Ontario's oldest lighthouse (1808) sits on the south side of Centre Island, completely away from the tourist crowds that cluster near the amusement park. Allegedly haunted by lighthouse keeper J.P. Rademuller, who was murdered here in January 1815 and whose remains were never fully recovered. The ghost story is over 200 years old and still officially unresolved.
Area: Toronto Island · Address: Gibraltar Point, Centre Island, Toronto, ON · Best time: Late afternoon
Insider tip
Walk south from the ferry dock on Centre Island for about 20 minutes. Almost nobody goes this far south — the tourist crowds all stay near the rides and the central beach. Bring snacks and a blanket — it's a perfect sunset spot with an unobstructed south-facing view across Lake Ontario. On a clear day you can see the faint outline of New York State.
Getting there
Take the Centre Island ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street (south of Union Station). Walk south from the ferry dock for 15–20 minutes through Centre Island. The lighthouse is at the southern tip. Ferry runs regularly in summer; check toronto.ca for winter schedule.