A few days ago, I felt like getting a breath of fresh air and escaping the downtown core, so I packed a picnic and spent the afternoon on the Toronto Islands. It’s easily one of my favourite places in the city!
Whether you’re a local or visiting Toronto for the first time, taking the boat over to the islands is the fastest way to get away from the hustle and bustle. Every year, over 1.5 million visitors come to stroll, cycle, and relax along Lake Ontario.
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Last update: October 2026
Toronto Islands history
The Toronto Islands, covering 332 ha, are an archipelago of 15 islands in Lake Ontario, 1.6 km south of downtown Toronto. They are composed of sand and gravel from the erosion of the Scarborough Bluffs. In 1858, a violent storm separated them from the mainland. Since then the surface of the islands has doubled to its current size. There are currently 262 houses and between 600 and 700 people living on these islands. I had heard that the waiting list to buy a house there was 70 years, but in doing research I see that it is really very complicated. The sales can’t be done like for the classic real estate: only the first 100 people on the waiting list can buy this property, if nobody is interested they continue with the rest of the list (there would be 500 people currently). All this to say that it’s not tomorrow the day we’ll be able to buy our cottage on the islands but sometimes you can find rental on Airbnb if you really want to spend a night there.
On the islands you will also find a school, an art space, a fire station, it is a small city in the city.
How can you get to Toronto Islands?
You have two main ways to reach the Toronto Islands. Either way, the crossing takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Before choosing your mode of transportation, you’ll need to decide where you want to go. Whether you take the public ferry or a water taxi, you have 3 arrival points to choose from:
Centre Island
This is the most popular and central stop. You arrive right in the middle of the islands. It’s the most family-friendly area with plenty of grassy open space to set up for the day. You’ll also find a Pizza Pizza, a Subway, a sit-down restaurant, a kids’ amusement park, and a small farm. Barbecues are available to use, along with picnic tables and chairs facing the city skyline. We host at least one barbecue here every year, it’s just so lovely!
Ward’s Island
Located on the eastern end of the archipelago, this stop offers a much quieter and more residential atmosphere. I love the peaceful vibe here as well as the unique architecture, ranging from historic small cottages to newly renovated homes. You’ll also find restaurants, cafés, a soccer field, a beach, and a small marina.
Hanlan’s Point
Situated on the far west side, right next to Billy Bishop Airport (Toronto’s downtown airport). This area is much calmer, featuring views toward Mississauga and a beautiful beach that offers stunning sunsets. It’s also home to Toronto’s only clothing-optional (nudist) beach!
Take the ferry
Firstly you can check the schedule on the city’s website here. Be careful to look at the schedule for each season to make sure you don’t get confused. You can also reserve your tickets on the city’s website or pick them up directly at the box office. Price: $9.57 per adult, $4.50 between 2 and 14 years old. With this ticket you can go back and forth. They do not check tickets on the way back, no stress if you lost your ticket, you won’t have to swim your way back to the city.
Address: Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto (Bay/Queens Quay)
Take the water taxi
This is the option I choose most often because it’s simpler: less waiting, less people and departures every 10 minutes from several places, you can find the map with the different options here.
You have several companies that operate: Tiki Taxi, Toronto Water Taxi, Tdot Water and The Pirate Taxi for example. I usually go with Tdot Water because they have an app and a loyalty program. If you take them during the week you will have few people and can have your pictures taken in the middle of the lake with the skyline in the background. Once when my French friends came to visit me the driver even stopped in the middle to take our picture: adorable!
Fare is usually between 12 and 14 dollars per ride.
Restaurants on Toronto Islands
Although you can find local restaurants, a Pizza Pizza and a Subway, you can also come with your picnic. You will meet groups of people who are regulars and super equipped, carrying their coolers: the pro’s of the islands haha!
If you prefer to cook, barbecues are available in the islands. To be sure to get one I’d recommend you will to come earl. Note that you’ll need to also bring your charcoal but it is a great option. You also have picnic tables throughout the islands. Some people set up real birthday parties in the summer which is really nice.
Things to Do on the Toronto Islands
There’s truly something for everyone on the islands, it’s impossible to get bored, and you can easily spend an entire day exploring!
Rent a Bike
City bike rentals (Bike Share) are now available directly on the Toronto Islands. These bikes must stay on the islands (you cannot bring them on the ferries or water taxis), but the system works just like on the mainland: unlock and return them using the app. It’s an awesome way to cover more ground! Alternatively, you can rent bikes, tandems, or four-wheeled quadricycles (rosalies) from local rental shops on Ward’s Island and Centre Island. I’ve never tried a tandem bike myself, but it looks like quite a balancing act!
Play Outdoor Sports
The islands are the ultimate playground for soccer, Spikeball, beach volleyball, or frisbee. There’s even a full disc golf course on the island-built just like a mini-golf course, but played with a frisbee!
Stroll Past the Storybook Houses on Ward’s Island
As I mentioned earlier, I absolutely love the homes in this area. They look like charming little cottages straight out of a fairytale. Walking through these quiet, car-free streets doesn’t take long and is well worth the detour.
Paddleboard, Kayak, or Canoe
Standing up on a paddleboard on Lake Ontario is easily one of my favourite summer activities! I even bought my own paddleboard so I could get out on the water as much as possible. If you don’t have your own gear, no worries at all: you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes on both Ward’s Island and Centre Island.
Visit the Amusement Park & Farm
If you’re traveling with kids, head over to Centreville Amusement Park or the neighbouring Far Enough Farm. There are plenty of rides and animal encounters to keep the little ones entertained.
Admire the Toronto Skyline
No trip to the islands is complete without taking in the skyline views! It’s easily one of the best photo spots in the entire city (as featured in my guide to the best locations to photograph the CN Tower). For the absolute best angles, I recommend setting up on Centre Island or Ward’s Island.
Explore the Mysterious Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
Built in the early 1800s, this is the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Beyond its history, it’s famous for the murder of its first lighthouse keeper, John Paul Radelmüller, whose ghost is said to still haunt the grounds… Believe it or not, one thing’s for sure: you won’t catch me hanging around there after dark, haha!
Toilets on Toronto Islands
Public restrooms are easily accessible all across the islands. You’ll also find outdoor showers near some of the beaches, which is super convenient for rinsing the sand off your feet after a walk along the shore, haha!
I hope you have a fantastic time visiting the beautiful Toronto Islands! It’s such a unique spot that we’re so grateful to have right here while living in a big city like Toronto. If you’re looking for more things to do around town, you might want to check out my list of 25 free things to do in Toronto. Enjoy your visit!
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