Escaping to the Toronto Islands

Ahh island getaways – we all love them! But what if I told you that you could get away to the islands on your next trip to Toronto? The Toronto Islands are a collection of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario only a few minutes away from Downtown Toronto. Unbelievable right?! They’re great fun at all times of the year but are especially enjoyable during the warmer months, with locals getting out into the fresh air on a weekend to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The island chain is made up of three main islands – Ward’s Island, Hanlan’s Point and Centre Island – and seeing all three makes for a great afternoon activity. I wasn’t expecting a huge amount from the Toronto Islands initially, but they became one of the best parts of my Toronto trip!

I spent about three to four hours on the islands. It was enough time to take it all in, but I could have spent the whole day out there if I had more time.

• If you’re looking for more to do in Toronto, check out my itinerary HERE.

Toronto Islands – The Basics

• Where: The Toronto Islands are situated in Lake Ontario. A ferry services all three main islands from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto.
• When: While ferry times vary throughout the year, in the summer the first ferry leaves to the islands at 8.00am (earlier for Ward’s Island) and the last ferry returns at 11.40pm (except from Hanlan’s Point) daily.
• How Much? The Islands themselves are free, but the ferry costs $8.70 CAD for an adult return trip. Children 14 years and under return fares are $4.10 CAD (children under 2 years old ride for free).
• Website: https://www.torontoisland.com/

Toronto Islands Background

Okay so fun fact, the Toronto Islands weren’t always islands. Until 1858, they were actually connected to a 9 kilometre long sandbar that jutted out into Lake Ontario. After years of erosion brought about by severe storms and waves, the islands finally broke away from the shore that year following a particularly devastating blast.

From the 19th Century onwards, the Toronto Islands were inhabited by some of Toronto’s wealthiest residents. They built mansions particularly on the easternmost island, with the prominent Ward Family first settling on the island in 1930 (and naming it the process). While the islands are mostly for day trippers these days, Wards Island is still home to a small residential community. Meanwhile the Hanlan Family first settled Gibraltar Point on the westernmost island in 1862 and established their own hotel on Hanlan’s Point in 1870. They were actually the first permanent residents on the islands. Over time, their island grew to include a lighthouse and a baseball stadium!

Funnily enough, while it is the most visited of the islands today, Centre Island didn’t really take off until the 1950s, when the Toronto Islands were truly developed into public parkland!

Oh yeah, and there’s also a small airport on the Islands (Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport) which opened in 1939. You can’t get to it from the rest of the Toronto Islands, but it services smaller regional flights into Toronto.

How to Get to the Toronto Islands

Getting to the Toronto Islands is really easy. You don’t even have to plan much, so I highly recommend trying to get out there on whatever day has the best weather when you’re in the city. To get to the islands, you’ll first need to head to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. If you’re staying in Downtown Toronto, its just a short walk to the waterfront to get there. You can either buy your ferry ticket at the terminal, or pre-purchase on the website (which you’ll want to do if you’re arriving later in the day to avoid the line).

Once you’ve got your ticket, you’ll have a decision to make – where do you want to start your island adventure? There’s a separate ferry that goes to each of Centre Island, Ward’s Island and Hanlan’s Point. Most people go to Centre Island, since its where the most touristy attractions are. I’d recommend going to one of the other islands first – that way you can come back from the other end on your return since your ticket is good for any of the ferries (the islands themselves are all connected by bridges). I visited Hanlan’s Point first, and that’s the order I’ll be taking you along in this post.

Once you’ve made your selection, sit back at relax on board. The ride across the lake only takes about 15 minutes and you’ll get some great views of Downtown Toronto from the water.

Hanlan’s Point

Starting your visit at Hanlan’s Point allows you a peaceful introduction to the Toronto Islands. As the least developed of the islands, this is the place to come for a relaxing stroll in nature. When you arrive, the first thing you’ll see is the Ned Hanlan Statue. Edward “Ned” Hanlan was born in Toronto and took up rowing at a young age when his family moved to the islands. He went on to become one of Canada’s most famous rowers. He’s not the only superstar to have made his mark on Hanlan’s Point though. This island is also the place where a 19 year old rookie named Babe Ruth scored his first home run (remember that old baseball stadium I mentioned?).

Venturing along the rest of the island, you’ll be surrounded by greenery and lake views. Pick a nice day and there’s no better place to be in Toronto. There’s quite a few beaches along this island, and unlike on Centre Island, they’re pretty quiet. Full warning though – there is a clothing optional beach on Hanlan’s Point (one of the only ones in Canada) so just know what you’re getting into if that’s not your thing.

The most notable site on Hanlan’s Point though is definitely the Gibraltar Lighthouse. It was built in 1808 and is actually the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Its also apparently haunted, according to legend, by the ghost of its first keeper, John Paul Radmuller. He was murdered there in 1815! While you can’t go inside the lighthouse, stopping by will reward you with some great photos.

Centre Island

Most people visiting the Toronto Islands will head straight for Centre Island. Its definitely the tourist hub and is filled with things to do. The most famous attraction is the Centreville Amusement Park, which goes back all the way to 1959. As far as amusement parks go, its really more of a local funfair type thing. Most of the rides are designed for children, but families can spend hours here. Nonetheless, its fun to just pass through, and if you do feel like doing something, the chairlift is enjoyable for all ages. Entrance to the park is free, but you have to pay for individual rides. You can find out more on their official website. I also believe the park is closed in the winter.

Right next to the Amusement Park is the Far Enough Farm. Its basically a petting zoo filled with all kinds of farm animals. You’ll find donkeys, horses, pigs and more. Its another attraction that is incredibly popular with children (and its free), but all ages can enjoy it.

Away from the main funfair, you’ll continue along the Avenue of the Island Promenade. In addition to being a scenic walk to the south side of the island, its also filled with food vendors and pop up bars. Order a few Canadian beers and sit out in the sun. You’ll meet locals and travellers alike and its a really great atmosphere. When you’re finished, you can even head into the nearby William Meany Hedge Maze (which you should definitely try after a few drinks).

The southern part of the island is where you’ll find Chelsea Beach. Its the most popular beach on the Toronto Islands, so while I recommend getting your beach fix elsewhere, the pier that juts out from here is an incredibly scenic photo spot.

Ward’s Island

Ward’s Island is something of the forgotten island when it comes to visitors. Its definitely the least touristy of all three main Toronto Islands, and like I said, its actually home to a residential community. If you walk through the area, you’ll see their houses, a school, sporting field and other communal areas. The old resort that was on Ward’s Island back in the 19th century has even been converted into a ice cream shop! The whole area is actually pretty cool to wander through. I had no idea there were people that lived here when I first visited the islands.

Other than admiring the quaint little community, the main reason to visit Ward’s Island is to take a stroll along the boardwalk. Built along the southern edge of the island, it offers stunning lake views. It connects to Centre Island, so its the best way to get between the two. If all that walking makes you hungry, you can stop by the Island Cafe near the ferry wharf. It has a beautiful outdoor terrace and offers everything from hot dogs, to burgers and more. And of course, beer and wine. Its a great place to grab a bite before taking the next ferry back to Toronto.

There’s a lot to do on the Toronto Islands. Like I said, you could easily spend a whole day out here, but if you’re only on the islands for a few hours like me, this post should definitely keep you going. If you’ve got more time, there’s restaurants, boat rentals and more waiting for you on this amazing escape from the city. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find it hard to leave the Islands behind when you catch that ferry back Downtown! Have you been to the Toronto Islands? If so, tell me your favourite thing to do out on Lake Ontario’s best playground.