Toronto Islands

Visitor Guide to Toronto's Car-Free Island Escape

⏱ Half day👤 All agesFree

Just a 10-15 minute ferry ride from the downtown waterfront, the Toronto Islands are a string of interconnected islands in Lake Ontario that serve as the city's favorite green escape — a car-free haven of beaches, parkland, and lagoons that feels worlds away from the bustle, yet sits in full view of the skyline.

Once on the islands, there's plenty to do, mostly outdoors and at an easy pace. You can relax on the beaches (Centre Island and Ward's Island beaches, and the clothing-optional Hanlan's Point), stroll or cycle the paths that link the islands (bike rentals, including tandems and multi-seat "quadricycles," are available), rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboats on the lagoons, picnic on the lawns, and explore the gardens and the small residential community on Ward's and Algonquin Islands. For families, Centreville Amusement Park is a highlight — a vintage-style park of gentle rides and a petting farm aimed at younger children. And everywhere, the views back across the water to the downtown skyline and CN Tower are spectacular (the islands offer the classic Toronto skyline photo).

The islands are free to visit and enjoy; you pay only the modest fare for the city-run ferry (which departs from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street) and for any bike/boat rentals or Centreville rides. Ferries serve three island docks (Centre Island, Ward's Island, and Hanlan's Point). It's a seasonal pleasure at its best from late spring through early fall, when the ferries run frequently and the beaches and rentals are in full swing (winter visits are quieter and limited). Allow a half-day or more. Note that in peak summer the ferry queues can be long, so go early or buy ferry tickets ahead.