PHOTO COURTESY OF TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
Canadian Boat Shows made the difficult decision to cancel the Toronto Boat Show, originally scheduled for January 15 – 24, 2021. Ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19 and a focus on prioritizing the health of attendees and exhibitors led to the decision to cancel the show — which has never been canceled in its 62-year history.
“Despite our extensive efforts and multiple plans to provide a safe environment for attendees and exhibitors, we did not feel comfortable proceeding having the current information from public health and case numbers heading into the fall,” explains Linda Waddell, president/show director. “Our primary concern has always been safety. Every exhibitor who has worked with us in the past has experienced our culture of prioritizing a safe environment above everything else.”
The Toronto Boat Show — largely regarded as the economic indicator for the boating industry in Canada — is the largest indoor boat show in North America, featuring the world’s largest indoor lake.
Extensive efforts were made to continue the show with precautions in place, including a COVID FREE show that would require rapid COVID testing before anyone could enter. These efforts were not feasible, but the Toronto Boat Show is exploring online/virtual options to replace its 2021 show.
The next in-person show is planned for January 21 – 30, 2022.
For updates and to learn more, visit torontoboatshow.com.
