Toronto Islands

Address: Harbourfront, Toronto
Admission: Ferry rides: C$6.50 round trip for adults

ATTRACTION Keywords:
Nature & Wildlife, Off-the-Beaten Path, Picnic Spot, Popular with Locals, Walking/Hiking, Island, Lake, Zoo

2:15 AM Saturday, May 25
Clear. Cool.
7 day forecast

A quick ferry ride from the city center, the Toronto Islands are chain of small islands that offer a pleasant respite from the bustling city. Come here to soak up the sun, laze on the beaches, or take a peaceful bike ride.

One of the most popular Toronto Islands is Centreville, which is a favorite for visitors. The island includes a children's amusement park, tiny shops on a turn-of-the-20th-century Main Street, and the Far Enough Farm, where the kids can pet lambs, chicks, and other barnyard animals. Kids will love riding the old-fashioned carousel and the miniature railway. The other popular islands, more residential than Centreville, are Ward’s Island, Algonquin (Sunfish Island), and Olympic.

The Toronto Islands have several swimming beaches, including Centre Island Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, Hanlan's Point Beach and Ward's Island Beach. The Islands also host a number of events, including the Olympic Island Festival, an annual rock concert.

Latest Reviews

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All Toronto Islands Reviews

Review by peter.butcher, August 2011
Doing what: Toronto Inner Harbour and Island Cruise

Recommended for a casual lazy day..the boat ride to the Island is peaceful with wonderful views of Toronto and the Island full of various venues and activcities

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Review by Jeff, Australia, October 2010

I love the Toronto Islands. I grew up exploring them and still enjoy wondering amongst the parks as well as the old houses in Wards Island. These cottages were build starting in 1867 and when the city tried to take them back in the 1960s some of the community fought to stay. Today the tiny cottages are restored and painted colourfully and the vibrant residents live there year round. There is a small school for the kids - what an idyllic life they must have! There are no cars on the islands and it's the largest car free zone in North America. You can get to the islands via a ferry, then travel around on foot, bike or rollerblade. There's still an amusement park for the kids and some hints of the grand events that once took place. Babe Ruth even hit his first professional home run here in 1914 when a baseball stadium was located at the site of the current Toronto Island Airport. Be sure to visit the beaches, the pier and the communities on Wards and Algonquin Islands. Take a picnic and some friends and I guarantee you'll enjoy yourself.

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Review by Jill B, United Kingdom, June 2010
Doing what: Toronto Inner Harbour and Island Cruise

Informative and entertaining cruise showing the best of Toronto's skyline, landmarks and islands. The option to stop off at the islands and pick up a later boat is particularly good. Well worth the money, highly recommended.

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Practical Info

The Toronto Islands are located just 10 minutes from downtown Toronto. The only way to get to the islands is by ferry or water taxi. Three public ferry routes provide links for passengers and service vehicles from the central Toronto waterfront to docks at Hanlan's Point, Centre Island Park and Ward's Island. The fourth public ferry service provides a vehicle and passenger connection from a dock at the foot of Bathurst Street to the airport.

Driving on the island is limited to service vehicles. However, bicycles are welcome on the ferries; you can also rent bikes on the islands.

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