The River Gambler is one one of the worst cruise experiences I ever had the misfortune of participating in. The cost of the cruise is not cheap either..For $60 one should get a better experience. The vessel itself is in a very bad condition and in need of upgrades and repairs. The security guard and skipper were extremely rude and very unprofessional. On Saturday Aug 24 I was participating in a Caribbean themed cruise and travel all the way from Guelph to get to this cruise, I had woken up very early to arrive at this cruise on time and as a result I was extremely tired, once on board, I took my seat in the dining room and must have nodded off briefly while waiting for the food to arrive. I was rudely woken up by security and told I am to be removed from the cruise for being intoxicated..I had not even ordered a single drink that entire day...This rude security man and skipper started to escort me off the ship before we even left the pier...I asked for the organizer of this event to come forward to defend me from being wrongly removed from this cruise boat and she explained to both the skipper and the security guard that I'm am sober and had been traveling a long way to get to this cruise on time, and me falling asleep was due to fatigue and not from being drunk. Finally the skipper allowed me to remain on board this cruise..The incident was extremely traumatic and very embarrassing and it ruined my enjoyment of the cruise. I will never sail with this cruise company again. read more

Last Wed. evening I attended an Elite Yelp Boat Cruise Event aboard the River Gambler; it was my 2nd time attending this Event - my 1st time was in summer 2015 - and the weather cooperated to make it very enjoyable. Plenty of quality food, beer and other alcohol choices were on offer for sampling and there was a variety of good music and prize giveaways as well. This Event took place a few weeks later in the summer than the Cruise I attended 3 years ago, therefore it became dark earlier and with the humidity/clouds among the encroaching sunset, an almost ethereal image was cast around the boat. I found that both of the Yelp Boat Cruise Events I've attended were just the right length at about 2 1/2 to 3 hours - not too long and not to short. Both Events also appeared to be very well organized and the boat large enough and well enough maintained to help ensure smooth 'sailing'. I hope to be able to attend the same Event next year. read more

See all

I don't get how there are only 10 reviews of this venue!?! I was just on this ship with like 100 other Yelpers! Cmon guys The ship itself has a retro vibe to it but is also extremely versatile and adaptable to any situation or event you could imagine. The lower deck is a huge open space that can be easily transformed to suit any occasion and the upper deck is wide open with panoramic water, city, island and marina views - with the occasional pirate ship strolling by! After a quick Google search I found that people have done weddings, dinners, private parties and more on this cruise and they all looked amazing. Even though pictures look amazing, this is one of those experiences that you must actually try to truly appreciate! And for those who are not too comfortable on the water, (land lovers?) this ship is big enough so that you won't feel the ocean and at times you even forget you are on a boat. Good music, tasty appetizers, food, great beer with a million dollar sunset and the Toronto skyline as your backdrop for the evening. It's hard to describe but anyone who has been on The River Gambler will understand how unique of an experience it is. If you are ever lucky enough to be invited to a nautical night out on this ship or are looking for a place to host your event, look no further. Seriously, just pull the trigger and go for it! Don't let this ship sail without you read more

See all

If there was an option to give 0 stars on Yelp, I would give River Gambler 0 stars in a heartbeat. The food was EXTREMELY overpriced and tasted like a piece of crap. A burger that came from the freezer at NoFrill's with a side of cheap Humpty Dumpty chips for $12? No thank you, I would rather eat fish feces from the ocean. One slice of pizza costed $8 and a small bag of chips that you can get on Halloween for free costed $2. The drinks were also badly priced. A tiny cup of soda was about $3 and so was a bottle of water. It was such a hot and sunny day, water should be free as it is a necessity of life. I am very glad that no one on the boat passed out due to dehydration. The view was great, but Toronto provided the view, not River Gambler. The washroom smelled like expired tofu. The only positive thing I can say is that the DJ was amazing and his energy was top-notch. I would never come back to River Gambler, even if someone offered me a million dollars. read more

