A 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto delivers you to a 600-acre car-free archipelago of beaches, picnic lawns, gardens, biking trails, a small amusement park, and the most photographed skyline view in Canada. The Toronto Islands are arguably the city’s single best day-trip experience — close enough to be reached on a whim, just removed enough to feel like a real escape from downtown. Below you’ll find the ferry schedule and fares, an island-by-island breakdown of what to do, where to swim and eat, biking and kayaking notes, the best spots for that skyline photo, and answers to the practical questions that come up before a first trip. The islands are one entry on a long list of things to do in Toronto, but they’re among the few that locals never get tired of.
For up-to-date official information, see the City of Toronto’s official ferry schedules and routes.
Toronto Islands Quick Facts
The Toronto Islands are a chain of 15 small interconnected islands in Lake Ontario, just south of the downtown waterfront. The three islands open to the public are Centre Island (the main destination, with most of the visitor attractions), Hanlan’s Point (the western beaches, including the city’s only clothing-optional beach), and Ward’s Island (the easternmost, with a small residential community of about 250 year-round residents and the quietest beaches).
The islands cover roughly 600 acres of public parkland, 8 kilometres of pathway, 11 lifeguarded swimming beaches in season, and the Centreville Amusement Park — a car-free family park with 30+ rides for kids. There are no cars allowed on the islands, no overnight visitor accommodations, and only one residential community (Ward’s Island and Algonquin Island, with about 250 homes).
Toronto Islands Ferry: Tickets & Schedule
The ferry is the only public way to reach the islands — there’s no bridge, no tunnel, and no road access. The good news: the ferry is frequent, affordable, and the trip itself is part of the experience.
Ferry Tickets & Pricing
As of 2026, return ferry tickets are approximately:
Adult: $9.57
Student/Senior: $6.15
Child (2–14): $4.51
Under 2: Free
Tickets include the return trip back — you don’t pay separately to come home. Tickets can be purchased online in advance through the City of Toronto’s official ferry portal (recommended — online ticket holders use a separate express line at the terminal during peak summer days, when the box-office line can stretch 60–90 minutes) or at the box office at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Ferry Schedule
The ferry runs year-round on a varying schedule:
Summer (May to September): Multiple departures per hour to all three islands — Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward’s Island. The first ferry leaves around 6:30 a.m. (varying by route); the last return ferry runs until approximately 11:30 p.m. on summer weekends.
Fall (mid-September to mid-October): Reduced schedule, primarily to Ward’s Island.
Winter (mid-October to mid-April): Year-round Ward’s Island ferry continues at reduced frequency — typically every 30–60 minutes depending on weather.
Spring (mid-April to early May): Schedule expands as additional routes open.
Confirm current schedules at toronto.ca before your visit. The schedule shifts seasonally, and weather can occasionally cause cancellations on the open-water Centre Island and Hanlan’s routes.
Where the Ferry Departs
All ferries depart from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street and Queens Quay, on the north shore of Toronto Harbour. The terminal is a 5-minute walk south of Union Station and is reachable by the 509 Harbourfront and 510 Spadina streetcars.
Which Ferry Should You Take?
The three ferry routes go to different islands:
Centre Island ferry: The most popular route. Drops you at the heart of the visitor zone with Centreville Amusement Park, the main beach, the snack bars, the Pier, and the iconic skyline-view photo spots all within a 5-minute walk. This is the right choice for first-time visitors and families.
Hanlan’s Point ferry: The westernmost route. Best for the long sandy Hanlan’s Point Beach (including the city’s only clothing-optional section), the Toronto Islands disc-golf course, and quieter walking. Less foot traffic than Centre.
Ward’s Island ferry: The easternmost route. Best for the Ward’s Island residential village, the quietest beaches, the boardwalk, and the Algonquin Island bridge. The Ward’s ferry runs year-round and is the route locals use most often.
You can walk between all three islands — they’re connected by paths and bridges — so you don’t need to choose just one. Many visitors arrive at Centre Island, walk east to Ward’s, and ferry back from there.
What to Do on the Toronto Islands
The islands offer enough to fill an entire day or just a quiet afternoon. These are the must-do experiences.
Take the Iconic Skyline Photo
The most photographed angle of Toronto’s skyline is from the Centre Island lakefront, looking north across the harbour to the CN Tower and the Financial District towers. The shot is best between 4 and 7 p.m. when the western sun lights the city’s glass facades. The Centre Island Pier extending into the lake offers an even more sweeping vantage. Bring a wide-angle lens or use your phone’s panorama feature.
