Hovercraft service to launch 30-min transit from Niagara Region to Toronto

The trip from Niagara Region to Toronto could soon take just 30 minutes using a new rapid transit hovercraft.

Hoverlink Ontario Inc. announced Wednesday that it is in the final stages of approval for the project, which is scheduled to launch in summer 2023.

The hovercraft vessel will leave from Port Weller, St. Catharines and arrive at Ontario Police on Toronto’s waterfront in only half an hour. That trip typically takes two to three hours by car or public transit.

“Toronto and Niagara Region are about to get a whole lot closer,” Hoverlink Ontario Inc. Founder and CEO Chris Morgan said in a media release.

“We cannot wait to finally provide a fast, reliable and sustainable transportation solution that connects tourists and commuters in only 30 minutes.”

The company hopes the service can operate year-round and make up to 48 lake crossings per day using two vessels – the Griffon BHT-130 and BHT-150 model hovercrafts.

The vessels can hold up to 180 passengers in a comfortable, climate-controlled cabin. There will be no outdoor seating sections and vehicles will not be allowed on the craft. It can also travel in all weather conditions across land, water and ice.

Details on pricing will be shared closer to the launch date in 2023.

The company is holding a public consultation event at Grantham Lions Club at 732 Niagara St. in St Catharines on Sept. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.