I’m going to be honest… I did not know that such a thing as the Toronto Islands existed until very recently. I thought Toronto was just a big city (which it is) with a lot of tall buildings (which it has). But I never expected to find something as secluded as a cluster of islands, covered in trees and beaches. And very minimal shelter if you happen to get caught in the rain (which I did).
But lo and behold, the Toronto Islands (or Toronto Island Park, officially) exist, and are the perfect place to spend an afternoon, or even a whole day as a break from the big city. So here is your complete guide to help you plan your trip, and hopefully not find yourself trudging at 30,000+ steps in the pouring rain trying to find another ferry that didn’t have a line a mile long.
Year visited: 2025
Time of Year: August
What’s in this Article:
- Toronto Islands Overview
- How to Get to the Toronto Islands
- Things to Do on the Toronto Islands
- Where to Eat on the Toronto Islands
- Best Toronto Islands Photo Spots
- Other Things to Do in Toronto
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Toronto Islands Overview
Where are the Toronto Islands?
The Toronto Islands are located just across the harbour from the city of Toronto. It is a short 15 minute ferry ride from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to reach them.
How many islands are there?
There are three main islands, each of which have a ferry dock you can get to from the city:
- Ward Island
- Centre Island
- Hanlan Island
In addition to these main islands, there are several other small islands you can visit. Officially, there are 15 Toronto islands. The other main spots people visit are:
- Algonquin Island
- Snake Island
- Olympic Island
Do people live on the Toronto Islands?
Yes, there are some people who live on the Toronto Islands. The population of the islands is approximately 650 people. If you want to be one of these lucky people, it’s good to know that there is actually a waiting list to buy property on the islands!
Public Restrooms on the Toronto Islands
Before I go anywhere, my most important question is WHERE do I go to the bathroom (or washroom, as they say in Canada)???
The good news is, since the islands are officially a public park run by the city, there are plenty of places to relieve yourself during your visit. Year-round restrooms are located near all three ferry docks, as well as plenty of others dotted around the island that are open during the warmer months.
Best time of year to visit Toronto Island Park
You can visit the Toronto Islands any time of year. They are one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in the spring (usually late April), or to see colorful foliage in the fall.
Summer is obviously an ideal time to visit the islands, as it should be the best weather for walking/biking around, swimming, and enjoying the amusement park and other main activities on the islands. However, I think the best overall month to visit is September. The main summer crowds should be thinned out, the leaves will start to turn, but the weather should still be good (and hopefully not rainy).
I’ve been to Toronto in April, August, and the nearby area in early October. And the only time it didn’t rain on me was October!
- Pro Tip: Be sure to pack layers, especially a rain coat. It rains a lot in Toronto. Every time I’ve been there, it has rained off and on randomly throughout my trip. And I unfortunately got caught in the middle of the islands in a huge downpour! It was definitely memorable…
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a nude beach on the Toronto Islands?
- Yes, Hanlan Beach is a clothing optional beach.
- Are there snakes on Snake Island?
- Although the local on the subway tried to convince us otherwise, according to everything I’ve read, there are not actual snakes on Snake Island. I just avoided it anyway. Just to be safe…
- How big is Toronto Island Park?
- Bigger than you realize! I walked from one end of the islands to the other, and let me tell you, I barely made it (granted I had already walked about 20,000 steps and had blisters…). But seriously, the islands are a lot more spread out than the cute little map makes them look, so be prepared to get your steps in for the day.
How to Get to the Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are very easy to get to, and it’s fairly inexpensive as well. They make a great day trip out from the city!
There are two ways to reach the islands:
- Public Ferry
- Water Taxi
Toronto Islands Ferry
The most common way to reach Toronto Island Park is via public ferry. The ferries leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in downtown Toronto.
The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes to cross the harbour. There are three ferries; one to Ward Island, one to Centre Island, and one to Hanlan Island. Centre Island is the most popular island to visit, and will have the biggest and most crowded ferry.
You can buy a ferry ticket online, or in person the day of. If you buy it online ahead of time, it is good for any day that year, at any time. You do not need to book a specific time, just go to the ferry terminal the day you want to visit the islands, and hop on any of the ferries. You can also get on any ferry back to the city.
If you buy your ferry ticket in person at the dock, you have to use it that day.
- Good to Know: They only check ferry tickets on the way to the islands. So you could ride the water taxi over, and then hop on the ferry for free on the way back, if you want to.
Water Taxi
The alternative to the public ferry is to take a water taxi over. This is more expensive than a ferry ride, but it is slightly faster and less crowded.
There’s the Toronto Harbour Water Taxi, and the Pirate Taxi, both of which are about the same price. While a ferry ticket will cover both ways, a water taxi ticket is just a one-way price. You can always take the ferry back for free, if you don’t want to pay for the taxi both directions.
The hours for the taxis are less consistent in the off-season, so be sure to check the current hours if you’re visiting in the late fall, winter or spring.
- Pro Tip: If you’re wondering why anyone would want to pay more for a slightly faster water taxi, here’s a scenario for you: When I visited the islands, it started pouring rain, and everyone tried to leave Centre Island (already the most crowded island) at the same time. The line for the ferry was so long, I literally couldn’t even find the end of it. Meanwhile, there was no line for the taxi. I was absolutely willing to pay for that!
Things to Do on the Toronto Islands
There are plenty of things to do on the Toronto Islands. It’s the perfect spot to escape the city and get outdoors for a while.
