Events at 176 Cherry St, Toronto

About 176 Cherry St

Located in Toronto’s Port Lands (Polson Pier), **176 Cherry Street** is a unique urban recreation complex. The address hosts **The Docks Driving Range**, billed as “Toronto’s only downtown golf driving range” (www.yelp.com), alongside other venues like the JAM Sportsplex beach-volleyball facility (www.jamsportsplex.com). Set on a dock overlooking Lake Ontario, it replaced the former Polson Pier Drive-In (closed in 2018 to expand the golf range) (www.blogto.com). The Docks features 26 covered hitting bays (with Toptracer ball-tracking tech) (thedocks.com), heated practice bays (year-round operation) and turf practice areas. Signature features include a fully licensed outdoor patio with large HDTVs broadcasting sports (www.yelp.com), an indoor lounge with multiple TVs, a fireplace and games (pool table, arcade), plus short-game practice areas (bunkers, putting/chipping greens). With an Eatertainment patio grill on site (thedocks.com), it blends golf, social and dining experiences in one venue. Because of its waterfront location and open-air design, visiting The Docks feels more like an outdoor sports club with city views than a traditional theater or concert hall.

Events and Programming

176 Cherry St is not primarily a performance venue, but it’s active with recreational and corporate events year-round. The Docks Driving Range hosts daily golf practice sessions, group lessons with certified PGA instructors, and casual leagues or tournaments. Regular weeknight and weekend evenings often feature live sports broadcasts on big screens and occasional DJ or live-music nights on the patio. The venue also offers **team-building packages and private event bookings** (birthdays, company outings), where groups can reserve bays, rent out the lounge, and arrange catering. Corporate event packages typically start around *$34–$40 per person* (www.eventective.com). In addition, 176 Cherry is a hub for seasonal waterfront activities. During summer months it serves as the departure point for popular boat-party cruises (e.g. Caribbean-themed sunset cruises, end-of-summer party boats). These cruise events (e.g. “Green & White Boat Ride,” “End of Summer Cruise”) are organized by outside promoters using the Polson Pier dock at 176 Cherry. Tickets for boat parties must be purchased directly through the event promoters (online or through ticketing partners) – there is no general box office for these vessels. Below-deck live music or DJ performances sometimes accompany these cruises. Nearby, the JAM Sportsplex (also at 176 Cherry) runs beach-volleyball leagues and indoor turf soccer programs, so you might encounter volleyball tournaments or soccer leagues on site. Overall, 176 Cherry’s programming is heavily sports- and activity-focused: think golf driving sessions, volleyball games, boat parties and broadcast sports viewing – not concerts or theatrical shows. Typical prices reflect each activity (driving-range bay rentals are roughly *$25–$40 per hour* (thedocks.com); mini-volleyball or soccer league fees vary).

Tickets and Booking

There is **no traditional box office** at 176 Cherry. For golf, guests generally **walk in or book online**. Individuals or small groups can reserve driving-range bays via The Docks’ website or by phone, or simply sign up at the front desk upon arrival (space is first-come, first-served, especially on busy weekends). Because all play is charged by the hour, there are rarely presales: range bays are rented by the clock. The Docks is a *cashless* venue (thedocks.com), so payment is by credit/debit card or mobile pay only; credit cards are collected when checking in for your tee time. For private events (corporate parties, group outings), inquiries go through their event bookings team. The venue offers **full-service event packages** (catering, private lounge access, etc.) at per-person rates in the $34–$40 range (www.eventective.com). Any tickets for boat cruises leaving 176 Cherry come from outside promoters’ websites or ticket agencies — the Docks does not sell or scan tickets for those. In short: driving-range customers pay hourly at the venue, while all special event tickets (boat parties, festivals) must be purchased in advance through the event organizer.

Seating and Layout

176 Cherry St’s layout is built for sports and socializing. The **driving range** itself consists of *26 hitting bays* arranged on a multi-level deck. Each bay holds up to four players sharing a mat, with high tee stations and shelter from sun or rain (thedocks.com). Beyond the bays stretches the open field (surrounded by safety netting) – balls fly into the polson slip waters in the distance. Adjacent to the main range you’ll find a short-game zone with sand bunkers and artificial greens for chipping/putting practice. A separate **mini-golf (mini-putt) course** is also available on-site for casual fun. Just beside the playing areas is the **expansive patio** – a covered outdoor bar and dining area ringed with tables, chairs and multiple 65″ HD screensTVs (www.yelp.com). The patio looks northeastward toward downtown and the lake, offering skyline views as you relax with a drink. This is also the primary viewer space for guests who aren’t currently hitting – from here you can watch friends on the range or catch a game broadcast. Inside, the **driving-range clubhouse** houses a lounge with couches, a pool table, arcade games, and at least six TVs (www.yelp.com). (A projector screen with roll-down shades is available for private slideshow or video events.) There is ample seating in the lounge for spectators or party guests – couches, bar seats, and dining tables near the kitchen/bar. There are no numbered seats like a theater; instead, choose your spot based on the experience you want. Moving around is easy: you can stand at your bay, sit at the patio tables, or lounge inside by the bar. Everyone must use the *assigned* tee (bay) number given at check-in (thedocks.com). Avoid areas where players are swinging or walking behind nets for safety. Lighting covers the entire range and patio so that night play is visible, and the venue is well-illuminated for evening events.

Getting There and Parking

176 Cherry Street sits on the south side of Lakeshore East, just across the footprint of Unwin Ave. (Parking is entered from Cherry Street side). If you navigate by GPS, enter “176 Cherry St, Toronto” (postal code M5A 1A4) and you’ll be directed to the private lot next to the facility. **By TTC:** The easiest is the seasonal *202 – Cherry Beach* bus (runs May–Oct) from Union Station. Catch it on Front St at Bay St (south side of Union). It goes eastbound to Cherry St & Polson St (about 15–18 minutes from Union (thedocks.com)). Fares are standard TTC ($3.35 cash or PRESTO, includes a 2-hour transfer) (thedocks.com). Even in off-season, the year-round *172 Cherry Beach* bus or short walk from the 504 King/Distillery streetcar can be used. (The 504 streetcar across the lakefront connects to Distillery/King – from there it’s a 20–25 minute walk south to Polson Pier.) **By Car:** A private parking lot is available on-site (first-come) to customers (www.yelp.com). Reviews note that parking is free and adjacent to the range (www.yelp.com). Be aware that lots especially fill up on pleasant summer evenings. Nearby public lots (managed by the City for Cherry Beach sports fields on Unwin Ave) can sometimes be used if the docks lot is full (though distance increases). The area has limited street parking; look for meter stalls along Cherry or Unwin. **Drop-off/Rideshare:** Uber/Lyft and taxis can drop off right at the front entrance (Polson Quay). There’s a marked taxi/Uber stance on Polson Quay as well. Note that rideshare pickups after events can be slow due to location, so consider pre-booking or heading to Cherry St & Unwin for pickup. **Water Taxi:** From spring to fall, Pirate Taxi water ferries run from Harbourfront to Polson Quay (a scenic 5-minute ride from downtown’s Toronto Music Garden). They land right at 176 Cherry Street (thedocks.com). This is a fun alternative in good weather (just verify current schedule on Pirate Taxi’s site). **On Foot or Bike:** It’s about a 40-minute walk from downtown (via Lower Simcoe/Lakeshore or via Distillery and Mill St). Bike lanes run along Cherry St all the way; bike racks are available on site. Just be careful: some walking routes involve industrial roads.

Inside the Venue

As you enter 176 Cherry St, the first stop is the check-in desk in The Docks’ clubhouse. Staff will confirm your reservation or register your party and assign you a bay number (thedocks.com). Everything is **cashless**, so have a credit card or debit ready (thedocks.com). Security is generally low-key. There is no bag check, but any ID may be checked if you plan to drink. The atmosphere is casual and active – people in golf attire or sportswear. Dress comfortably (ski jackets come off once you start swinging!). On busy nights you may see a line outside before the gate opens; staff will admit by queue order. (They do *not* take phone numbers to hold spots, so plan to arrive together if in a group.) Visiting as a pedestrian spectator? Guests not playing are welcome to relax on the patio or inside lounge. Inside, you’ll find a lively clubhouse with an air hockey/table games a pool table, multiple HDTVs (playing sports or music videos), and a large-fireplace area for cold days (www.yelp.com). The fully licensed bar serves craft beers, cocktails and elevated pub fare (wings, burgers, tacos, etc.) thanks to an Eatertainment partnership (thedocks.com). (Beverage prices are on par with local sports bars.) There is no formal coat/bag check, so space is limited – plan to keep personal items in your car or at your table on the patio. The **outdoor patio** has high-top and standard dining tables, as well as Adirondack-style chairs facing the range. All are available first-come. Picnic tables and heaters make it pleasant even when cool. On a summer evening the patio glows with string lights and big-screen sports broadcasts (www.yelp.com). This area is multi-functional: it’s the snack/bar area during golf sessions and also the main gathering spot for event guests. **Restrooms** are located inside near the lounge (men’s/ women’s/accessible stalls). They are generally clean and open 24/7. Connectivity-wise, the venue offers **free Wi-Fi** for guests, so it’s easy to check online or share photos. (Ample outlets are available in the lounge area for phones/laptops.) If you need to make a phone call or step aside, the patio and the seating area just outside the lounge are good semi-private spots. Other on-site amenities: There is a small pro-shop counter selling logo hats, shirts, gloves and golf balls, as well as club rentals. (Rental clubs and balls cost extra, and any damage to rentals incurs a fee (thedocks.com).) A C.P.G.A.-certified golf instructor is often available for lessons (contact info posted on site). The facility is also bookable for tournaments and large events – you’ll notice wall-mounted screens and audio gear that can support a DJ or presenter if fully reserved.

Nearby Amenities

While 176 Cherry St is somewhat isolated in the Port Lands, several dining and hotel options are within a short drive or transit ride. Under 2 km north is the **Distillery District**, a popular historic entertainment area. Here you’ll find many restaurants and bars (El Catrin, Mill St. Brewery, Amsterdam BrewHouse, Colette Grand Cafe, Pure Spirits, etc.) which are great spots for a pre- or post-golf meal. The Amsterdam-branded brewpub on Queens Quay is a fan favorite for beer and burgers. A 10-15 minute streetcar or taxi ride west on Lakeshore takes you to the Cherry Street Bar-B-Que and Polson Pier (which houses The Docks on one side and a renovated event space/cantine on the other) for casual eats. Directly adjacent to 176 Cherry is Polson Pier’s sports complex (beach volleyball courts and indoor turf), but beyond that the Port Lands offer few restaurants. For quick bites, options include Lakeshore diners (e.g. Stack Burgers at Lower Jarvis) or mobile food vendors near Cherry Beach on summer weekends. Tourists often plan dinner in the Distillery or the nearby downtown core (Union Station area) before heading out. **Hotels and Lodging:** There are no hotels at 176 Cherry itself. Nearest accommodations are downtown: The Westin Harbour Castle and Delta Toronto (Queen’s Quay/Eastern) are ~3 km away, or boutique hotels like The Broadview at Queen & Broadview (~4 km NW). If you’re staying downtown, expect a 10-min cab or streetcar to reach 176 Cherry. **Nightlife & Transportation:** If you plan a late-night round, note that TTC service becomes sparse after midnight. The Cherry Beach bus stops earlier in the evening, so for late returns you’ll likely need a taxi/Uber from Cherry/Unwin east of the venue. Many guests call a ride from nearby Queens Quay (e.g. the Aquarium stop at Lower Spadina) instead of trying to get one from the site itself.

