The Toronto Islands are a picturesque group of islands location in Lake Ontario. Set just off the shores of Toronto, Canada, they offer a great escape from the bustling city life. These unique set of islands are a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike! And this Toronto Islands guide will share how to get to them, the top things to do, and why you need to add it to your Toronto itinerary!
Running approximately 5 kms long, the Toronto Islands are made up of 15 islands. The islands are often referred to the Island and have seen many names over time. In addition, they make up one of the best Toronto parks, Toronto Island Park.
Some of the main islands include Ward’s Island, Centre Island, and Hanlan’s Point. They are connected be a series of bridges and pathways.
Visitors will find a long list Toronto Island activities! There’s something to suit everyone’s interests, lush green spaces, sandy beaches, and plenty of adventures.
So, as someone who grew up in Toronto and still visits often, let me help you plan your visit to the Toronto Islands!
Toronto Islands Guide: How to Plan Your Visit
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Are the Islands worth visiting?
Yes, the Toronto Islands are worth visiting! They are one of the top places to visit in Toronto!
There are many reasons to visit the Toronto Island! Thanks to their accessibility, the islands offer a wealth of unique activities.
In the summer, they are a great place to visit for families with kids. Families will love visiting Centreville Amusement Park. Plus, those looking for fun outdoor activities will find plenty across the islands. And the islands are home to some of the best beaches!
Overall, the Toronto Islands are a must-visit and worth a visit any time of year!
How to Get to the Toronto Islands
Getting to the Toronto Islands is relatively easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get there.
Starting a Union Station, the main transportation hub in the city, you can walk to the Toronto Island Ferry. It’s only 10 minutes away by foot.
Take Bay Street south towards the harbour. Just past Queens Quay West you’ll find the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. The Jack Layton ferry departs from the city to Ward’s Island every 30 minutes. It runs all year round. And a return trip costs $8.70 for adults, $5.60 for seniors, and $4.10 for children under 14.
To Ward’s Island it’s a short 15 minute ferry ride. Be prepared, because this island ferry takes both pedestrians and vehicles.
Beyond the winter, you can also travel to Toronto Islands via the Centre Island ferry and Hanlan’s Point as well.
Please note that the ferry schedule and prices are subject to change. So, it’s a good idea to check the website here for an up-to-date Toronto island ferry schedule before your trip. And if you want to purchase Toronto Island ferry tickets ahead of time, you can do so here.
There are also water taxis available from May through September. Taking a water taxi costs $12 per person and takes one way.
Insider tip: If you’re returning back to the city via Ward’s Island ferry during a school day avoid leaving around 4pm. When the kids get out of school, they seem to have priority. So, either take the one before or after.
Can you stay on the Islands
There are no hotels on the Toronto Island.
For those wanting to stay on the Toronto Islands, there is one little gem! This adorable cottage is located on Algonquin Island, which is right next to Ward Island. It has two bedrooms, a kitchen, and views.
On the shore, right next to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, is the Westin Harbour Castle. This incredible 4-star hotel has a variety of room and suite styles. There are rooms with city or lake views as well as balconies. Plus, the hotel features an indoor pool, roof-top tennis court, and a fitness centre.
If you’re looking for comfort and privacy there’s this fabulous apartment. The apartment is located a short few minute walk from the ferry terminal. It features one bedroom, kitchen and dining room, as well as free private parking. You’ll also get a balcony with epic city views.
Which Toronto Island should I visit
The Toronto Islands are comprised of several different islands. Each island offers something unique and special to visitors. When choosing which island to visit, it’s important to consider what type of experience you’re looking for. In addition, choosing a Toronto Island to visit depends on the time of year you’re visiting.
Below is a brief Toronto Islands guide to each island and the type of traveler each is best suited for:
Centre Island
Centre Island is the largest and most popular of the Toronto Islands! Its here you’ll find many of the top Toronto Island activities, like Centreville Amusement Park.
There are plenty of things to do on Centre Island! It’s home to a petting zoo, splash pad, beaches, restaurants, and more. In addition, you’ll find one of the many hidden gems in Toronto here, the William Meany Maze. I love wandering through the maze in the fall when it has a extra level of whimsy!
Centre Island is ideal for families with kids, as well as anyone looking for some fun on the Island!
It’s located in the middle of the main island and has frequent ferries to it in the summer. However, in the off season, many of the attractions and restaurants are closed.
Ward’s Island
This quiet island is often the first one you arrive at, especially in the off season. It’s home to a small community of permanent residents.
You’ll also find parks, gardens, and beaches on Ward’s Island. And one of my favourite Toronto Island features, the Ward’s Island boardwalk. In addition, there is a café and restaurant, as well as public bathrooms.
Ward’s Island is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and have a relaxing experience on the islands.
