World's Largest Indoor Lake for Boaters

In the dead of winter there is only one lake in Canada that provides thrills without chills! At the 54th Toronto International Boat Show you can leave the bulky winter clothing at home, relax lakeside, and enjoy the engineering marvel – known as The Lake – that takes over six days to create with more than one million gallons of Lake Ontario water pumped into the Ricoh Coliseum!

Grab a seat on shore to watch professional wakeboarders and wakeskaters perform tricks and flips; or join the fun and take a free ride in an inflatable boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboat.

Other activities at The Lake that are sure to wow include Duma the waterskiing and boat-driving dog, personal watercraft, boat-handling demonstrations, canoe and kayak seminars, and more!

Click here for the 2012 Lake Schedule.

Discover Watersports & Go Wakeboarding!

Go wakeboarding in January? In Ontario? No problem – just head to the world's largest indoor lake to check out the action and sign up for fun on the water!

Guided by expert instructors from Summer Water Sports, Canada's largest watersports school, for the first time at this year's show you can receive hands-on wakeboarding instruction "on shore." Then take that learning right onto The Lake – and try out your new skills behind Ontario's first Sesitec System 2.0!

When you arrive at the show, make your way to the south entrance to The Lake (by Heritage Court) to sign up. There are two one-hour sessions each day, with participation on a first-come, first-served basis.

Some experience is necessary, and boards, dry suits and lifejackets will be provided. All you have to bring is your adventurous spirit!

Wakeboard/Wakeskate
Exhibition & Demonstrations

Check out the pro wakeboard/wakeskate riders as they perform a spectacular show of grinds, tricks and flips.

Watch as the riders launch off The Lake's official dock (provided by EZ Dock) to hit the rails and test their skills and athletic ability!

There are two shows daily, and it is best to arrive early to grab a seat lakeside!

Special Appearances!

Shaun Murray, a legend to wakeboarding will be performing live on the first weekend of the show (January 14 and 15)

Reed Hanson, making wakeskate history and claiming the title, 2011 Alliance Rider of the year, takes to The Lake on the second weekend (January 21 and 22)

Let's Go Boating!

Get set to Discover Boating: From kayaking, to canoeing, paddleboats and inflatables, The Lake welcomes all levels and types of boaters!

Each year, crowds flock to this popular feature, so we encourage you to drop by The Lake as soon as you arrive at the show to sign up for your FREE boat ride on the water! (Sign-up is at The Lake entrance at the south side by Heritage Court.)

For your boating safety, be sure to get your life jacket (supplied by Helly Hansen), then make your way across The Lake's official dock (provided by EZ Dock) and Put Some Summer in Your Winter!

Then visit BOATsmart Canada before heading back out onto the show floor, for information on boating safety and writing your exam to secure your Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

The voice of the lake is non-other than Ted Rankine representing Smartboater.ca! Your link to a comprehensive boating safety website which provides a variety of tips and safety related information for your size and type of vessel. Browse demo-style instructional videos and pictures on relevant topics, along with useful downloadable materials to help keep you safe on the water each summer.

Dusty Miller's Boat-Handling Demonstrations

As a teacher and international authority on boat handling for more than 25 years, Dusty Miller brings a world of knowledge and a lifetime of experience to The Lake.

Internationally renowned, Dusty is a TV show host, founder of Dusty Miller's Power Boat Handling School, and author of "Handling with Care," a feature column for Power Boating Canada magazine and now a regular contributor in Boats 'n Places magazine and Waterways Ontario.

His one-on-one teaching method makes it simple to understand how to control and dock a boat in all conditions, and his series of boat-handling DVDs is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence you need to do more with your boat, whatever your current level of skill or expertise.

Duma the Famous Waterskiing/
Boat-Driving Dog!

Back by popular demand, Duma is making waves again at the 2011 Toronto International Boat Show.

This six-year-old Jack Russell Terrier not only waterskis but also drives the boat on The Lake! It's an awe-inspiring, entertainment-packed show for the entire family.

Duma will meet her fans for photos and more after each show, twice daily, January 20th to 22nd. Check out www.perfectpetphotos.com for more Duma photos.

Stand Up Paddle Board & Rowing Demonstrations

Both of these boating activities are growing in popularity around the lakes and rivers. A great work out and fun too! Each day at The Lake enjoy a stand up paddle board and rowing demonstration by the experts at Swift Canoe & Kayak.