Terms & Conditions

1. About these terms

These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") apply to every booking made with Golden Hour Boat Co. ("we", "us", "our") through this website, by phone, by email or in person. By booking a ride or boarding our boat you agree to these Terms on behalf of yourself and every guest in your group.

Nothing in these Terms limits any rights you have under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, 2002 or any other law that cannot be waived by agreement.

2. Bookings & payment

• All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Unless stated otherwise, prices exclude 13% HST, which is shown before you pay.
• A booking is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation email from us. A request sent through the booking form is not yet a confirmed booking.
• Full payment is due at the time of booking unless we agree otherwise in writing. Payments are processed by a third-party payment provider; we never see or store your full card number.
• Sunset Cruise and Sunrise Coffee Ride are small-group rides of up to 6 guests, priced per guest (including children), and may be shared with other guests. Private Charters are priced per boat for up to 6 guests and are never shared.
• Add-ons (for example, charcuterie, photography, paddleboard or celebration packages) are subject to availability and are confirmed together with your booking.

3. Cancellations & changes by you

To cancel or change a booking, reply to your confirmation email or call us. Refunds are returned to the original payment method within 10 business days.

4. Weather, safety & cancellations by us

Your safety comes first. Our skipper monitors Environment and Climate Change Canada marine forecasts for Lake Ontario before every ride. If we decide that wind, waves, thunderstorms, fog, poor visibility or any other condition makes the ride unsafe or unpleasant, we will offer you the choice of:

• a full refund, or
• rescheduling to another available date at no charge.

If conditions change during a ride and the skipper returns to the dock early for safety reasons, we will offer a partial refund or credit proportional to the time lost. The skipper's decision on safety matters is final.

We may also cancel if the boat is unavailable for mechanical reasons, if harbour authorities restrict access, or for other reasons beyond our control. In every case where we cancel, you will receive a full refund.

5. Guests, capacity & check-in

• The maximum is 6 guests per ride, plus the skipper, in line with the vessel's capacity under Transport Canada rules. This limit includes children and infants.
• Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on board.
• Please arrive at the dock 15 minutes before departure. Rides leave on time; late arrival shortens your ride without a refund.
• Let us know in advance about mobility needs, pregnancy, medical conditions or allergies so we can prepare and advise you.

6. Safety rules on board

Our boat is operated by a licensed skipper in accordance with the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and its regulations. While on board, all guests must:

• follow the skipper's instructions at all times, including during the safety briefing;
• wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when asked by the skipper and always when swimming or using the paddleboard. Children must wear a properly fitted lifejacket at all times; we provide sizes for infants, children and adults;
• stay seated while the boat is moving fast, and keep hands and feet inside the boat;
• not sit on the bow, gunwales or swim platform while underway;
• not bring glass bottles, fireworks, flares, weapons or illegal substances on board.

The skipper may refuse boarding or end a ride early, without refund, if any guest behaves in a way that puts themselves, others or the boat at risk.

7. Alcohol, cannabis & smoking

Alcohol on boats in Ontario is regulated by the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019. Guests may consume alcohol on board only when and where the law allows it, and only as permitted by the skipper. Rules include:

• Guests must be 19 or older to consume alcohol. The skipper may ask for ID.
• The skipper never consumes alcohol or cannabis before or during a ride.
• Cannabis consumption is not permitted on board.
• Smoking and vaping are not permitted on board.
• We may refuse boarding to anyone who appears intoxicated, without refund.

Please ask us when booking what drinks you may bring for your specific tour. Non-alcoholic sparkling drinks are always welcome.

8. Swimming & on-board activities

Swim stops, paddleboarding, the floating lily pad and "Captain for 10 minutes" are offered at the skipper's discretion, depending on weather, water temperature, water quality advisories and harbour traffic.

• Swimming is only allowed while the boat is anchored with the engine off, and only when the skipper says it is safe.
• Guests who swim must be able to swim and must wear a lifejacket if the skipper asks. Children must be supervised by their parent or guardian in the water at all times.
• Guests who take the wheel do so under the direct, continuous supervision of the skipper, who remains in command of the vessel.
• The vintage-style gaming machines — pokies or slots — in the cabin are amusement devices set to free play only. They do not accept money or tokens, no wagering is allowed on them, and they award no prizes of any kind. Use is limited to guests aged 21 and over as a house rule.

9. Food, add-ons & third parties

Some add-ons are provided by trusted local partners, such as a deli or a photographer. Food may contain or come into contact with common allergens, including nuts, dairy, gluten, eggs and shellfish. Please tell us about allergies when you book. We cannot guarantee allergen-free food.

Photographers deliver edited photos digitally within the time stated in the add-on description. Weather or light conditions may affect the result.

10. Personal belongings

Please keep phones, cameras, jewellery and other valuables secure. A dry bag is available on request. We are not responsible for items lost overboard, damaged by water or left on board, except where caused by our negligence.

11. Damage to the boat

You are responsible for damage to the boat or its equipment caused by your group's deliberate or reckless behaviour, beyond normal wear and tear. We will contact you with evidence and a repair estimate before charging any amount.

12. Risk & liability

Boating and swimming involve natural risks, including motion sickness, slippery surfaces, sun exposure and changing weather. By booking, you acknowledge these risks and agree to follow the safety rules above.

To the extent permitted by law, we are not liable for indirect or consequential losses, or for injury or loss caused by a guest ignoring the skipper's instructions or these Terms. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or any liability that cannot be excluded under Ontario law. We carry commercial marine liability insurance.

13. Photos & social media

Our skipper may offer to take photos of your group with your phone. We will only use photos of you on our website or social media if you give us your express permission, and you can withdraw that permission at any time. See our Privacy Policy.

14. Accessibility

We want everyone to enjoy the lake. Boarding involves a step from the dock onto the boat, and there is limited space on board for mobility devices. Contact us before booking and we will do our best to accommodate your needs, in line with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Service animals are welcome.

15. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect on the date of your booking applies to that booking. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page shows when the Terms last changed.

16. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada that apply there. Any dispute will be handled by the courts of Ontario, without limiting any right you have to bring a claim in the courts where you live.

17. Contact us