Toronto Islands

A car-free chain of islands a short ferry ride off downtown, with beaches, bike rentals, gardens, a kids' amusement park and the best skyline view in the city. A beloved warm-weather escape and easily a top Toronto day. Just budget for summer-weekend ferry lines; buy tickets online.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Are the Toronto Islands worth visiting?

Absolutely, it's one of the best things to do in the city on a nice day, cheap, scenic and genuinely relaxing, with that unbeatable skyline. The only real downsides are ferry-only access and summer crowds, both manageable with a little planning.

Which island should I go to?

Centre Island is the busy hub with the amusement park and main beach, great for families; Ward's Island on the east end is quieter with a charming little community and boardwalk; Hanlan's Point on the west has the beach and clothing-optional area. You can walk or bike between them all.

How do I get to the Toronto Islands?

Ferries leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street, a short walk or streetcar ride from Union Station, heading to Centre Island, Hanlan's Point or Ward's Island. In summer there are multiple departures an hour; winter drops to just the Ward's Island route.

What is there to do on the Toronto Islands?

Beaches (including clothing-optional Hanlan's Point), bike and quad-cycle rentals, walking paths, gardens, a pier, canoe and kayak rentals, and the Centreville Amusement Park for kids. Above all, the skyline view looking back at downtown is the postcard shot of Toronto.

Can you visit the Toronto Islands in winter?

Yes, but only the Ward's Island ferry runs in the off-season on a reduced schedule, and most amusements and rentals are closed. It's quiet, stark and beautiful for a bundled-up walk, just very different from the summer buzz.

How bad are the ferry lines in summer?

On hot summer weekends the box-office line can stretch 60 to 90 minutes, which is why buying tickets online ahead of time is essential, it puts you in a separate express line. Going early morning or later in the afternoon also dodges the worst of it.

Can you bring bikes or rent them on the islands?

Yes, you can bring your own bike on the ferry or rent bikes and multi-person quad-cycles on Centre Island in season. The islands are flat and car-free, so cycling is the perfect way to cover the whole chain.

How much is the ferry to the Toronto Islands?

A return ferry ticket is about $9.57 for adults, $6.15 for students and seniors, $4.51 for kids 2 to 14, and free under 2, the return trip home is included. Buy online in advance to use the faster express line at the terminal.

Nearby in Ask Toronto

• Centre Island BeachBeach0.7 km · 9 min walk
• Hanlan's Point BeachBeach1.23 km · 15 min walk
• Boxcar SocialCafé1.97 km · 25 min walk
• Ontario Science CentreMuseum2 km · 25 min walk
• Ward's Island BeachBeach2.36 km · 30 min walk