Centreville Amusement Park
The 14-acre Centreville Amusement Park has been a beloved Toronto institution since 1967. The park features 30+ family rides including a 1907 antique carousel, a kid-scale ferris wheel, the famous log flume, bumper boats, motor cars, and a small zoo. Most rides are calibrated for children 2 to 12, making this one of the city’s most genuinely kid-friendly attractions. Wristbands offer unlimited rides for the day; individual ride tickets are also available. Centreville is open daily from late spring through early fall.
Bike the Islands
The islands are designed for cyclists — flat, traffic-free paths cover all 600 acres. Toronto Island Bicycle Rental near the Centre Island ferry dock offers single bikes ($15–$25/hour, $40–$60/day), tandems, and kid bikes. Recommended route: Centre Island to Hanlan’s Point Beach, then east through the parks to Ward’s Island, and the boardwalk back — about 8 kilometres of total riding through the most scenic parts of the islands.
Beaches & Swimming
The islands have 11 lifeguarded swimming beaches in season (typically late June through early September). The most popular:
Centre Island Beach: The biggest and most family-friendly. Wide sand, lifeguards, picnic tables, and food kiosks within walking distance.
Ward’s Island Beach: Quieter, more residential vibe. The boardwalk passes through.
Hanlan’s Point Beach: The long west-facing beach. The northern section is the only clothing-optional public beach in Toronto and the only one in Ontario. The southern section is family-friendly.
All Toronto Islands beaches are Blue Flag-certified for water quality. Lifeguards are on duty during the season.
Kayak, Canoe & Paddleboard
Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre rents single and tandem kayaks ($25–$50/hour) and stand-up paddleboards from the mainland Harbourfront. A 90-minute paddle from Harbourfront over to Algonquin Island and through the Trillium Park lagoons is one of the most distinctive Toronto outdoor experiences possible. Sunset paddles in summer, with the city skyline lit up against the dusk, are particularly memorable.
Centre Island Pier & Trout Pond
The Centre Island Pier extends 100 metres into Lake Ontario and is the best skyline-view spot reachable on foot. The adjacent Trout Pond is a small fishing pond stocked seasonally with rainbow trout (free fishing with proper licence). The pier and pond are both within a 5-minute walk of the Centre Island ferry dock.
The Toronto Islands Disc Golf Course
Disc golfers love the 18-hole Toronto Islands Disc Golf course on Hanlan’s Point — one of the most scenic urban disc golf courses in North America, with several holes playing alongside the lake. Free to play; bring your own discs or rent at Hanlan’s Point.
Walk the Ward’s Island Boardwalk & Residential Village
Ward’s Island has a quiet residential community of about 250 homes — one of only two surviving island residential communities in Toronto (the other being adjacent Algonquin Island). The narrow lanes between Edwardian-era cottages, the public boardwalk along the lake, and the small cafe at the ferry dock make Ward’s a quiet and charming counterpoint to the busier Centre Island visitor zone.
The Toronto Island Lighthouse & Gibraltar Point
One of Canada’s oldest standing lighthouses, the 1809 Gibraltar Point Lighthouse on Centre Island’s southwest tip is a small but striking heritage landmark. The walk from the Centre Island ferry dock to Gibraltar Point takes about 20 minutes and passes through some of the islands’ quietest woods.
Where to Eat on the Toronto Islands
Food options on the islands are limited but solid — expect family-friendly comfort food, ice cream, and a few sit-down options.
The Island Café on Ward’s Island
The Island Café near the Ward’s Island ferry dock is the most beloved sit-down option on the islands. Patio tables, well-prepared sandwiches and salads, the best coffee on the islands, and a ferry-dock view of the harbour. Cash and card; expect a 15-minute wait at peak summer hours.
Centreville Amusement Park Concessions
The amusement park area on Centre Island has multiple counter-service options — pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, popcorn, and family-friendly meals. Most have outdoor seating with views of the rides.
The Carousel Cafe
Between the Centre Island ferry dock and the Pier, the Carousel Cafe offers sandwiches, cold drinks, fries, and ice cream. Lines move quickly even on busy weekends.
Pack a Picnic
The most popular Toronto Islands meal strategy is to bring a picnic from St. Lawrence Market or a downtown bakery. Picnic tables are scattered across all three islands, including some of the city’s most beautiful settings on the Centre Island lakefront. Pack a blanket, a few good sandwiches, fruit, and drinks — you’ll have one of Toronto’s great budget-friendly meals.
