Peeking out over the Port Lands, the International Marine Passenger Terminal stands ready to welcome visitors to Toronto. This terminal is more than just a building. It is a gateway to the Great Lakes. It offers a unique perspective on Toronto’s maritime history.
Opened in 2005, the International Marine Passenger Terminal initially served the fast ferry, Spirit of Ontario I. This water-jet powered catamaran aimed to connect Toronto and Rochester, New York. Sadly, the ferry service only lasted six months. The Rochester firm leasing the terminal ended their agreement in 2009. They paid a $90,000 settlement.
Since then, PortsToronto has successfully promoted Toronto as a cruise ship destination. From May to October, American and European tourists explore the Great Lakes. The International Marine Passenger Terminal has become a key port of call for these cruises. The growing cruise passenger volumes reflect increased touring on the Great Lakes. In 2018, Great Lakes ports saw a total of 100,000 passengers.
This two-story building spans 38,000 square feet. An adjustable passenger ramp extends from the second story. The International Marine Passenger Terminal’s construction cost between CA$8 million and CA$10.4 million.
Beyond maritime use, the terminal has a surprising second life. It’s regularly used as a film location. The CBC drama The Border used the customs facilities for three years. The daily rental cost for filming is $3,500.
The International Marine Passenger Terminal has hosted several cruise ships over the years. These include the MS Hamburg, MV Le Champlain, and MV Victory I. On October 14, 2019, the terminal processed a record 988 people. This happened when the Hamburg and Le Champlain docked on the same day.
Let’s look at some traffic numbers. In 2012, there were 4 vessel calls with 690 total passengers. By 2013, this jumped to 9 vessels and 2,900 passengers. That is a 320% increase. In 2019, there were 36 vessel calls carrying 12,000 passengers. The International Marine Passenger Terminal plays a vital role in Toronto’s port activity. It welcomes cruise ship passengers from around the world. It also serves as a popular filming and event location. The International Marine Passenger Terminal is ready for its next chapter.