- Good to Know: A lot of the things to do on the islands will close for the winter. You can still visit the islands in the winter, but it will mostly be to walk around and enjoy the scenery.
Beaches
I think the best thing to do on the islands is to visit the beach (if it isn’t raining, that is!). There are several beaches you can visit, including a clothing optional beach.
- Centre Island Beach is the main beach. It is close to the amusement park, and there are concessions, rentals, bathhouses and a pier.
- Ward Beach is a smaller, less crowded beach by the Ward Island ferry. It’s a good spot if you just want a quiet, relaxing beach day.
- Gibraltar Point Beach is the section between Centre Island Beach and Hanlan’s Point Beach.
- Hanlan’s Point Beach is the clothing optional area of Toronto Island Park.
Guided Tours
You can rent a bike or boat on your own and explore the islands, but you could also do it as part of a guided tour, and learn some of the history and fun facts of the islands. Some good options would be this morning bike tour, or, if you’re not a morning person, this sunset canoe tour.
If boating or biking isn’t your thing, sign up for the official Toronto Islands Walking Tour.
Rent Bikes
Bikes are the best way to get around the islands (which are entirely car free, except for service vehicles!). There are plenty of the Tangerine Bike stations around the islands (usually right when you get off the ferry), which you can rent on the app or the kiosk and then take off on a fun ride through the wooded paths and roads.
There is also a bike rental by the beach on Centre Island.
- Good to Know: Bikes are not allowed on the boardwalk.
Rent Boats
Aside from guided tours, you can rent canoes and kayaks at the Boat House just off of Centre Island.
Centreville Amusement Park
There is a cute little amusement park just after the ferry dock on Centre Island. Centreville is mainly geared toward younger kids, but there are rides for all ages available, as well as a petting zoo.
Sports/Disc Golf
If you have your own sporting equipment, there are lots of places to make use of it on the islands. There are soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and even a disc golf course. The only catch is, you have to bring your own equipment, so be sure to pack your disc golf set if you want to enjoy the beautiful course setting on the islands.
Walk on the Boardwalk
One of the prettiest places to explore is the boardwalk that runs from Ward’s Island Beach to Centre Island Beach. There are lots of benches to sit and enjoy the quiet views of Lake Ontario along the walk.
Visit the Lighthouse
A key point of interest on the islands is Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, which makes a good photo op as you’re walking or biking around.
Where to Eat on the Toronto Islands
If you start feeling hangry while you’re exploring the islands, there are several places you can find food, from fine dining to quick snacks. Or you can pack a picnic with you and enjoy a frugal meal with the beautiful scenery!
Here are some of the main spots you can find food on the islands:
- Island Cafe: Spot for a light snack just off the ferry dock for Ward’s Island.
- Island Riviera: The Island Riviera Resort runs several different eateries, so you can have your choice of food/vibe, with relaxing views of the water and beaches on Ward Island.
- Carousel Cafe: A cute sit down spot next to Centreville Amusement Park.
- Snack Bar: There are several fast food options (and picnic tables) available near the Centre Island ferry dock.
- Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co: Amazing burgers, sandwiches, mac n cheese (and even the occasional salad), with epic views of the city’s skyline.
Best Photo Spots on the Toronto Islands
There are no shortages of views of the CN Tower from the Toronto Islands. Not to mention the entire city skyline, the beautiful foliage, and a cute little church.
Here are some of the best photo spots on the islands:
Toronto Skyline
There are plenty of places to find epic skyline views from Toronto Island Park. Here are the best spots for a skyline photo:
- Just off of the Centre Island ferry dock, by Toronto Island BBQ & Beer
- By the ferry dock at Hanlan’s Point
- The path between Gibraltar Lighthouse and Hanlan’s Point ferry dock
- Sunfish Cut viewpoint, between Snake Island and Algonquin Island
CN Tower
You can also get some really great photos with the CN Tower in the background (these would be great instagram photos, if you have a tripod or someone to take photos for you. I, unfortunately, had neither).
The tower will pop up all over the islands, but these are some of my favorite angles:
- From the flower gardens on Centre Island (between the beach and Centreville)
- Along the path between Gibraltar Lighthouse and Hanlan’s Point ferry dock
- Along the path near Snug Harbour
Other Cute Photo Spots
The whole area is a beautiful backdrop for a photo shoot (in fact, if you want to, you can even book professional photo shoots with a local photographer!). I think these are some of the best spots to visit:
- The boardwalk along Lake Ontario
- St. Andrews by the Lake Church
- The beautiful trees/foliage along the path between the church and the boat house.
Other Things to Do in Toronto
There are plenty of other things to do in Toronto while you’re visiting the city. I have a whole guide to the best things to do in Toronto, but here are a few good ideas to get you started:
- Take a walking tour of the city
- Visit one of the many museums, like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario
- Explore the different neighborhoods, especially the Distillery District or Chinatown
- Visit the CN Tower
- Go to a show or sporting event
- Day trip to Niagara Falls
- Day trip to the cute small town where they filmed the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls!
Any more questions?
If you have any more questions about visiting the Toronto Islands (or any tips to share!), feel free to email me or comment below.
Planning a trip to Toronto?
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Julia is a travel blogger with a Bachelor’s Degree in photography from Indiana Wesleyan University. She worked as a professional photo-retoucher for seven and a half years, before leaving the company to work in the travel industry. She now works at a historic 1800’s hotel. When she’s not working, she’s reading fantasy novels or classic literature, and planning trips to magical destinations.
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