Toronto Islands

Toronto Islands are one of the best places to visit in the city. The view of the skyline from across the water is absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset. Whether it’s summer or fall, the islands are stunning. There are three islands, each with its own charm. You can take a boat to any of them (check the schedule), or grab a water taxi near Harbourfront for a more relaxing ride. The return trip from the island is free even if you didn’t take the ferry. The are a few beaches which are clean and scenic, perfect for summer days. I highly recommend going on a weekday, ideally in the morning to avoid crowds (it can be VERY crowdy on weekends). On weekdays it is quiet, peaceful, and you might feel like you have the whole place to yourself. The best way to explore is by renting a bike through Bike Share. There are lots of them available. There is also a nice boardwalk on the opposite side of the islands (no bikes permitted though). But the best part is of course the iconic view from Centre Island. There are also a few cafes for a quick snack, plenty of picnic spots, lots of water stations. Overall, Toronto Islands are a must-see!
Daria Kurovskaya - 5 months ago

Visited Toronto Island Park around 3 PM in October with friends. We spent about two hours walking around and watched a beautiful sunset. It was a bit cold, and there isn’t much to do during the colder months besides walking, grabbing a coffee or snack at the small café, or checking out the restaurant that was open. The views of the city and lake were great, but overall it’s a quiet, simple experience in the off-season. Also, in winter the ferry doesn’t reach the main island, so you have to walk about 30 minutes to get there
Denis Faerman - 5 months ago

We ended up catching the ferry to Billy Bishop Airport (~10minutes). From there, we walked to Center Island. It was incredibly crowded for a weekday. Prices were high for pretty much everything. The highlights for us were the little farm, where we got to pet the ponies, donkeys, and goats. We caught the ferry back to the mainland maybe 40 minutes after exploring Center Island.
Dessi Dobrolevska - 4 months ago

Toronto Islands was a place we truly enjoyed spending time at, and it turned out to be a much better experience than expected. From the moment we arrived, it felt like a refreshing escape from the city, even though it is just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto. The beach was fascinating and easily one of the highlights of the visit. The water, open space, and views of the Toronto skyline make it feel peaceful and scenic at the same time. It is a great place to relax, walk around, or simply sit and enjoy the surroundings. The island feels spacious, and there is a lot to explore beyond just the beach. Walking paths, green areas, and different sections of the island make it easy to spend several hours without feeling rushed or bored. What stood out most was how family friendly the island is. There is plenty of space for kids to run around and explore safely, and the overall atmosphere is calm and welcoming. Even on a busy day, it does not feel overwhelming. We did not get a chance to visit the amusement park this time, but it is definitely on our list for the next visit. That alone gives us a good reason to come back again. Overall, the Toronto Islands offer a great mix of nature, beach time, and activities. It is a wonderful place to spend a day, unwind, and enjoy something different from the usual city routine. We are definitely looking forward to going back and exploring even more next time. ❤️🇨🇦
David Bala - 2 months ago

You really must visit Toronto Island. It’s not only great value on the ferry 11$ return 6 for over 65s, it’s really calm and beautiful. We took ferry to Central islands, walked to the beach look out point, didn’t swim in the lagoon which looks good, and then walked along boardwalk to Ward’s Island. Make certain you go round the little artists community, there is an information board about its origins as a tent city. Lovely views of city from here. Get a free map when you buy tickets. Allow 2-3 hours. Arguably better than the boat trips, certainly better value, with brilliant city views. And the ferries have an old time feel about them.
David Tee - 6 months ago