I’d never heard of the Toronto Islands before my trip to Toronto. They are a chain of 15 islands interconnected by pathways and bridges, located on Lake Ontario, just south of the city. The archipelago covers an area of 820 acres,  is 5 km long…and even includes an airport at one end! (although the airport is not accessible from the island). 

Getting to the islands involves a 15-minute ferry ride from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in downtown Toronto. The ferries run all year round and disembark at one of the three main groups of islands – Centre Island, Ward’s Island or Hanlan’s Point. (Each route has a different timetable). However as the islands are connected, you can walk from one end to the other. I started my day on Centre Island and departed from Ward’s Island Ferry, exploring as much of the islands as I could. 

Reasons why you should visit the Toronto Islands:

• Toronto Islands offer the best views of the City’s Skyline

The ferry ride from downtown Toronto to the islands is incredibly scenic. The city appears to glisten in the sunlight, and spreads out in front of you as the ferry heads toward the islands. While there are lovely views on the ferry ride, the best views of the cityscape are found on the island, specifically along its eastern shore. Viewpoints are scattered along Centre Island, Olympic Island, Algonquin Island and Ward Island. (Pro-tip: best views are from Olympic Island). If you spend the day on the islands, definitely check out the skyline at sunset, when it’s at its most beautiful. 

• Toronto Islands offer a ton of activities for the day-tripper 

There is an (almost) overwhelming number of activities that one could engage in during a visit to the islands.

For nature lovers: There is a circular trail, almost 15 km in distance, that will take you from Hanlan’s Point to Ward’s Island. The trail is primarily flat, and paved, so it is quite accessible. There are pretty bridges to cross, charming cottages to admire, formal gardens or wooded areas to explore and of course the beautiful Lake Ontario. 

For families/children: Centerville Amusement Park, on Centre Island is a particular hit for (young)kids. The numerous rides and attractions include a Ferris wheel, pedal boats and miniature golf. There is also a petting zoo, a maze…and even a haunted lighthouse! (The oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes,  Gibraltar Lighthouse was built in 1808. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of John P. Rademuller, the first keeper of the lighthouse, who was murdered 1815). There are also many picnic spots, restaurants and food outlets. 

For sport enthusiasts: There are land-based and water-based activities. The most popular activity is cycling; one can rent bikes from a couple of shops on the island. There is a tennis court (Hanlan’s Point), football field (Ward’s island), baseball diamond, beach volleyball and a disc golf course. Kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding on the sheltered waterways of the  islands are other popular activities.

• Toronto Islands offer a choice of fantastic beaches

There are four beautiful sandy beaches along the western shore of the islands: Ward beach, Centre Island beach, Gibraltar Point beach and Hanlon beach. Hanlon is the quietest of the four, and also has a ‘clothing optional’ section. The waters were clear when I visited, albeit quite cold. Two of the four beaches (Ward and Hanlon) are designated ‘Blue Flag’ beaches. 

• Toronto Islands offer the perfect escape from city 

I absolutely loved exploring the islands. They are the perfect day trip from the city and an escape from its hustle and bustle; an opportunity to be in nature, enjoy picturesque views and do as little or as much as you’d like. I spent less time at the beaches and more time exploring the trails; I discovered oases of calm amidst the crowds.

Pro-Tip: The islands get busy, especially in summer. Most people spend time on Centre Island.  So head to Ward’s Island (home to the almost 700 residents of the island community where it is much quieter) or Hanlon’s Point (the most green part of the archipelago, which is also much less visited than Centre Island). 

Final Thoughts

Perhaps one of the things I loved most about the Toronto islands is that they were an unexpected find so close to a metropolis. For as little as a $10-return ticket, anyone can catch a ferry, escape the chaos of the city and find their little slice of heaven. 

Visited August 2022.

I’m curious, do you know if there are other capital cities with their own islands? Tell me below.

Previous Post: Toronto: Cosmopolitan City on the Shores of Lake Ontario