears a major hurdle for launching North America’s first large-scale hovercraft transit route,” Hoverlink said in an official statement. “Our team has worked tirelessly for over a decade to make this vision a reality.”

The announcement marks a pivotal development in a project that has seen multiple delays. Hoverlink, originally eyeing a 2023 launch, now estimates that operations could begin in about two years due to the remaining planning and manufacturing work.

“We still have a lot of work ahead,” said Erika Potrz, Hoverlink’s Chief Operating Officer and interim president. “But this is a transformative project, and we’re closer than ever. We believe this service will reshape travel in Southern Ontario.”

Hoverlink’s vessels are designed to carry 180 passengers and operate year-round regardless of weather conditions. The company also emphasized the eco-friendly nature of hovercraft travel highlighting its low environmental footprint compared to traditional transportation options.

“This is about more than fast travel,” Potrz said. “It’s about creating accessible, fun, and sustainable transportation that connects two of the most dynamic regions in Ontario.”

On the Niagara end, the company has already secured a 50-year lease with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation for its Port Weller terminal, which is considered "shovel-ready" for construction.

Local leaders and tourism advocates are hopeful that the service will significantly boost economic activity across the Golden Horseshoe.

“It opens the door to new tourism, business, and commuter opportunities,” said a representative from the Niagara tourism board. “This could be a game-changer.”

While no specific launch date has been confirmed, the progress signals new momentum for a project that once seemed like little more than a dream.

Toronto to Niagara Hovercraft Service Takes Major Step Forward