Your complete guide to the Toronto Islands — how to get there by ferry, which island to visit, best beaches (Centre Island, Hanlan's Point, Ward's Island), bike rentals, picnic spots, and insider tips for 2026.
Fifteen minutes by ferry from the downtown waterfront sits one of the genuinely great urban escapes in North America. The Toronto Islands — technically an archipelago of 17 small islands — are car-free, connected by walking and cycling paths, and ringed with some of the best beaches in the city. The view of the Toronto skyline from the islands is simply the best in the city, full stop.
Ferries depart from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street, just east of Harbour Square. There are three routes serving different parts of the islands:
Ferry lineup tip On summer weekends, the Centre Island ferry lineup can be 2+ hours. Go early (before 10am) or late (after 4pm). Alternatively, take the Ward's Island ferry (usually a much shorter wait) and walk the 20 minutes west to Centre Island — it's a beautiful walk.
Centre Island is the most popular destination — it has Centreville Amusement Park (great for families with young kids), the main beach, a petting zoo, rental boats, and bike rentals. This is the busy hub. The main beach faces west and has good swimming with a gradual sandy bottom.
The east end of the archipelago is residential — Ward's and Algonquin Islands have about 600 permanent residents in some of the most unusual and coveted housing in Canada. The vibe is quiet, cottage-like, and genuinely charming. The Gibraltar Point beach area between Ward's and Centre is beautiful and significantly less crowded than the main beach.
Best kept secret The Ward's Island community sometimes runs a small café near the ferry dock — check if it's open before making it your primary destination. The walk from the Ward's dock to Gibraltar Point beach (about 20 minutes along the inner lagoon path) is one of the best walks in the city.
The west end is the least crowded part of the islands. Two beaches here: the main Hanlan's Point beach and a clothing-optional section at the western tip (officially designated since 1999). The western tip also has a great view of planes landing at Billy Bishop Airport — the approach is so low overhead it's genuinely dramatic. Good for naturalists, cyclists, and anyone wanting a quieter islands experience.
June through August is peak season. Weekday mornings are the best time — the islands are quiet, the water is calmer, and ferry lines are minimal. Sunset from the islands' western shore (Hanlan's) looking back at the lit-up Toronto skyline is one of the genuinely spectacular things you can see in this city.
Summer Things To Do → — See all Toronto waterfront and summer activities
Ferry tickets cost approximately $9.37 for adults and $4.60 for children (round trip). Prices are set by the City of Toronto and updated annually. Purchase at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street.
Yes — there is a campground on the islands (Toronto Island Park Campground) that allows overnight camping with advance reservations through the City of Toronto parks system.
Yes — a designated section at the western tip of Hanlan's Point beach has been officially clothing-optional since 1999. It is clearly marked. The rest of the beach is standard swimwear required.
Bikes are allowed on all three ferry routes for a small additional fee. Bike rentals are also available near the Centre Island ferry dock if you prefer not to bring your own.
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