We offer a breathtaking experience for groups through the lagoons of the Toronto Island with an experienced guide. See the Island by water including some nature spots and hidden gems that only the locals know about. You will learn about island history, ecology, paddling techniques and more.
Toronto Island is the only island chain in Western Lake Ontario, has a diverse collection of plants and wildlife, and holds deep history dating back to the first native American people. Did you know the location for Toronto, then called York, was chosen due to the prime natural harbour created by the Toronto Island, then a peninsula? The community of Wards and Algonquin Island is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Toronto and still houses descendants of the original inhabitants from the late 1800's.
NATURE IN THE CITY
If you're a enjoy watching nature you don't have to go far out of the city. Toronto Island is in the middle of 2 major migratory bird paths and hosts over 200 species of bird. If you're lucky, you may also see turtles, American Mink, beavers, and a large variety of fish on your adventure. The path takes us zigzagging through special areas denoted Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest and Environmentally Significant Areas for their important flora and fauna in the ecosystem. Check out the publication below for an explorers guide to the Toronto Island.
If you're a enjoy watching nature you don't have to go far out of the city. Toronto Island is in the middle of 2 major migratory bird paths and hosts over 200 species of bird. If you're lucky, you may also see turtles, American Mink, beavers, and a large variety of fish on your adventure. The path takes us zigzagging through special areas denoted Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest and Environmentally Significant Areas for their important flora and fauna in the ecosystem. Check out the publication below for an explorers guide to the Toronto Island.
| Toronto Island Explorers Guide |
These tours are done in small groups to ensure that everyone gets a good experience. No experience necessary! The guide will adjust the experience to the group of the day and may include a lesson.
Please arrive early to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to ensure you get here on time. Take the 8:45 am boat to Wards Island. The ferry may stop at Hanlans first. Stay on the ferry for the second stop at Wards Island. Have small children? Toss them on board for free. We've got mini PFDs. Just let us know prior to arrival and we'll have them ready. We will meet you at 9:45 am at the meet-up location at the Algonquin Bridge. By 10:00 am we are have begun our instruction or tour depending on the group. We will be on the water for roughly 2 hours which gets us back at noon. After the tour we encourage you to check out the island beaches, parks, neighborhood and restaurants in the area. The Contact page has all the details you need for getting here.
Please arrive changed and ready to go. There are public washroom facilities (big brick building) at the entrance to Wards Beach at the corner of Fifth Street and Lakeshore Avenue and also at the Fire Station at 235 Cibola Avenue.
You will receive an automatic email once you book outlining your next steps. If you don't receive the email (if it's sent to junk mail), click here for instructions. Please plan your trip. Be prepared to forfeit your experience with no refund if you do not arrive on time. If tour does not reach the minimum amount of guests, we may cancel. You will not be charged until a minimum of 2 people have signed up or we decide to run the tour.
Please arrive early to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to ensure you get here on time. Take the 8:45 am boat to Wards Island. The ferry may stop at Hanlans first. Stay on the ferry for the second stop at Wards Island. Have small children? Toss them on board for free. We've got mini PFDs. Just let us know prior to arrival and we'll have them ready. We will meet you at 9:45 am at the meet-up location at the Algonquin Bridge. By 10:00 am we are have begun our instruction or tour depending on the group. We will be on the water for roughly 2 hours which gets us back at noon. After the tour we encourage you to check out the island beaches, parks, neighborhood and restaurants in the area. The Contact page has all the details you need for getting here.
Please arrive changed and ready to go. There are public washroom facilities (big brick building) at the entrance to Wards Beach at the corner of Fifth Street and Lakeshore Avenue and also at the Fire Station at 235 Cibola Avenue.
You will receive an automatic email once you book outlining your next steps. If you don't receive the email (if it's sent to junk mail), click here for instructions. Please plan your trip. Be prepared to forfeit your experience with no refund if you do not arrive on time. If tour does not reach the minimum amount of guests, we may cancel. You will not be charged until a minimum of 2 people have signed up or we decide to run the tour.
