If you’re looking for a great workout and want to join a community of like-minded people, look no further than the top rowing clubs in Toronto! These clubs have been around for years and offer classes for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rower, there’s a club for you!
Argonaut Rowing Club
With roots stretching back to 1872, the Argonaut Rowing Club (ARC) is one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious organizations. For over a century, ARC has been an integral part of sustaining this ancient sport that requires discipline yet provides rewarding experiences. ARC is located on Toronto’s waterfront in the heart of the city.
As a world-leading rowing club, it offers a variety of rowing classes for both beginners and advanced rowers. In addition to its regular programs, the club also hosts youth rowing camps and special events that support local non-profit organizations.
The Argonaut Rowing Club also has an active community involvement program; members volunteer with projects around Lake Ontario and participate in events such as tree planting, water quality testing and cleanup days. By actively engaging in its local community, the club ensures that its presence continues to be felt long after they have finished racing.
Members and athletes of the Argonaut Rowing Club have proudly represented Canada in Olympic competitions since 1904, with an impressive list of Olympians and their respective games. Here is a synopsis:
- Syndey Payne – 2020 Tokyo
- Victoria Nolan – Paralympian – 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio, 2020 Tokyo
- Brian Price – 2008 Beijing, 2012 London
- Mara Jones– 2004 Athens
- Marnie McBean – 1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta
- Kay Worthington – 1984 Los Angeles, 1988 Seoul, 1992 Barcelona
- Shannon Crawford – 1992 Barcelona
- David Johnson – 1984 Los Angeles, 1988 Seoul
- J. Michael Evans – 1984 Seoul
- Phil Monckton – 1976 Montreal, 1984 Los Angeles
- George Tintor – 1976 Montreal, 1980 Moscow(boycotted)
- Gregory Rokosh – 1972 Munich
- Richard Symsyk – 1968 Mexico, 1972 Munich
- Donald Curphy – 1972 Munich
- Mike Neary – 1972 Munich, 1976 Montreal
- Joel Finlay (cox) – 1968 Mexico
- Lief Gotfredsen – 1964 Tokyo
- 1952 Olympic Men’s Eight (See picture above)
- Steve Sandor – 1952
- Argo Crews – 1928
- Argo Crew – 1920
- Argo Crews – 1912
- Argo Crews – 1908
- Argo Crew –1904
Hanlan Boat Club
In 1975, Sam Craig of the UCC parent corporation and former Cadillac Fairview Corporation representative secured a lease for the Toronto Outer Harbour’s current Regatta Road location. Within one year, he purchased said property and built its first Quonset hut (east). Since 1976, youth from both Hanlan and their high schools have been competing in major events such as CSSRA Championships, Royal Canadian Henley, Canadian Championships, World Championships & even the Olympics!
With Masters rowing on the rise in the late 1980s, Havergal College transferred to Hanlan Rowing Club in August 1985 after FISA Veterans International Regatta and World Masters Games. Thanks to generous donations from Sam Craig, two Quonset huts were added, and an extra dock was built for their vast fleet of boats. This expansion allowed them to keep up with the increasing demand for Master’s rowing opportunities!
In 1987, an executive committee was established to manage Hanlan. It was led initially by Michael List and later by Debbie Beatty in the early nineties. It had a broad membership that included two high schools, master rowing fans, and a Learn-to-Row program. Boasting over 200 participants at its peak, this organization truly embodied the spirit of community building!
The mid-1990s ushered in the power of electricity and a paved road to the club. Subsequently, HBC established a summer program with over one hundred athletes competing in different regattas. Today, they offer an expansive array of programs such as Learn-to-Row, Recreation League, Junior Summer and Fall Competitive leagues, Senior Summer and Competitive Fall groups, Masters Competitive teams, Long Distance Adventure squads, Recreational clubs, and even Summer Youth Watersports.
The Don Rowing Club Of Mississauga
The Don Rowing Club of Mississauga is set on the banks of the Credit River in the heart of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse cities. In 1878, the Don Rowing Club was formed by four friends: brothers Christie and their companions Andrew McFarlane, T. Hogarth and J. Swanson.
The club began in a vacant house on Vine Street (now Overend Street), which bordered the original course of the Don River before its direction was modified. Their purpose for creating this group was to have an informal gathering where they could meet regularly to partake in rowing activities and store their tools appropriately when not being used.
For more than 140 years, the Don Rowing Club has been dedicated to introducing new people to the beautiful sport of rowing as well as developing a robust competitive program for rowers of all ages and experience levels. As part of the centre’s rich history, they play host to various courses such as learn-to-row programs and competitive development coaching so everyone can find something that suits their skill level.
This great rowing club offers classes and continuously gives back to the community by offering outreach opportunities to schools, charities and local initiatives. It provides a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to get involved in this thrilling and exciting sport.
Sunnyside Paddling Club
Established in 2005 as National Dragonboat Club, Sunnyside Paddling Club is a non-profit based in Toronto that encourages and facilitates the growth of paddle sports. By 2012, after expanding to include activities such as outrigger canoeing at their Humber Bay Shores location, the organization officially changed its name to reflect this new scope.
For fifteen years now, Sunnyside Paddling Club has been dedicated to providing an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone who wants to explore paddling sports!
Blake Hara, one of the original founders and current Head Coach at our organization, is dedicated to providing members of his community access to paddle sports. He understands paddling is an excellent way for people to come together while promoting healthy living and collaboration. Furthermore, it has been an essential part of forming Canadian culture.
Sunnyside Paddling Club boasts an impressive 1,300 active members and continues to grow! 70 teams paddle dragons enthusiastically on Lake Ontario, making it North America’s biggest paddling club. Outrigger canoeing is also gaining popularity here at the lake, inspiring Sunnyside Paddling Club to seek out new ways of living adventurously by its majestic shores.
From paddling for beginner rowers to intermediate courses for those looking to refine their skills, The Sunnyside Paddling Club is committed to helping everyone become comfortable and safe on the river. Furthermore, The Sunnyside Paddling Club is involved with several local partners to help engage the community in educational events and volunteer projects on land and on water.
This unique rowing spot is proud of its longstanding presence in the area and looks forward to continued growth and development for many more years.