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 Really good place to hangout with family and friends. You can take your own food for a picnic and there are a number of restaurants on the island. There is option to take a public ferry or a boat for just you to reach the island. People usually come with family or friends to spend time and look at the Toronto skyline. There is a beach as well.
Gur Singh - in the last week

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5 Star Rating This is a must visit spot in Toronto!!!! Do visit here in the summer it’s really beautiful. There are three islands where the ferry will take you. I would recommend to start from the Center Island as it has the most frequent ferries going. There are multiple food spots all around the island. Activities like cycling, canoeing, boating can be found on various locations! Make note that you will need to walk a lot if you are planning to see the whole place at once. Also, if you are not interested in night skyline views make sure to leave before 7. We had to wait an hour for the last ferry to pick us up. And trust me it was crowded at the end!! But overall it’s an amazing place to spend time on a good summer weekend.
Sofiya Bhishma - a month ago

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5 Star Rating It's a must visit place if you live in Toronto or are visiting for a couple of days. It offers a serene escape from the busy routine of city. The ferry ride provides stunning skyline views, and once on the island, you'll find peaceful beaches, lush greenery, and charming cottages. Whether you're cycling along the paths or enjoying a picnic with a view, it's a perfect retreat for nature lovers. The quaint community atmosphere and proximity to downtown make it a year round must-visit destination. Helpful info- (1) Recommend booking your Ferry tickets online, it would be much quicker to get in. (2) The ferry schedule is changed seasonally, so check your ferry's time before making travel arrangements. (3) while coming back from the island it becomes very crowded in the evening during Summer/fall times. Either leave before 5 PM or leave after 7 PM if you don't want to wait for an hour in queue. (4) If coming for the entire day, it is better to pack your food with you. Very limited food options available.
Ravi Tater - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Only had 1 day to spend in Toronto and chose to take the ferry across - persona highlight of Toronto! Even in winter season, it’s beautiful to experience the contrast between the island houses, the city and the waterfront. Beautiful sunset views.
Andoni H - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Great experience, nice ferry ride from the city to this lovely island, very quiet and peaceful place, we did go in fall tho, may be different for summer time. Nice place for lunch or just to walk around. Could spend a day or few hrs here. There are permanent residents on here as well
Lauren (Rose) - 5 months 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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