Toronto Islands

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Toronto Islands provide an unbeatable outdoor oasis just a short ferry ride from Downtown Toronto

A Toronto Island Ferry leaves Centre Island cc licensed photo by ilkerender

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.

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Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes - For ferry service to the islands

Address: Toronto Islands, St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, ON, Canada

Toronto Islands Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating We only went here to see the sunset and saw a small portion of the island. We ended up taking the water taxi over, which I would recommend because it’s faster, less crowded and more fun than the ferry. You can still take the ferry back for free. The cost difference between the ferry and water taxi is not that much. It’s a great place to see the skyline and looks like a great place to swim. We went during August. Beware of all the geese poop! We walked to the shore and had to walk around lots of poop. Also once it became dusk, there were loads of bugs! I would recommend bringing bug spray and also standing out of the ferry line until the ferry actually arrives. The ferry is huge and it’s very unlikely that everyone won’t make it on. You will just be apart of the feast for mosquitos.
Taylor Berry - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Beautiful place to visit. Having kids friendly beach as it separate main water with the rock boundaries. Park is awesome. Having places for potluck and picnic. Many spots for capturing beautiful pics. Don’t miss the sunset point. It is having kids park too. Plan your return after sunset so that you can enjoy the lighting beauty of Toronto city while coming back from island.
Sachin Shrivas - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Was a beautiful day to get out and kayak the islands there's plenty of things to do from the amusement park to swimming in some very nice beaches or to just paddle around taking in the beautiful view of the Toronto skyline awesome place to spend the day
Jesse Jee - a month ago

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4 Star Rating So enjoyed this tourist attraction, so much walking but you can bring your bike or rent one. Don't expect the best beach but more of a huge park that has a kids amusement park, a couple of food and beverage, the lake, and great scenery. You're able to bring your own food and you must take Jack Layton Ferry or a water taxi.
Angelique Rodriguez - 2 months ago

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4 Star Rating This is a great place to get a cool breeze during the Toronto summer. The islands have plenty to do to spend a relaxing day. There are bike and kayak, SUP board rentals, plus several restaurants. Plus, the views of the Toronto skyline are incredible A friend advised us to get a water taxi across and take the ferry back. It’s free from the islands side. We rented the double bike. Hot tip! If you want to get around a bit faster, get single bikes. We enjoyed our brief visit but I must say that the place seemed a bit outdated. I was surprised. The water fountain, the pier and the benches all need a refresh.
Jeremy Meadus - 3 weeks ago

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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.

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