The Toronto Islands are a group of small islands located just offshore from the city’s downtown area. Toronto Island Park is a popular recreation destination to explore during the summer months. You can rent a bike, kayak, canoe or paddle boat on the island, have a picnic, visit Centreville Amusement Park, or relax on its three beaches.
While I’ve been living in Toronto for more than a decade now, I just recently went to the Toronto Islands for the first time last year. I had so much fun that I decided to make another trip this summer and explore more of what the island has to offer.
The Toronto Islands is open year round, however the most popular time to visit is during the summer. If you’re looking for an affordable activity to do this year, I highly recommend a day trip to Toronto Islands.
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How to get to the Toronto Islands
You can take a ferry or water taxi to get to the Toronto Islands. The ferry is the cheapest way to get to the Toronto Islands (and also the most popular mode of transportation).
To catch the ferry, go to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, located between Bay Street and Yonge Street on Queens Quay. Check the official website for the Toronto Island ferry schedule.
You can purchase your Toronto Islands ferry tickets online or in person at the ferry terminal. The ferry boats go to three different islands: Centre, Ward’s, or Hanlan’s Island. The islands are all connected so you can easily walk or bike ride from one to another.
How long is the ferry ride to Toronto Island?
It takes around 15 minutes to get to the Toronto Island (one way) on the ferry. This gives you plenty of time to take in the view of the lake and catch a skyline view of Toronto.
Taking a water taxi is the fastest way to get to the Toronto Islands. It’s also less crowded and a great way to avoid the long lines at the ferry terminal. All water taxis depart from the Harborfront area and go to one of the three islands: Centre, Ward’s, or Hanlan’s Island.
Toronto: Harbor and Islands Sightseeing Cruise – If you’re looking for a fun way to visit the Toronto Islands, consider taking this unique cruise. This gives you a chance to enjoy scenic views of the Toronto skyline, learn the history of the area, and explore the Toronto Islands.
This is a 1-hour sightseeing cruise. But don’t just take my word for it, check out these 5-Star reviews below!
Can you stay on Toronto Island?
No. There is no overnight camping on the Toronto Islands.
If you want to stay near the island after a fun day of sightseeing, below are some hotels that are close to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal:
- Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
- One King West Hotel & Residence
- Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto
- Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square
- Fairmont Royal York
- The Omni King Edward Hotel
- The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel
- Intercontential Toronto Centre
Here are ten of the best things to do on the Toronto Island. Enjoy these Toronto Island activities for all interests and ages.
1. Hit the beach
There are three beaches on the Toronto Islands: Center Island Beach, Ward’s Island Beach, and Hanlan’s Point Beach.
Center Island Beach
Just a short walk away from the Centre Island ferry docks, you’ll find Centre Island beach which is a popular spot for many during the summer.
The beach itself is relatively expansive and there are washrooms, lockers, change rooms and showers available for your convenience. A pizza shop and licensed bar area is nearby if you need some refreshments.
And if you need a take a break from relaxing on the beach, you can rent a bike, explore the beautiful gardens, or have a picnic nearby.
Can you swim at Centre Island? Yes you can. Centre Island has shallow and warmer waters due to the rock breakwater built that provides a barrier to the open lake.
Ward’s Island Beach
This beach is located just a 5-minute walk from the Ward’s Island ferry docks at the east end of the boardwalk.
Once you exit the ferry at Ward’s, walk straight ahead past the Island Cafe and soccer field. You’ll find the entrance to the beach just past the public washrooms and small playground.
This beach is far less touristy than Center Island beach, which is a great option if you’re looking for a secluded day by the water. It’s ideal for swimming because this beach is partially sheltered by the Leslie Spit.
Here you’ll also find beach glass, due to the current bringing the wave-smooth glass to shore.
Hanlan’s Point Beach
This beach is location across from the public tennis courts on the west shore of Hanlan’s Point. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the Hanlan’s Point ferry docks.
This is the most “green” beach and is usually less busy than Center Island beach. On the south side of the beach, there is a popular Clothing Optional beach.
But even if you’re not into a “clothing optional” beach, you can still enjoy the other end of the beach which is “clothing mandatory”.
With its laid back and relaxing atmosphere, this beach attracts all types of people. It’s great for anyone that is looking to get away from the crowds at Center Island. This is also where Billy Bishop airport is.
Must-Have Beach Accesories
2. Explore Far Enough Farms
This petting zoo has been around for more than 50 years and is located in the children’s amusement park, Centreville.
Here you’ll find a variety of different animals including pigs, horses, donkeys, and llamas. The farm is open year round so keep this in mind as a fun activity for the fall and winter season.
3. Have a picnic
Whether you’re visiting with friends or family, the Toronto Islands is a great spot to have a picnic or BBQ. There are lots of picnic tables and BBQ pits available for use.
Take in the beautiful skyline views, watch the sunset and make s’mores at night.
If you prefer to eat at a restaurant on the island, the most popular spot is Toronto Island BBQ & Beer. This is a casual waterfront eatery that serves up BBQ, burgers, and beer.
Must-Have Picnic Accessories
4. Rent a bike
While bringing your own bike is the most affordable option, sometimes it’s more convenient to rent one once you get on the island.
Toronto Island Bicycle Rental has bikes available at Centre Island and include regular single rider bikes, doubles or quad style bikes for larger groups.
PRO TIP: Riding a bicycle is the best way to get around the island! There are trails that take you throughout the park.
Toronto Islands: Morning or Twilight 3.5-Hour Bike Tour – If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the Toronto Islands, consider taking this popular bike tour. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about key people and events from the last 200 years of the island’s history.
