Toronto Islands
A short ferry ride across the inner harbour transforms the glass-and-steel skyline of Toronto into a lush, car-free archipelago where the primary sounds are bicycle bells and lapping waves.
What to expect
The Toronto Islands span three main interconnected areas: Ward’s, Centre, and Hanlan’s. Ward’s Island is characterized by quiet, cottage-lined residential lanes where locals maintain manicured gardens; it is the best spot for a contemplative walk. Centre Island is the recreational hub, home to the vintage-style Centreville Amusement Park, splash pads, and the expansive, Blue Flag-certified Centre Island Beach. If you prefer solitude or are visiting during the peak heat of summer, head to the western end at Hanlan’s Point; its clothing-optional beach is the most secluded stretch of sand in the city, offering unobstructed views of the sunset over Lake Ontario. The entire chain is linked by over five kilometers of paved pedestrian and cycling paths, dotted with willow trees and wooden bridges.
History & significance
Originally a long sandspit attached to the mainland, the islands became a distinct feature after a series of storms in the 1850s created the Eastern Gap. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands served as a summer playground for Toronto’s elite and working class alike, hosting massive tent cities and grand hotels. While most of the original cottages were demolished in the 1950s and 60s, a small, fiercely protected community of about 250 permanent residents remains on the eastern side, preserving a rare, car-free lifestyle just minutes from the densest corporate district in Canada.
Practical tips
Ferries run year-round, but services ramp up significantly from May through September. Purchase tickets online in advance via the City of Toronto’s official ferry portal to bypass the long, snaking queues at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Aim to catch a boat before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to avoid the afternoon crush of day-trippers. Bring sun protection and bug spray, as the woodland sections can be humid and mosquito-prone during mid-summer. Note that there are no grocery stores on the islands, only seasonal snack stands, so packing a picnic is essential.
Getting there
The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal is located at the foot of Bay Street and Queens Quay. It is a 10-15 minute walk south from Union Station. Streetcars (specifically the 509 or 510) also drop passengers near the terminal. During the summer, an alternative is the private Island Water Taxi, which is faster and more flexible but significantly more expensive than the public ferry.
Nearby
- The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery: Located on the mainland at Harbourfront Centre, this gallery offers cutting-edge international art with free admission.
- Amsterdam BrewHouse: Situated just steps from the ferry terminal, this massive converted warehouse serves craft beer and casual pub fare with expansive waterfront patio seating.
- Sugar Beach: A quirky, artificial urban beach on the mainland side, featuring signature pink umbrellas and white lounge chairs—a prime spot for a drink before heading to the islands.