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 One of the best experiences in Toronto. Island is a good picnic spot with different activities and great views. The night view on the way back is the best.
shalima jose - a month ago

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5 Star Rating I had an amazing time at the Toronto Islands! There’s so much to do and see. There are great places for kids, including playgrounds and splash pads, which make it a perfect family destination. The islands also have a variety of restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat. The beaches are beautiful and perfect for relaxing or swimming. Also there is a place to rent bikes on the islands, and you can even bring your own bike on the ferry, which is super convenient. We spent hours biking around and exploring. There are also spots where you can rent canoes and paddle boards. Toronto Islands offer a fantastic escape from the city with plenty of activities for everyone. Highly recommend spending a day there!
Shireen ib - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating This place is for the people want to escape from the daily life of Toronto and to have a nice walk and with sea shore view. Attractive place. Visited first time in my 3 rd year. Center island is mostly for kiddos and the beach looks shallow but safe. It’s better to go by walk. I’ve seen the F35 flying about and it’s an astonishing experience for an aircraft lover. I suggest people to enter from Halan’s point and walk through to see a beautiful view of aircraft and Toronto.
Nirooshan Namasivayam - 5 months ago

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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 - 7 months ago

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4 Star Rating One of the best summer gateways - book tour ferry(we booked online), exploring the islands/beaches, refresh yourself with plenty of recreational activities - walking, cycling, kayaking, ziplining. Have a mat and some snacks with you, if you're planning to visit the beach and soak in the sun. I explored the Central Island Beach, it's connected to the other beaches but prepare for a beautiful walk or cycle ride. You can get your bicycles but there was a long queue for us as it was peak time during summers. When you get hungry, there are some good cafes, pizza pizza, ice cream stalls, as well which make you feel like relishing the food whilst surrounded by nature.
Ruchi Yevle - 2 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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