Learn a New Summer Hobby in Toronto, Canada
Beginner Sailing, Golfing, Kayaking, and Rowing Lessons in the GTA
Jun 5, 2009
Many residents leave Toronto for cottage country in the summer, but those who remain in the city should take advantage of the summer activities the GTA has to offer. The summer season is short in Canada so the best thing to do is make the most of the balmy weather by getting outside and learning a new outdoor sport.
Learn to Sail Toronto
There are several sailing clubs situated along Toronto Harbour, many of which offer beginner sailing lessons. Students can expect to pay a minimum of $500 for a series of sailing lessons. Some of Toronto's sailing clubs include:
- Harbourfront Sailing and Powerboat Club, 275 Queen's Quay West, 416-203-3000, offers one-on-one or small group instruction. Course graduates will receive Canadian Yachting Association certification, and have access to the club's fleet of sailboats for a membership fee.
- Humber College Sailing and Powerboating Centre,100 Humber Bay Park Road West (at Parklawn and Lakeshore), 416-252-7291, offers sailing lessons seven days a week for beginners and advanced learners.
- Westwood Sailing Club,416-461-0613, located near Cherry Beach, is a not-for-profit club that provides sailors with an affordable option. Students can access the club by heading south on Cherry Street, making a left on to Unwin Avenue, then making a right on to Regatta Road.
Beginner Golf Lessons Toronto
Many local driving ranges and golf clubs employ a golf professional on site who teaches one-on-one or small group beginner golf lessons:
- Polson Pier, 11 Polson Pier, 416-465-4653, offers golf lessons from their C.P.G.A. instructor at their year-round driving range that has a scenic view of Toronto Harbour.
- Beach Fairway Golf Range, 411 Victoria Park Avenue (just south of Danforth Avenue), 416-686-4101, has private, semi-private and group golf lessons for ladies, co-eds, and seniors.
- Centennial Park Golf Centre, 550 Centennial Park Blvd., 416-620-1392, offers golf instruction at their driving range to students who can then play their 9 and 18-hole golf courses.
Learn to Kayak, Canoe, or Row Toronto
Kayaking, canoeing and rowing are not reserved for summer destinations up north. There are many clubs along the Toronto harbour that offer lessons to beginners who are eager to get out on the water:
- Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre, 283A Queen's Quay West, 416-203-2277, offers private or group instruction in basic and advanced paddling techniques, as well as kayak safety courses during evenings and weekends.
- Argonaut Rowing Club, 1225 Lakeshore Blvd. West, 416-532-2803, is a rowing club whose members include the Canadian Men's Eight gold-winning team at the Beijing Olympics. Beginners taking their Learn to Row classes are not required to be a club member.
Toronto offers many options for outdoor sports enthusiasts interested in learning to golf, sail, kayak, canoe, or row. Beginners of a new summer sport will receive numerous benefits including opportunities to improve their health, acquire new skills, meet new friends, and simply have fun outside.
For information on salsa lessons, cooking lessons and fitness bootcamps, read here.