Hanlan’s Point
Best known for its clothing optional beach, Hanlan’s Point offers visitors a unique yet laid-back atmosphere.
Hanlan’s Point is located on the far west side of the Toronto Islands. Along with the beach, its home to statues, lookouts, and the Mermaid Cafe. Plus, at the one end is the Billy Bishop Airport.
Algonquin Island
Algonquin Island is one of the smallest of the Toronto Islands. Like Ward’s Island, it is also home to a small community of residents.
This island offers visitors a peaceful place to wander. Plus, it’s a great spot for bird watching!
Overall, I highly recommend visiting at least the top three Toronto Islands, Ward’s, Centre, and Hanlon’s. You can fit them all into a day visit.
How much time do you need on the Toronto Islands
I highly recommend spending a full day on the Toronto Islands!
Thanks to the short ferry ride, travel to and from the islands is quick and easy. So, it’s easy to arrive early, grab breakfast at one of the cafes. Then set off to explore all the fun Toronto Island activities!
Best time to Visit Toronto Island
The best time to visit the Toronto Islands depends on a variety of factors. Choosing the best time to visit relies on what you hope to do while you’re there. However, there is no bad time to visit the islands!
If you’re looking for prime weather and to visit the beach, then summer is the best time to visit! All of the cafés and restaurants are open. In addition, Centreville Amusement Park is open.
In the summer visitors can also take advantage of the Toronto Island activities like SUP and kayaking. Plus, the ferries are more frequent. However, summer is the busiest time to visit the Toronto Islands.
Spring and fall offer a quieter time to visit the islands. In my opinion, both spring and fall are the best time to visit the Toronto Islands! Along with less crowds, there’s a magical element to both. In the spring, visitors can see cherry blossom trees. While in the fall, you’ll find some of the best fall colours in Toronto on the islands!
Winter on the Toronto Islands is the least crowed time to visit. Ferries still run to the Island in the winter and there’s still plenty of things to do on the Toronto Islands. However, weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you’re prepared.
Getting Around on the Islands
There are two many methods to explore the Toronto Islands. You can explore the islands on foot or by bicycle.
If you plan to explore the island on foot, you can easily walk from Ward to Hanlon in an hour. The islands are full of footpaths and is easy to navigate.
Travelling the islands by bike is a very popular method to explore. You can bring your own bike aboard the public ferry. Or if you don’t own one, you can rent one from Toronto Island Bicycle, which is located on Centre Island. However, you’ll have to get one on the mainland in the off season.
Visitors can enjoy a self-guided bike tour of the islands. It’s a quick way to get around and only takes roughly 15 minutes from Ward’s Island to Hanlon.
For first time visitors looking for a guided tour, this 3.5 hour bike tour is a great option! You’ll get to know the island, discover the best views and sights, plus bikes are included!
Toronto Islands Guide to the Top Toronto Island Activities
Visitors will find a long list of activities on the Toronto Islands! Whether you’re looking for water sports or epic views, you’ll find it on the islands! So, I had to include some of my favourite things to do in my Toronto Islands guide!
Explore Ward’s Island
Located on the eastern side of the Toronto Islands, Ward’s Island is a mix of parkland and residential.
I highly recommend a stroll through the residential neighbourhood on Ward’s Island for first time visitors. The area is full of colourful and charming cottages. But be sure to be mindful that these are people’s homes.
Ward’s Island is also home to a garden, park, and a beach. Around the island are plenty of places to catch a view of the Toronto skyline. And one of the top Toronto Island activities is found here, the Toronto Island Disc Golf Course.
One of my favourite things to do on Ward’s Island is walk the boardwalk! The boardwalk wraps around the bottom part of the island. It offers views of Tommy Thompson Park and Lake Ontario!
Across from the Ward’s Island ferry dock is the Island Café. It’s a great café to start your visit to the islands and fuel up for your adventures.
Visit The Centreville Amusement Park
Centreville Amusement Park is a family-friendly theme park located on Centre Island. It’s a popular destination for families and visitors of all ages. It offers a wide range of activities and attractions that are suited for young kids and adults.
There are over 30 rides and attractions at Centreville! You’ll find fun ones like the Sky Ride, Swan rides, and Ferris Wheel.
Next door is a petting zoo too! At Far Enough Farms you’ll meet over 40 different species, including farmyard animals and exotic birds.
Visitors will find a variety of places to eat on the Toronto Islands here on Centre Island. Places to eat include Carousel Café and Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co. Plus, Centreville has a bunch of fun food shops selling things like hot dogs, cotton candy, and more!
Take in the Epic Views
Starting from the ferry ride over, you’ll find plenty of awesome views of downtown Toronto!
Some of the best views in Toronto are from the Toronto Islands! Aboard the ferry are awesome views of the city skyline as well as the islands. And the best part is that the view is so different depending on the time of year you visit!
