Come in from the cold to the Toronto International Boat show; Chill out with Disney On Ice

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 12/19

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Here’s how to put a little summer in your winter without leaving the country.

   Head to the Toronto International Boat Show that’s North America’s largest indoor show complete with its own lake.

   Now marking its 61st year, the show runs from Jan. 18 to 27 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place (100 Princes Blvd.).

   It’s a boater’s wonderland with a fleet of 1,200 boats, ranging in size from six feet to 60 feet, and all the latest in marine accessories from 550 vendors.

Visitors to the boat show have fun on “The Lake.”

    “This celebrates Canada’s boat heritage and showcases the future of recreational boating with 250 free seminars and workshops over 10 days,” said publicist Tran Nguyen.

   New highlights are the Toronto Indoor Wakeboard Championships, fly fishing instruction, remote-controlled sailboats and the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH-146 Griffon Search and Rescue Helicopter.

   There is also Women’s Day on Jan. 20 to gain “hands-on learning” of skills and all about boat ownership.

   Figures indicate there’s a lot of interest with 43 per cent of Canadians participating in boating and 20 percent owning a boat.

Boats of all sizes prepare to pass through the Trent-Severn Canal locks at Lindsay. (Jim Fox photo)

    Pro wakeboarders each day before the closing weekend present Winter Wakefest “Grease” and a waterski show “Light It Up” daily on the lake.

   Other fun includes a remote-controlled sailing regatta, Formula One race boats and “Aged to Perfection: 100-year-old boats” from the Antique & Classic Boat Society.

   Pride Marine will display the 60-foot Princess Yacht from Europe that will give tours.

   Learn all about stand-up paddle boarding, yoga and polo, and freestyle kayaking and watch indoor sea flea races or take part in free activities such as pedal boating, canoeing, kayaking and wakeboarding lessons.

   For details on times, ticket prices (including $5 weekdays and free parking after 5 p.m.) and the VIP preview, go to: torontoboatshow.com

   Fun on the water

   Want to impress your friends and relatives?

   Then, for the next big summertime party, rent a splashy boat or arrange a fishing charter.

   The latest buzz is GetMyBoat, called the world’s largest boat rental and water experience marketplace.

There are 1,200 boats and 550 vendors at the Toronto boat show. (Dave Sandford photo)

    “It’s considered the Airbnb of boats, with hundreds of listings near Toronto, across Canada and around the world,” said social media coordinator Val Streif.

   The company will be represented at the boat show for those looking for that perfect boat for a short time.

   “Boat ownership is expensive and the average boat is used only eight percent of the year,” she said.

   GetMyBoat aims to “help both buyers who want a way to earn on these investments and boating enthusiasts who don’t want to commit to owning their own watercraft.”

   There’s something for everyone listed on the website and mobile app for enthusiasts who want to rent for a day or longer to enjoy boating.

   Some examples are $15 an hour for canoe and kayak rentals and $150 daily a person for a Sea Ray fishing charter. getmyboat.com/boat-rental/Canada

   Icy performances

   Disney on Ice is celebrating “100 Years of Magic” with a “monumental ice-skating spectacular” coming to Toronto, London and Hamilton.

   It glides into Scotiabank Arena in Toronto from Jan. 25 to 28 for nine performances, then in London, Feb. 28 to March 3 at Budweiser Gardens and Hamilton’s FirstOntario Centre, March 13 to 17.

The Disney gang is on the ice to mark “100 Years of Magic.” (Feld Entertainment)

    “Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters,” said publicist Beth Merrick.

   It stars Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy with an ensemble of Disney princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana.

   Presented by Feld Entertainment, the wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen comes to life with Anna, Elsa and the hilarious Olaf as they discover the magic of true love.

   There are “exciting moments” from Disney-Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast.

   The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories and some 30 “melodious masterpieces.”

   Tickets start at $20. disneyonice.com; ticketmaster.ca

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca