Ned Hanlan Canada’s greatest rower

Ned Hanlan: Canada’s Champion of the Oars

On my walk through Toronto’s oldest burial ground, Necropolis Cemetery in Riverdale, I discovered the family plot of one of Canada’s earliest international sports heroes—Edward “Ned” Hanlan.

Born in 1855 (not 1856 as often listed), young Ned grew up on Toronto Island, where he learned to row by necessity—crossing several kilometers of Toronto Harbour daily to attend George Street Public School. That humble beginning laid the foundation for an athletic career that would soon make waves around the world.

Ned Hanlan became Canada’s greatest rower, and arguably one of the world’s finest. Over the course of his career, he raced more than 300 times, losing only six of those contests—a staggering record in any sport.

From 1880 to 1884, Hanlan held the World Sculling Championship, making him one of Canada’s earliest global sports celebrities. Known for his showmanship, technical mastery, and near-effortless style on the water, Hanlan helped elevate rowing into a major spectator sport, with tens of thousands gathering along riverbanks to watch him compete.

His influence didn’t end with competition. In 1900, Hanlan moved to New York to coach the crew at Columbia University, passing on his knowledge to a new generation of athletes.

Ned Hanlan was more than an athlete—he was also a hotelier, operating Hanlan’s Hotel on Toronto Island, and served as a Toronto alderman, championing infrastructure improvements and recreation access.

He died in 1908 at the age of 52, but his legacy endures. Hanlan’s Point on the Toronto Islands is named in his honour.

1856-1908

Impressive statue of Ned Hanlan at the ferry entrance of Hanlan’s Island.