Toronto Islands
Toronto Islands provide an unbeatable outdoor oasis just a short ferry ride from Downtown Toronto
Toronto Islands and Toronto Island Park form a beautiful pedestrian only oasis comprised of 570 acres of small islands in Lake Ontario across from downtown Toronto. After a fun 10 minute ferry ride from Downtown Toronto, you will find there are no cars, just fabulous beaches, trails, gardens, attractions and more, making this a fantastic place to enjoy the day.
The islands were originally a long sand spit formed by a combination of erosion of the Scarborough Bluffs and currents in the lake. Storms in the 1800s opened up channels in the spit to form islands. With no intervention the islands would have eventually eroded away, but they have been protected by the extension of the Leslie Street Spit and 'hardening' of the shore lines. Land has also been reclaimed over the years by dredging up sand from the harbour.
The islands are now home to the Regional City Centre Airport along with Parkland, Beaches and over 250 homes and cottages, but no cars! Vehicle traffic is limited to service vehicles making the islands a peaceful place to spend some time strolling or cycling. There were once over 600 homes and cottages in the community, but the city wanted to convert most of the islands to parkland and, in a battle with residents that lasted for decades, expropriated and demolished the majority of the homes on the island. The battle was finally settled in 1993 with the remaining residents able to purchase a 99 year lease. Access to the islands is provided via ferry service from Queens Quay in Downtown Toronto. The ferries operate daily from morning until nighttime. For information on fares and schedules go click on the 'Map and Directions' tab. You can also contact the Ferries by phone at 416-397-2628.
Recreation on the islands includes Centreville Amusement Park, a children's turn-of-the-century themed amusement park with a miniature railroad, vintage carousel, ferris wheel. pony rides and more. It is open daily during the summer months.
Located just east of the Centreville Amusement Park you will find Far Enough Farms, a free petting zoo with over 40 species of farm animals and exotic birds on display. This is a great place to take your kids and will appeal to the kid in all of us. It is open from 10am-5pm 365 days a year.
There are several swimming beaches on the islands. Recreational boating is popular with the islands being home to four yacht clubs and the Toronto Island Marina. Canoe and boat rentals are available from Toronto Island Boathouse on Centre Island and Bike Rentals are available next to the pier on Ward Island.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes - For ferry service to the islandsAddress: Toronto Islands, St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, ON, Canada
Toronto Islands Reviews
Rated out of 5
Beautiful, scenic and relaxing! Stunning views of downtown Toronto en route by ferry to this quaint set of interconnected islands. Lovely boardwalk from Ward’s Island to Centre Island. Clean and lifeguard-supervised swimming area on Centre Island. Cute amusement park and gardens. Spend the day or just a few hours.
KS B - a month ago
Beautiful islands to enjoy some quality time with friends and family. It’s an easy ferry ride or water taxi from the harbours. During weekend a very busy place, so a wait for ferry is long. However if you wish to save time, get a water taxi which is quick for some extra dollars. Overall the island is very clean with great sights and activities for everyone. It’s huge with different sides of it. Centre island is the main attraction for a new person or tourist. Easy to walk around or rent a cycle for better experience. Lots of places to get a quick drink or snacks. Lot of signage’s available and its self explanatory. Best views of Toronto skyline from the islands.
Gaurav Aggarwal - a month ago
had a great time at Toronto Islands. The place is peaceful and has amazing views of the city skyline. I went during the air show, and watching it from the island was a perfect choice. The planes flying over the water and skyline made it a great experience.
We also had a small barbecue there, which added to the fun. The open space, fresh air, and calm surroundings made it a relaxing day. The ferry ride to the island was smooth and easy.
Overall, it was a lovely day,good weather, exciting air show, tasty food, and a perfect spot to enjoy nature while still being close to the city.
Krati Verma - 3 months ago
We visited Toronto Island about four weeks ago with our family and had a great time. It’s just a short boat ride from the city, but it really feels like you’re getting away from it all.
The boat ride was smooth and gave us some amazing views of the Toronto skyline. Once we got to the island, we spent the day walking around, enjoying the peaceful vibe, and just relaxing together.
It’s a beautiful spot calm, quiet, and full of nature. Perfect for a family outing. Definitely worth a visit.
S K - 2 months ago
A beautiful place to explore during the summer! Full of parks, beaches, and activities to do. Really enjoyed the Also great to just chill and relax by the water. Highly recommend!
Adnan Nazir - a week ago
Directions
| Streetcar and Ferry Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yonge-University-Spadina | Union Station | 2 MInutes |
How to get to Toronto Islands by Streetcar and Ferry
From Union Station take either the #509 Harbourfront or #510 Spadina streetcar and get off at Bay and Queen's Quay Stop. The entrance to the ferry docks is on the south side of the street. See the Toronto Island Ferry Schedule for sailing times.
The ferry trip is not included in the TTC fare. The round trip on the ferry is $7.00 for Adults, $4.50 for Seniors and Students under 19 and $3.50 for children 2-13.
Accommodations near Toronto Islands:
Photo Gallery
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A picturesque bridge in the Toronto Islands cc licensed photo by sillygwailo -
Photo Credit: daniel0685 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daniel0685 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daniel0685 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daniel0685 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daniel0685 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daniel0685 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daniel0685 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daniel0685 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daniel0685 - cc license via Flickr