River Gambler hosted a Yelp Elite event which was a boat cruise on July 25, 2017. At the entrance, we donated for charities. Once boarding, all drinks and food were for free for everyone! But a bottle of water costed $3!!!. That means you can only drink alcoholic beverage if you don't want to pay. There were several vendors providing poke bowls, Thai milk tea, basil snack bags, pizza, and cookies. We didn't have dinner before boarding onto the boat, so this was perfect for us to fill up our stomach first before enjoying the party. And there were also vendors sponsoring different kinds and branches of alcoholic drinks. People chatted while holding a cup of alcohol or a whole can. I liked Gin Smash from Georgian Bay, but my friend didn't like it because she said it tasted sour?! DJ was also on the deck. After sunset, the dancing party began! It was my first Yelp Elite event as a guest of my friend. It was really fun and motivated me to become Yelp Elite soon! read more

See all

The River Gambler is a great ship for cruising along the Toronto harbour. The River Gambler supports charities and voluntarily let Yelp use their boat free of charge to host the Nauti By Nature 4 event, where all of the proceeds went to charity. That is so admirable and makes me want to support the River Gambler even more. If I ever need to arrange a cruise on Lake Ontario, I will definitely keep the River Gambler in mind. From the moment we set sail everything was run perfectly. The captain was in his uniform and greeted every guest as they boarded the ship. The Gambler is not your average cruise. The gambler has a big heart and supports people in need. I had a great time onboard the ship and can't wait to set sail again! read more

I attended a Yelp Elite event on River Gambler and loved the experience. They slow down a bit on the way back to the dock so you get an amazing view of the Toronto Skyline. My only complaint is the cleanliness of the washrooms. But again there were over 100 people there so it is hard to keep it clean during the event. Overall, I recommend River Gambler! read more

The boat consists of 2 levels. The top level is open (has some sheets to cover in case of rain) and the bottom layer where there are washrooms. During a storm this would not be a great pace, but if light rain was there it should be fine. on the top level there is usually a dj or a band playing. On the bottom level there is a kitchen and washrooms. The washrooms are very small. In the mens washroom there are only 3 urinals and 2 toilets and one sink. During large events it gets really crowded. read more

It was a pretty good space for the events I've been to here. The boat is easily transformed to suit the event. They do serve food on board, so don't forget to ask. It's nothing crazy, but enough to settle the hunger while offshore. The restrooms were a lot larger than I expected. I'm not on large boats often, but I was impressed. The whole venue was clean and organized. The staff were also on top of things as it was pretty windy while on the lake. The boat ride was at sunset and we were taken across the city and were able to get some beautiful photos of the CN Tower and city lights. I wouldn't mind attending another event there! read more

Maybe it's the sad weather today that has me thinking of warmer days and boat cruises but I think it's time I review this fine ship for all the memories its given me. I've been on two parties on this boat. With a massive outdoor AND indoor dance floor, the party I was on had a DJ on the dance floor and a band inside. It was non-stop fun from deck to deck. The crew was friendly, even considering everyone was in their "boat drinking mentality" (read, sloppy) and I felt safe. Which helps my paranoid personality. The views are spectacular. Many opportunities for selfies or photo ops. Very important. I'm dreaming of summer days when I can hop on board once again! read more

Ahoy. I'm seriously shocked that this is the River Gambler's first review! People aren't in the business of talking about awesome boat parties? Well. That's just silly. I've been on the boat itself twice, and last year planned a party with them. The boat boasts a massive dance floor, two bars, a very sizable indoor area (in case you have weather luck like I do) and excellent food. I know what you're thinking... you think I mean excellent food *for a boat cruise.* Not what I am saying. I'm saying they actually have a really lovely, well made food for any occasion. Fresh, simple and tasty. Whether there is a booze cruise and this is your vessel, or whether you're looking to make your own magic on the water happen, the River Gambler is your gal. Nauti by nature foreva. read more

