A 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto delivers you to roughly 600 acres of island parkland: beaches, picnic lawns, gardens, biking trails, a small amusement park, and a postcard view back to the city skyline. 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 Toronto’s best things to do, 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. Paths and bridges link them, and the ferries serve three destinations: Centre Island (the main destination, with most of the visitor attractions), Hanlan’s Point (the western beaches, including a clothing-optional beach), and Ward’s Island (the easternmost, with a small residential community and the quietest beaches).
The park covers roughly 600 acres (242 hectares), with interconnected paths, four supervised swimming beaches in season, and the Centreville Amusement Park — a family park with more than 30 rides and attractions. Public vehicles aren’t allowed, only emergency and service vehicles, and the islands’ more than 600 residents live in the Ward’s Island and Algonquin Island community.
Toronto Islands Ferry: Tickets & Schedule
Most visitors cross on the City ferry, and private water taxis also make the trip — there’s no road access to the park. The good news: the ferry is frequent, affordable, and the trip itself is part of the experience.
Ferry Tickets & Pricing
Return ferry fares are:
Adult (20–64): $9.57
Senior (65+) and youth (15–19): $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 an express line at the terminal during peak periods, when the City warns waits can run past 30 to 60 minutes) or at the box office at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Ferry Schedule
The ferry runs year-round on a varying schedule:
Summer season: Ferries run to all three islands — Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward’s Island. First and last sailings vary by route and by season, so check the day’s timetable on the City of Toronto’s ferry page for the next departure.
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, with departures roughly every 30–60 minutes on the published timetable; this winter’s schedule began on 14 October. Weather or mechanical problems can still change service.
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 short walk south of Union Station and is on the 509 Harbourfront streetcar route.
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, close to Centreville Amusement Park and the snack bars; the main beach and the Pier are about a ten-minute walk south. 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 (clothing-optional along its whole length) 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
Centreville Amusement Park has been a beloved Toronto institution for decades. The park has more than 30 rides and attractions, including an antique carousel, a kid-scale ferris wheel, the famous log flume, bumper boats, Touring Cars, and Far Enough Farm. It caters to families with young children, and ride limits go by height rather than age. Wristbands offer unlimited rides for the day; individual ride tickets are also available. Centreville opens from May through September on varying days and hours, so check its calendar before you go; it is now closed until spring 2027.
Bike the Islands
The islands are made for cyclists — flat multi-use paths and bridges link the parks, and public vehicles aren’t allowed. Toronto Island Bicycle Rental is closed for the season and plans to reopen on 1 May 2027; check its site for bike types and rates. Recommended route: Centre Island to Hanlan’s Point Beach, then east through the parks to Ward’s Island, and the boardwalk back.
Beaches & Swimming
The islands have four supervised swimming beaches, with lifeguards on duty in season (June to September). The most popular:
Centre Island Beach: A family beach about a ten-minute walk south of the Centre Island ferry dock. 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 whole beach is designated clothing-optional.
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 on the mainland Harbourfront rents solo kayaks for $50 and tandems for $70, for up to two hours with safety equipment and taxes included. A paddle from Harbourfront across to the islands and through the lagoons between them 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, at Centre Island Beach, looks out over the islands, Tommy Thompson Park and the Toronto skyline. The Trout Pond is a small fishing pond; check the rules and licence requirements before you cast a line. The pier is about a ten-minute walk south of the Centre Island ferry dock.
The Toronto Islands Disc Golf Course
Disc golfers love the 18-hole Toronto Islands Disc Golf course, which spans Ward’s and Centre Islands with its first tee just west of the Toronto Fire Hall, and several holes play alongside the lake. Free to play; bring your own discs.
Walk the Ward’s Island Boardwalk & Residential Village
Ward’s Island and neighbouring Algonquin Island are home to the islands’ quiet residential community. 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 Beach takes about 20 minutes.
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.
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 sites dot the park, including spots on the Centre Island lakefront, and any site that isn’t booked is first come, first served year-round. 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, Hanlan’s Point hosted a popular amusement park, a baseball stadium where Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in 1914, and multiple hotels, and by the 1950s the residential community had grown to about 630 cottages and homes. 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.
Today the park draws millions of visitors a year, and the islands are also home to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Best Time to Visit the Toronto Islands
Best Time of Day
Late afternoon (4 to 7 p.m.) catches the best skyline-photo light and a cooler beach temperature. On summer weekends, the City’s peak travel window from the mainland is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so cross before or after it if you can.
Best Day of the Week
Tuesday through Thursday in summer are the consistently quietest days. Summer weekends are the City’s peak ferry period, so expect the longest queues then.
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 are the heart of beach season. 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 built for families with young children (ride limits go by height, not age), the swimming beaches have lifeguards in season (swim only in the supervised areas), and with no public traffic, 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 cover a lot of ground on foot).
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 long 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, so it catches the sun setting 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 feel noticeably cooler than downtown. Bring a light layer.
Respect Ward’s Island residents. More than 600 people live on the islands, and their homes and yards are private. Stay on paths, don’t cut through gardens, and keep noise reasonable.
Plan your return ferry. Lines for the ferries home can be long at peak times. 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 sit side by side, an easy walk west 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 lie east of the ferry terminal, within walking distance. 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
West along the waterfront at Ontario Place, Trillium Park is a 7.5-acre waterfront park with sculptural rock outcrops, native plantings, and excellent skyline views. It makes a good add-on to an island day if you have time to head west after your ferry trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Toronto Islands
How much does the Toronto Islands ferry cost?
Adult return tickets (ages 20–64) are $9.57. Seniors 65 and over and youth 15–19 pay $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?
Allow about 15 minutes for the crossing from downtown. The City’s ferry timetable lists each route’s departures, so check it for the next sailing.
Can you drive to the Toronto Islands?
No — there’s no road access. Visitors reach the islands by the City ferry or a private water taxi. (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 — four island beaches are supervised for swimming, Centre Island, Gibraltar Point, Hanlan’s Point and Ward’s Island, with lifeguards on duty from June to 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 — public washrooms stay open year-round near Ward’s beach, on Centre Island and at the Hanlan’s Point ferry dock, and more open in summer. 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.
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.
