Your Guide to the Toronto Islands.
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The Toronto Islands, a chain of 15 interconnected islets in Lake Ontario, offer a diverse array of attractions and natural beauty just off the coast of downtown Toronto. Accessible via a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, the Toronto Islands provide a refreshing escape from the city's hustle and bustle, offering a blend of recreational activities, natural beauty, and cultural attractions.
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Check out this interactive map to effortlessly plan your adventure. Hover over different spots to discover eateries, must-see attractions, hidden gems, scenic viewpoints, and the locations of handy amenities like water fountains and washrooms.
This map of the area focuses on points of interest you can explore from the water and is displayed on-site. Some guests opt to take a photo or screenshot prior to embarking on their adventure.
The island has so much to explore by water. Ask our staff for tips and points of interest. |
We're excited to introduce Island Outpost, our latest venture at Toronto Island SUP. This facility serves as the hub for our kids' camp, bike rentals, and more. In the coming years, we plan to expand these programs and launch a tuck shop where island visitors can purchase keepsakes, souvenirs, pre-packaged snacks, drinks, and more. Learn more at www.islandoutpost.ca!
Can you find the Baltic Belle? This shipwreck is listed on our local maps but is not always easy to find.
Toronto Island is a unique urban oasis that offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for both nature enthusiasts and beachgoers.
The Ward's Island Wet Meadow is one of six designated Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) on the Toronto Islands. These areas are home to vital plant and animal species, offering a chance to experience nature without leaving the city. Toronto has 86 ESAs in total, highlighting its commitment to preserving biodiversity. Learn more about these areas here. While visiting Ward's Island, take some time to relax at Ward's Island Beach, a vibrant spot perfect for sunbathing or a game of volleyball. In recent years, it has become a favorite retreat for city residents seeking to escape the summer heat.
Between the Algonquin Bridge and Centre Island lies a vast parkland that doubles as a top-tier disc golf course. This area offers excellent walking paths, whether along the road or through the surrounding thickets and fields. Keep an eye out for flying discs! For more exploration, head to Snake Island, a heavily wooded area that’s perfect for nature enthusiasts.
For a scenic waterside stroll, take the boardwalk—one of Toronto's most picturesque walking paths. With views of Lake Ontario and overhead canopies of willows and poplar trees, it’s a serene route leading to Centre Island’s blue flag beach. This popular spot, with its pier extending into the lake, often attracts large crowds on hot days. For a quieter and more artistic vibe, continue to Gibraltar Beach, located behind the Artscape Gibraltar Point artist community.
Beyond Centre Island, discover more parks like Franklin’s Children’s Garden, the William Meany Maze, and the Saturn Playground. As you approach Hanlan’s Point, the landscape transitions to natural sand dunes—the only dune ecosystem in western Lake Ontario. Hanlan’s Point Beach, Toronto’s only clothing-optional beach, offers a laid-back atmosphere. Outside the designated clothing-optional area, you’ll find a beautiful stretch of beach framed by the Toronto City Centre Airport and a unique dune ecosystem that supports diverse plant and animal life.
The island community is rich in creativity, with many residents capturing the essence of life here, both human and natural. Visit Sean Tamblyn’s website to see breathtaking photographs showcasing the wilder side of the Toronto Islands.
The Ward's Island Wet Meadow is one of six designated Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) on the Toronto Islands. These areas are home to vital plant and animal species, offering a chance to experience nature without leaving the city. Toronto has 86 ESAs in total, highlighting its commitment to preserving biodiversity. Learn more about these areas here. While visiting Ward's Island, take some time to relax at Ward's Island Beach, a vibrant spot perfect for sunbathing or a game of volleyball. In recent years, it has become a favorite retreat for city residents seeking to escape the summer heat.
Between the Algonquin Bridge and Centre Island lies a vast parkland that doubles as a top-tier disc golf course. This area offers excellent walking paths, whether along the road or through the surrounding thickets and fields. Keep an eye out for flying discs! For more exploration, head to Snake Island, a heavily wooded area that’s perfect for nature enthusiasts.
For a scenic waterside stroll, take the boardwalk—one of Toronto's most picturesque walking paths. With views of Lake Ontario and overhead canopies of willows and poplar trees, it’s a serene route leading to Centre Island’s blue flag beach. This popular spot, with its pier extending into the lake, often attracts large crowds on hot days. For a quieter and more artistic vibe, continue to Gibraltar Beach, located behind the Artscape Gibraltar Point artist community.
Beyond Centre Island, discover more parks like Franklin’s Children’s Garden, the William Meany Maze, and the Saturn Playground. As you approach Hanlan’s Point, the landscape transitions to natural sand dunes—the only dune ecosystem in western Lake Ontario. Hanlan’s Point Beach, Toronto’s only clothing-optional beach, offers a laid-back atmosphere. Outside the designated clothing-optional area, you’ll find a beautiful stretch of beach framed by the Toronto City Centre Airport and a unique dune ecosystem that supports diverse plant and animal life.
