Looking to buy a summer ride? Boat show sails its way over to Orillia

The Orillia In-Water Boat Show at the Port of Orillia in Orillia, Ont. on Fri., June 12, 2026. (CTV News/Dave Sullivan)

Looking to upgrade your boat for the summer or wanting to get your first ride?

The In-Water Boat Show at Port of Orillia is this weekend and jam-packed with a variety of boats equipped with the latest marine technology.

More than 100 boats from 15 of the region’s top dealers. Environmentally friendly options, yachts, right out of the movies.

There will be opportunities to connect with experts to learn about the best kinds of boats for your lifestyle.

The event features not just boats but a vendor market, food and drinks and live entertainment throughout the weekend.

The event is expected to draw thousands to Orillia’s shores.

“It’s a major economic driver,” says Allan Lafontaine, Port of Orillia Harbour Master. “On a weekend like this, we’ll have 10 to 20,000 people walking through the park. It’s roughly about a $250 million economic activity. And Orillia is known for a place that you come and enjoy the summer.”

Visitors to the show on Friday have some advice for first-time buyers.

“Buy what you can afford because not only do you have to buy the boat, you’ve got to store the boat, you’ve got to maintain the boat, and you’ve got to fix it when it breaks,” says one visitor.

“And you’re going to have the same amount of fun whether you spend a lot of money or spend exactly what you can afford,” says another visitor.

The show kicked off on Friday night and runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free.