For those visiting Ward’s Island, including the beach and boardwalk, you’ll get awesome views of the water as well as Tommy Thompson Park!
Be sure to stop at Centre Island Pier, located on the south side of the islands, for sweeping views of Lake Ontario!
Another great spot is Toronto Islands Lookout! Also located on Centre Island it features a great vantage point to see iconic buildings like the CN Tower and Rogers Centre.
And whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot or the best place to catch the sunset, head over to Hanlan’s Point Beach or Gibraltar Point! Cozy up on a picnic blanket and settle in for a stunning sunset!
Explore from the Water
Walking and biking are popular Toronto Island activities. And so is exploring the islands by water!
In the summer, many enjoy getting out on the waters that surround the islands. Thanks to all the islands, you’ll find plenty of calm waterways between them.
A couple of great ways to explore the Islands from the water include stand up paddleboarding as well as kayaking.
And don’t worry if you don’t have your own device. At Toronto Island SUP you can rent both kayaks and stand up paddleboards. Plus, they also offer a variety of fun tours too!
Some of the tour options include: Paddling Birding, SUP Yoga, and an Eco-Tour!
For more information on tours and rentals check out their website here.
Visit Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse opened in 1808 and is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes.
It’s one of Toronto’s oldest buildings and not surprisingly, one of the most haunted places in Ontario. Stories say that the old lighthouse keeper, who was sadly killed here, still haunts it.
Stories aside, as soon as you approach the lighthouse you’ll feel transported to another time! The trail leading the it is lined with bushes. Then at the end is this towering white bricked structure with a red door that pops!
I also think Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is one of the top photography spots in Toronto!
Chase Cherry Blossoms
If you’re visiting the Toronto Islands in the spring then hopefully it’s during the cherry blossom season!
On Centre Island there are around 30 Sakura trees, making it one of the top places to see cherry blossoms in Toronto!
The trees are located on the southern side of the bridge, near the fountain. Generally, the cherry trees bloom between late April to early Mary, depending on the weather. However, the blooms are short lived and only last for one or two weeks.
Play Disc Golf
Another fun Toronto Islands activity is playing disc golf! This popular outdoor sport combines a mix of elements from golf and frisbee.
The Toronto Island disc golf course is located on Ward’s Island. Just past the Firehall is the first tee. This long 18-hole course offers a number of bends and hazards, as well as awesome views!
And while the course is considered challenging, you don’t have to be good at it to have fun!
Visit the Beach
One of the top things to do on the Toronto Islands in the summer is head to the beach!
There are a number of beaches on the islands, all of which are spread out. Many of them are also blue flag certified annually, meaning that the beaches have good water quality.
Centre Island Beach
This beach is located on the southern end of Centre Island, beside the pier. It features changing rooms and lockers that are quite handy.
Centre Island Beach is a popular spot for families. The water is calm and shallow. It’s also not as cold as some other Toronto beaches because of a rock break wall. So, swimming and sunbathing are both popular here.
And if you’re hungry there’s a couple of seasonal places to eat nearby.
Gibraltar Point Beach
I highly recommend visiting Gibraltar Point Beach! It’s located between Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point, on the south side of Toronto Island Park.
Gibraltar Point Beach is considered a hidden gem on the Toronto Islands! It’s often blue flag certified and is not as busy as the other Toronto Island beaches.
While there are no change rooms or eateries nearby, it’s a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic, sun tan, or swim. Plus, the incredible Gibraltar Beach Sand Dunes are right next door!
Ward’s Island Beach
For a more relaxed vibe then Centre Island Beach, Ward’s Island Beach is great! Plus, they’re both connected via the 3km boardwalk.
Ward’s Island Beach is located on the south side of the island, five minutes from the ferry dock. This is a small beach and frequented by locals. The beach is sandy, however the water is more pebbly until you get further out.
And thanks to the Leslie Street Spit protruding into the lake just south of the beach, the water is generally calm.
Hanlan’s Point Beach
On the western side of the islands is where you’ll find Toronto’s only clothing optional beach.
Stretching for 1 km, Hanlan’s Point Beach is hidden from the main path by towering sand dunes. One thing to note is that there are two areas to this beach, one requires clothing. But if you’re feeling adventurous head over to the clothing optional side!
Hanlan’s Point Beach is much quieter than the other beaches. It’s popular for sun tanners and those looking for epic sunsets. Plus, there’s a public shower and café nearby.
In conclusion, this Toronto Islands guide shares everything you’ll need to help plan your visit! With so many fun Toronto Island activities, easy access, and stunning scenery, a visit makes for a memorable experience! So, pack a picnic, grab the ferry, and enjoy all the best the Toronto Islands have to offer!
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