The island community is rich in creativity, with many residents capturing the essence of life here, both human and natural. Visit Sean Tamblyn’s website to see breathtaking photographs showcasing the wilder side of the Toronto Islands.
As far as dining goes, checkout the Riviera (formerly known as the Rectory). The Riviera offers a back patio with a beautiful view of the lake and an interior that doubles as an art gallery. They often have art on display from local artists and rotate the work regularly. This site is also home to Castaway's Rum Shack and the Runaway Cafe. The Wards Island Cafe is another great eatery with some home-grown food and lots of food options for all types of diets.
All of these establishments are within a short walk of us on Wards Island. If you choose to head down to Centre Island, you can find more fast food options.
All of these establishments are within a short walk of us on Wards Island. If you choose to head down to Centre Island, you can find more fast food options.
Centreville Amusement Park, located on Centre Island in Toronto, has been a cherished family destination since 1967. Designed with a turn-of-the-century village theme, the park offers over 30 rides and attractions suitable for young children and families. Popular rides include the Antique Carousel, Log Flume, and the Centreville Miniature Train, which provides a scenic tour of the park. Adjacent to the amusement park is Far Enough Farm, established in 1959, where visitors can interact with over 40 species of farm animals and exotic birds. Accessible via a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, Centreville provides a delightful escape with its blend of entertainment and natural beauty.
Nearby, the William Meany Maze offers an additional attraction for visitors. Originally constructed in 1967 to commemorate Canada's centennial, the maze was rebuilt in 2014 with the generous support of philanthropist William Meany. Comprising over 1,200 black cedar trees, the maze provides a fun and challenging experience for all ages.
The surrounding gardens, including the Avenue of the Islands Gardens and the Franklin Children's Garden, enhance the area's appeal. The Avenue of the Islands Gardens features beautifully landscaped flower beds and walking paths, while the Franklin Children's Garden offers interactive and educational experiences inspired by the beloved children's character, Franklin the Turtle.
Together, these attractions make Centre Island a diverse and engaging destination for visitors seeking both recreation and relaxation amidst Toronto's natural beauty.
Nearby, the William Meany Maze offers an additional attraction for visitors. Originally constructed in 1967 to commemorate Canada's centennial, the maze was rebuilt in 2014 with the generous support of philanthropist William Meany. Comprising over 1,200 black cedar trees, the maze provides a fun and challenging experience for all ages.
The surrounding gardens, including the Avenue of the Islands Gardens and the Franklin Children's Garden, enhance the area's appeal. The Avenue of the Islands Gardens features beautifully landscaped flower beds and walking paths, while the Franklin Children's Garden offers interactive and educational experiences inspired by the beloved children's character, Franklin the Turtle.
Together, these attractions make Centre Island a diverse and engaging destination for visitors seeking both recreation and relaxation amidst Toronto's natural beauty.
Exploring Toronto Island by bike is a delightful way to experience its scenic beauty and attractions. Several rental options are available to cater to visitors' needs:
Toronto Island Bicycle Rental: Located near the Centre Island ferry dock, this long-standing establishment offers a variety of bikes, including single bikes at, tandem bikes, and quadricycles for families or groups. They operate daily from 11 AM to 5 PM, weather permitting.
Island Outpost: Situated on Ward's Island, Island Outpost is a newer addition to the island's bike rental scene. They provide a range of bicycles suitable for different age groups and preferences, making it convenient for visitors arriving via the Ward's Island ferry. Mid tier bikes are offered which provide visitors a high quality experience in island exploration. Locks are offered as well at an additional cost.
Toronto Island Bicycle Rental: Located near the Centre Island ferry dock, this long-standing establishment offers a variety of bikes, including single bikes at, tandem bikes, and quadricycles for families or groups. They operate daily from 11 AM to 5 PM, weather permitting.
Island Outpost: Situated on Ward's Island, Island Outpost is a newer addition to the island's bike rental scene. They provide a range of bicycles suitable for different age groups and preferences, making it convenient for visitors arriving via the Ward's Island ferry. Mid tier bikes are offered which provide visitors a high quality experience in island exploration. Locks are offered as well at an additional cost.
If you are looking for bed and breakfasts/rental units for weekly and daily rentals, look here on the accommodations website for a list of just under a dozen options on Wards and Algonquin Islands. Some popular spots are Toronto Island Retreat and Smiley's B&B. Book early to ensure your spot. They can fill quite quickly come summer. There are very few options to actually sleep over on the island.
See more on Toronto Island in this short documentary.