Yo-ho Yo-ho a pirates life for me!! When taking to the high seas of Toronto, the only way to travel is aboard the River Gambler. Ok so the seas (read lake) might not get that high, but that's all for the best as this ship is meant for cruisin' and partying, not speeding and bumpin'! I've been on this old school riverboat for a few parties, most notably was a friend booked it out for one of his annual birthday parties several years back. The Dj is a press play sorta fello, but he has all the dance party favourites and after a grog or two ye' won't care what music is playing so long as it get's your legs moving and your booty (not treasure - the other one) shaking. It's got two decks, a banquet hall style sub deck and and a large open top deck. On one such party I attended the sea gods decided to pour a little rain down on us and the boat staff were quick to roll out a tarp that covered the top deck so that the party could keep on going. The views of the Toronto skyline are breath taking, the RG brings you right up close to the harbour front area and then before you know it, the CN tower begins to look like a small light house in the distance and you're well out to sea (errr.. lake). While you don't need to be a pirate to sail this fair ship (and there isn't a sail) anytime you get your sea legs is a good time to accentuate your ARRR's any chance you get. Drink up me harties yo-ho! read more

The boat boarded & docked on time for the event. It was a bit tricky for both my uber drivers to find unfortunately - but eventually they did. It was my first time on a boat going west of the island. The sunset was gorgeous. The boat was clean and it was a smooth on the water even when changing direction which it did frequently. The bathrooms quickly deteriorated as the night went on, but that's not something that can be helped. I would bring hand sanitizer to avoid line ups at the sink and the lack of paper towel. It's a large boat with 2 stories with a lot of space. It also has an awning in case it rains which thankfully we didn't need. read more

Went on this for a Yelp event. I cannot fairly rate this as the food and drinks being served on the venue was sponsored by Yelp. I will re-review if i go on this cruise on a regular night. read more

The entrance parking lot is littered with tons of garbage so that sets a pretty bad first impression. Then, when embarking they forgot to undo a tie to the dock so the boat sat in an awkward position for a bit while they undid it (update: apparently this is normal, seems it's a spring line to help maneuver). Also, a higher smokestack may help with the fumes on deck (update: the stacks are not functional). I reckon the front of the boat is best to avoid the engine exhaust. Overall the cruise was fine, there isn't much space to rest your drink on the top level but I guess it's safer that way. read more

THIS WAS THE SHITTIEST AND MOST UNFAIR SECURITY EXPERIENCE I'VE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. On Saturday, April 28, 2018 I attended UTSG's TSA boat cruise event which was held on River Gambler's boat. On my way to the dock I tripped, as I am unaccustomed to wearing heels. My knee was bleeding, but the cut was very shallow. My friends ushered me to get on the boat so that we could clean up and bandage the cut. Security ended up denying my entrance, due to the bleeding knee and me being slightly intoxicated. Although, numerous people who were also intoxicated were allowed entrance. It appeared to me that I was the only one who was denied entrance because of this reason. It may have been because I am a female and sexism may have played a role, who knows. Two of my friends also did not get on the boat as they opted to stay with me, and UTSG's TSA refused to reimburse our tickets. I understand that intoxication and an injury is grounds to be denied entrance, but not every student on the boat was held to same standard I was, as numerous people attended the event wasted and were still allowed on. It appeared that I was the only one who was singled out. And as for the cut, it was merely a shallow scrape which would have been fine with a band aid. River Gambler was the reason two of my friends and I wasted $50 each on this event, and their corporate line also did not pick up when I tried to speak to someone. They don't even have a voicemail service set up. If there was a 0 stars option I would select it. read more

My first time on the River Gambler was on a beautiful Wednesday for a Yelp event. It was great! A really great option for cruising around the Toronto harbour... such great views, good vibe, and amazing bar setup. There were about 100 people, which felt like the perfect size... not too big but not too small. Highly recommend. read more

I was invited on the river gambler on an Yelp charity event as a plus 1 and it was an incredible experience. The music was fantastic,and the view of the Toronto skyline was stunning as we got to watch the sunset with planes flying past! I would definitely recommend this boat for various functions and events! read more

We had a great experience working with everyone at Epic Cruises. From day one they were supportive and assisted us in setting the perfect atmosphere so that our guests would enjoy themselves. Thanks Roberta & Allison for everything. Toronto Ques read more