What Makes This Venue Special

176 Cherry Street stands out because it turns an industrial waterfront plot into a lively recreation venue – a rare concept in Toronto. It’s **Toronto’s first and only downtown open-air driving range** (www.yelp.com), which alone is historic. Instead of a concrete jungle or parking lot, you get to swing golf clubs with a view of Lake Ontario and the city skyline. The venue’s character is part sports club, part urban beer garden: it’s uniquely “city meets outdoors.” This spot has a bit of local lore: in the 1980s the Polson Pier site was once considered for a major league stadium, but the idea was scrapped. Instead, decades later, this patch became a community space. The Reds and whites of the golf mats and beach volleyball courts create a very different scene than typical city streets. Culturally, The Docks has had marquee moments – for example, it once housed Toronto’s only drive-in movie theater (until 2018) (www.blogto.com). Many locals know it as a place for corporate parties and unique outings. Its appeal is broad: families enjoy mini-golf and batting cages; golfers appreciate the year-round heated bays; and city dwellers come here just to watch sunset with a beer. Artists, too, have taken notice: the scenic Polson Pier docks are often used for photo shoots and music videos, and filming frequently happens nearby. Overall, 176 Cherry Street embodies a playful waterfront vibe that both visitors and Torontonians find refreshing. Whether you’re hitting balls in the snow or cheering on pals at a summer volleyball game, the venue’s blend of recreation, food/drink and water views is what makes it memorable.

Visitor Tips and Information

**Accessibility:** The venue is wheelchair-accessible (wide ramps and Gulf-station mats) and has accessible washrooms. Service animals are welcome. **What to Bring/Expect:** Bring valid photo ID (if you plan to drink). The venue is *all-ages*, though liquor is served only to 19+. Wear comfortable clothes and non-slip shoes (the bays have rough rubber mats). In summer, don’t forget sunscreen and a hat (the bays have some overhead shade but can still let sun in at angles). In winter, bring warm layers – bays are curtained, but it can be chilly between shots. Customers should also bring their own golf clubs if desired (rentals are available but limited). Feel free to bring your phone or camera to capture the city views – casual photography is allowed (just don’t block players). **Rules to Know:** No outside food or drink is allowed (thedocks.com) (the on-site bar and grill serve everything). Outside **alcohol is strictly prohibited**, period (thedocks.com) – any bottles found will be confiscated. Smoking or vaping is only permitted in designated outdoor areas (and you must stand at least 9 meters from entrances). Small bags are okay, but bulky luggage or coolers are not. The staff will assign you a numbered tee (bay) (thedocks.com). Mats are shared, so respect the time limit when others are waiting. After checking in, you must stay by your assigned bay until your session ends – no switching. **Best Time to Go:** The range is busiest on warm weekend evenings (people often book out pads). To avoid waits, consider going on weekday afternoons or mornings. If you’re going on a night out, arrive at least 15 minutes before your session – up to an hour’s wait has been reported on busy evenings (www.yelp.com). They do *not* take phone reservations for walk-ins, so punctuality is key when queues form. **Special Advice:** The Docks is dog-friendly – leashed pups are even common on the patio (www.yelp.com). Also, the facility operates *almost* year-round (closing only for a few days around Christmas) (thedocks.com). Check weather before you go: while bays are covered, heavy rain or lightning will halt playing. **Health Measures:** (If still applicable) The venue has been known to space mats apart and provide hand sanitizers. At this writing, patrons may be required to wear masks when not playing or drinking, but policies change. It’s best to call ahead or check the Docks’ latest guidance if pandemic measures are a concern. Finally, don’t forget: have fun! The staff’s #1 rule is “Have Fun!” (thedocks.com) – it’s the spirit of 176 Cherry Street.

Frequently Asked Questions