After a short ferry ride to the islands, you can take this bike tour to explore the largest urban car-free neighborhood in North America. This is an easy bike tour around the Toronto Islands and is suitable for beginner to advanced riders.
Must-Have Bike Accessories
5. Rent a kayak or canoe
This is one of the most fun activities to do on the island.
You can choose to rent a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddleboarding on the island or get one in the city and kayak across Lake Ontario to the Island (instead of taking the ferry).
Enjoy the beautiful views of the city as you’re out on the water.
6. Discover some of Toronto’s history
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is Toronto’s earliest landmark and one of the oldest lighthouse in the city.
While the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse no longer operates today, you can still find out more about the landmark during Toronto’s event Doors Open. Legend has it that the lighthouse is haunted.
A sign is posted on the side of the lighthouse which reads:
“This lighthouse, one of the earliest on the Great Lakes, was completed in 1806 as a hexagonal tower 52 feet high topped by a wooden cage with a fixed whale-oil lantern. In 1832 it was raised to 82 feet and later equipped with a revolving light. The mysterious disappearance of its first keeper J. P. Rademuller in 1815 and the subsequent discovery nearby of part of a human skeleton enhanced its reputation as a haunted building.”
7. Be a kid again at Centreville
Centreville Amusement Park is home to over 30 rides and attractions and remains a popular spot for families during the summer months.
But you don’t just have to be a kid to enjoy a visit here! Get splashed on the log ride, have a funnel cake or cool off with some ice cream.
There is no fee to enter the park, but you will need to purchase tickets to go on the rides.
Centreville recently opened a new water play splash pad which is a great way to cool off and beat the summer heat.
And if you have time, check out the Franklin Children’s Garden. This theme garden is based on the characters from the “Franklin the Turtle” stories. This is a great spot for exploring wildlife, storytelling, and visiting the sculptures from the Franklin the Turtle series.
After exploring the garden, head to the William Meany Maze, where you can get lost and have fun trying to find your way out of the maze.
Must-Have Sun Accessories
8. Enjoy the best skyline view of Toronto
While Toronto’s skyline is constantly changing with the new development of condos and high-rise buildings, this view never seems to gets old.
This is my favorite downtown Toronto skyline view. Find a cozy spot and relax here while watching the sunset over views of Lake Ontario.
And if you’re spending longer than a day in Toronto, you’ll want to check out this Toronto itinerary. It has tons of ideas for first-timers.
9. Play frisbee or disc golf
Consisting of 18 holes, the disc golf course is open year round to the public. The course requires no reservations and admission is free but players must provide their own disc.
If disc golf is not your cup of tea, grab a frisbee and play in one of the many grass fields on the island.
10. Ride the ferry
To get to the Toronto Islands, you have to ride the ferry (unless you have another mode of transportation). While it’s a short ride from the city, it’s a fun trip along the water.
There is plenty of room on the ferry to store your bike, stroller or cooler at no extra fee. The best place to sit is on the upper deck where you can feel the wind blowing through your hair as you cruise to the island (or back to the city).
More fun things to do in Toronto
If you have more time to explore the city, below are some of my favorite attractions in Toronto:
Toronto: Niagara-on-the-Lake & Falls Day Trip with Boat Tour
Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
Toronto: Heart of Downtown 3.5-Hour Bike Tour
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Casa Loma
- Bata Shoe Museum
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- CN Tower
- Toronto Sightseeing Helicopter Tour
- Toronto Haunted Night Walking Tour
- Toronto Distillery District Historic Walking Tour
- Toronto Small Group City Sightseeing Day Tour
Toronto Islands FAQs
Is the Toronto Islands worth visiting?
Yes, the Toronto Islands are definitely worth visiting. Located just south of downtown, the Toronto Islands can be a beautiful place to spend the afternoon or evening.
Here you can visit Centre Island, which is the entertainment hub of the isnalds. Have fun at the amusement park, enjoy a picnic in the park, relax on the beach, explore the garden, rent a bike or boat, play disc golf, have lunch or dinner at one of the Toronto Island restaurants, and take in a skyline view of the city.
Which Toronto Island is best to visit?
Centre Island offers the most attractions and things to do for families. Here you can enjoy a stunning view of the Toronto skyline. Once you’re on the Toronto Island, you can easily walk from Centre Island to Wards Island and take the ferry back.
Is Toronto Island open to the public?
During the off-season, which runs from late-October/ early November to mid-April, all park facilities at Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point are closed except for the public washrooms.
During this time, all ferries go to and from Ward’s Island only, so please plan ahead to know your return boat schedule. There are limited food options avaiable during the off-season, so I recommend bringing your own food to the island.
What is Toronto Islands known for?
Toronto Island is known for its home to the Toronto Island Park, Centre Ville Amusement Park, its several public beaches, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, its private yacht clubs, and the largest car-free community in urban North America.
How do I spend a day at Toronto Island?
Start by taking a ferry, water taxi, or boat cruise over to the Toronto Islands. Get there early to avoid crowds (or plan to visit near the end of the day to watch the sunset).
If you have young kids, Centre Island is a great place to explore the petting zoo, have fun at the amusement park, and relax on the beach.
If you want to enjoy peace and quiet, head to Ward’s Island beach or Hanlan’s Point beach, which are usually less busy than Centre Island. Here you can have a picnic, play sports, and soak up the sunshine.
If you want to stay active, consider renting a bike or going on a bike tour to learn about the extensive history of the Toronto Islands.
Can you walk between the Toronto Islands?
Yes, you can easily walk or bike ride from one end of the island to the other. The Toronto Islands are approximately 5km long between Ward’s Island and Hanlan’s Point.
How much is a water taxi to the Toronto Islands?
A water taxi costs $10 per person (one-way). There is an extra $1 charge for debit or credit.