Ice Cream & Snacks
Multiple ice cream stands operate during the summer, with locations near the ferry docks, the amusement park, and the major beaches. Hand-dipped cones, soft serve, and Italian ice are all standard offerings.
Toronto Islands History
The Toronto Islands were once a peninsula connected to the mainland, used by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation as a place of healing and seasonal residence. The peninsula was breached during a major storm in 1858, creating the islands as we know them today.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands hosted a popular amusement park, a baseball stadium where Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in 1914, multiple hotels, and a thriving residential community of more than 600 cottages. Most of the residential community was forcibly removed in the 1950s and 60s as the City of Toronto consolidated the islands as parkland, but a small protest community of remaining residents on Ward’s and Algonquin Islands ultimately won legal protection from removal — their cottages remain inhabited today.
The islands now host roughly 1.4 million annual visitors, the Toronto Island Airport (Billy Bishop) on Hanlan’s Point, and a busy programming calendar of summer concerts and festivals.
Best Time to Visit the Toronto Islands
Best Time of Day
Morning visits (10 a.m. to noon) offer the smallest crowds and the most pleasant temperatures in summer. Late afternoon (4 to 7 p.m.) catches the best skyline-photo light and a cooler beach temperature. Avoid arriving at the ferry terminal between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on hot summer Saturdays, when the box-office line peaks.
Best Day of the Week
Tuesday through Thursday in summer are the consistently quietest days. Saturdays and Sundays bring the largest crowds, especially in July and August.
Best Time of Year
Late May through mid-June and early September are the sweet spot for warm weather, lighter crowds, and full ferry service. July and August deliver the busiest crowds and the warmest swim weather. October on the Ward’s Island route can be one of the most beautiful but quietest visits possible — the autumn colours combined with the empty paths feel like a different city.
Toronto Islands with Kids: Family Tips
The Toronto Islands are arguably the most family-friendly day in Toronto. Centreville Amusement Park is calibrated for kids 2 to 12, the swimming beaches are lifeguarded with calm water, and the lack of cars means children can roam freely with appropriate supervision.
Logistics
Strollers and wagons are welcome on the ferry; bring a sturdy stroller for the longer paths. Multiple baby-changing facilities are scattered through the Centre Island visitor zone. Most trails are flat and stroller-friendly. The lifeguards staffing the swim beaches in season are well-trained and can help families navigate water-safety questions.
What to Pack
Sunscreen, sun hats, swimsuits and towels (in season), water bottles, a picnic if you’re skipping the ferry-dock concessions, a light layer for the breeze on the ferry, and comfortable walking shoes (you’ll easily cover 5–8 km in a day).
Centreville Amusement Park Tips
Buy ride wristbands if your kids will go on more than five rides — otherwise individual ride tickets are cheaper. The popular antique carousel, log flume, and bumper boats can have 20-minute waits at peak hours.
If you’re building out a longer trip with children, our guide to Toronto with kids covers where else to point the day.
Photography on the Toronto Islands
The Iconic Skyline Shot
From the Centre Island lakefront looking north, with the CN Tower and Financial District spread across the horizon. The Centre Island Pier extending into the lake offers the most sweeping version of the same composition. Best between 4 and 7 p.m. for warm directional light.
Sunset From Hanlan’s Point
Hanlan’s Point Beach faces west, making it the only Toronto Islands location that catches the sun setting directly over the lake. Photographers love the long-exposure shots of the open water with the Toronto City Airport runway lights coming on as dusk falls.
The Algonquin Bridge
The wooden Algonquin Bridge connecting Ward’s and Algonquin Islands is one of the most photogenic small structures on the islands. Especially beautiful in autumn when the surrounding trees turn.
The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
The 1809 lighthouse on Centre Island’s southwest tip is a striking heritage subject, especially during golden hour.
Practical Tips for a Great Toronto Islands Day
Book ferry tickets online. Online ticket holders use a separate express line during peak hours and can avoid the worst summer queues.
Pack a picnic from St. Lawrence Market or a bakery. Food options on the islands are fine but limited; a market picnic is one of the great Toronto budget experiences.
Bring sunscreen and water. The islands are mostly exposed; shade is limited in midsummer.
