Ward's Island Neighbourhood

A tiny car-free community of about 300 permanent residents living in colourful cottages on Toronto Island — the only car-free residential neighbourhood in North America accessible by public transit. It feels like arriving in a parallel Toronto where nothing is urgent, streets are called 'lanes', and your neighbours are as likely to be artists as dentists.

A tiny car-free community of about 300 permanent residents living in colourful cottages on Toronto Island — the only car-free residential neighbourhood in North America accessible by public transit. It feels like arriving in a parallel Toronto where nothing is urgent, streets are called 'lanes', and your neighbours are as likely to be artists as dentists.

Area: Toronto Island (Ward's Island) · Address: Ward's Island, Toronto, ON M5J 2C3 · Best time: Weekday afternoons

Insider tip

Take the Ward's Island ferry (not the Centre Island or Hanlan's Point one). Walk around the community — residents are friendly and accustomed to visitors as long as you're respectful. The boardwalk on the south side of the island, facing the lake, has the single best Toronto skyline view in existence. Sunset from this boardwalk is legitimately one of the most beautiful things you can experience for $9.

Getting there

Walk to Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay St (south of Union Station via the PATH). Take the Ward's Island ferry — it runs every 30–60 minutes depending on season. Check toronto.ca for current schedule. The crossing takes about 10 minutes.

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