Plan for the wind. Even on warm summer days, the ferry ride and the beaches can be 5 to 10 degrees cooler than downtown. Bring a light layer.
Respect Ward’s Island residents. The 250 island residents live there year-round; the lanes between cottages are public but the homes and yards are private. Stay on paths, don’t cut through gardens, and keep noise reasonable.
Plan your return ferry. The last ferries home on summer Saturdays can run 30+ minutes behind schedule due to volume. Aim to be at the ferry dock 30 minutes before the last departure if you’re cutting it close.
Check the forecast. The islands are spectacular in good weather and a soggy slog in storms. Reschedule if rain is forecast for most of the day.
What to See Near the Toronto Islands
Harbourfront & Queens Quay
The Harbourfront promenade running west from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal is one of Toronto’s most pleasant waterfront walks. Pair an island day with a coffee or dinner along Queens Quay for a complete waterfront experience.
CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium & Rogers Centre
All three attractions are within a 10-minute walk of the ferry terminal. A morning at the Toronto Islands paired with an afternoon at the CN Tower or Ripley’s Aquarium makes one of the great Toronto family days.
Distillery District & St. Lawrence Market
Both within a 15-minute walk east of the ferry terminal. A St. Lawrence Market lunch followed by the islands followed by the Distillery is a classic Toronto Saturday.
Trillium Park & the William G. Davis Trail
Adjacent to the ferry terminal, the relatively new Trillium Park (opened 2017) is a 7.5-acre waterfront park with sculptural rock outcrops, native plantings, and excellent skyline views. Worth 30 minutes before or after your ferry trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Toronto Islands
How much does the Toronto Islands ferry cost?
Adult return tickets are approximately $9.57. Students/seniors are $6.15, children 2–14 are $4.51, and children under 2 are free. Tickets include the return trip back.
How long is the Toronto Islands ferry ride?
The Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point ferries take approximately 13 to 15 minutes from departure to arrival. The Ward’s Island ferry takes about 10 minutes.
Can you drive to the Toronto Islands?
No — there’s no road access. The ferry is the only public way to reach the islands. (A small number of resident vehicles use a separate barge service for moving day, but visitors cannot bring cars.)
When do the Toronto Islands ferries run?
The Ward’s Island ferry runs year-round. The Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point ferries run mid-April through mid-October. Schedules are heavier in summer and reduced in shoulder seasons. Check toronto.ca for current schedules.
Are dogs allowed on the Toronto Islands?
Yes — dogs are welcome on the islands and on the ferries (well-behaved dogs on leashes, except service animals which can be off-leash). The Ward’s Island and Algonquin Island areas have a dedicated off-leash dog area; dogs are not permitted on the swimming beaches in season.
Can you swim at the Toronto Islands?
Yes — the islands have 11 Blue Flag-certified swimming beaches with lifeguards on duty in season (typically late June through early September). Centre Island Beach, Ward’s Island Beach, and Hanlan’s Point Beach are the most popular.
How long should I plan for a Toronto Islands visit?
Plan a half-day (3–4 hours) for a focused visit covering one or two activities and a meal. Plan a full day (7–9 hours) if you want to bike the islands, swim, eat a picnic lunch, and do Centreville with kids.
Is the Toronto Islands Centreville Amusement Park free?
The park itself is free to enter, but rides require either individual tickets or an unlimited-ride wristband. Wristbands are typically a better deal for families planning to do five or more rides.
Are there washrooms on the Toronto Islands?
Yes — multiple public washrooms operate seasonally across all three islands, with year-round facilities at the Ward’s Island ferry dock area. Accessible washrooms are available at the major visitor areas.
Can you camp on the Toronto Islands?
No — there’s no public camping on the islands. The only overnight accommodations are private homes in the small Ward’s and Algonquin Island residential communities.
Plan Your Toronto Islands Visit
The Toronto Islands are the kind of attraction that everyone who visits Toronto should experience at least once, and that locals come back to repeatedly across the years. Book your ferry online for the best peak-summer queue experience, pack a picnic from St. Lawrence Market, plan your day around either Centreville (with kids) or biking and beaches (without), budget time for the iconic skyline photo, and let the rest of the day unfold at the slow pace the islands invite. The combination of the 15-minute ferry escape, the car-free 600 acres, and the unmatched skyline view make this Toronto’s single best day-trip experience — without ever leaving the city.
Looking for what to pair with an island day, browse the wider roundups of things to do in Toronto and the city’s major Toronto attractions.