20+ Best Things to Do on the Toronto Islands: A Local Guide
The Toronto Islands are one of those places that show up on every “must-visit” list-and for good reason. But if you’re wondering what there actually is to do once you step off the ferry, I’ve got you covered.
Despite being just 15 minutes from downtown, most locals don’t realize the islands stretch over 800 acres! As someone who’s been coming here every summer since childhood, I’ve seen all the tourist traps and found the gems locals love.
Whether you’re planning to picnic, paddle, or just wander, the Toronto Islands are one of the best ways to slow down and enjoy a different side of the city. It still amazes me that a place this outdoor oasis exists just across the harbour from downtown.
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Best Things to do on the Toronto Islands
Here’s what not to miss on your day trip to one of Toronto’s most popular attractions.
1. Ride the Ferry to the Islands
The ferry to the Toronto Islands is more than just a way to get there – it’s part of the experience. The ride takes about 20 minutes and gives you some of the best views of the Toronto skyline, especially if you grab a spot on the second level.
When our kids were little, they always raced to the front for that view. It became a tradition-snapping photos, feeling the wind, and watching the city fade behind us. Even if you’re short on time, the ferry ride itself is a fun, low-cost way to get out on the water.
✓ Local Tip: Summer weekends can get really busy and the lines for the ferry can be really long. If you’d rather skip the crowds, consider a water taxi instead. It’s a bit pricier, but much faster (and fun), and ideal for spontaneous plans or when you’re on a tight schedule.
2. Tour the Islands by Bike
One of the best ways to explore the Toronto Islands is by bike. The islands stretch about 5 km end to end, and having wheels makes it easy to see more without rushing. Plus, with no cars around, it’s a super relaxed ride.
You can bring your own bike on the ferry for no extra cost, or rent one once you arrive. Bike rentals – including tandem bikes – are available near the pier on Centre Island, and they’re great if you want a fun way to cover more ground without tiring the kids out.
It’s a laid-back way to see the beaches, lagoons, and quieter parts of the islands – just be ready to stop often for photos (and ice cream).
Bike Share on the Toronto Islands – An Added Bonus
New in 2025, Toronto Bike Share is now available on the Toronto Islands! This is such a great option for riding bikes throughout the islands! There are 4 stations in total – one at each of the ferry docks and one at Hanlan’s Point Beach.
With pay-as-you-go or day pass options (just $15/day), renting bikes has now become so much easier and more affordable. And, you can continue renting bikes on the mainland with your existing account or pass. This is a game changer!
3. Admire the Toronto Skyline
The Toronto Islands offer some of the clearest skyline views in the city – especially on a clear day.
Some of our favourite skyline spots are Sunfish Cut, the Ward’s Island ferry dock, and Olympic Island. Each one gives you a different angle of the city, and they’re perfect for a quick selfie or a family photo with the CN Tower in the background.
Even if you’ve seen it a hundred times, standing across the lake and seeing the skyline from the islands never gets old.
4. Enjoy a BBQ or Picnic
Spending a full day on the islands is a summer tradition for many Toronto families – and bringing food is part of the plan. Whether you pack a cooler with snacks or go all-in with a BBQ, there are plenty of picnic areas throughout the park to spread out and relax.
We’ve had lots of island days with family and friends: picnic blankets, sandwiches, bikes, and a soccer ball for the kids. It’s a great spot to unplug and spend time outside without leaving the city.
Just be sure to arrive early on weekends – especially if you’re planning to snag one of the BBQ pits or shaded spots.
5. Visit a Beach
There are four beaches on the Toronto Islands: Centre Island, Ward’s Island, Gibraltar Point, and Hanlan’s Point. Each has its own feel, so it helps to know what you’re looking for before you go.
When I’m with the kids, Centre Island is the go-to. It’s close to washrooms, food stands, Centreville, and Far Enough Farm – everything you need if you’re planning to stay a while. It’s also the most popular, so it can be busier than the others.
If I’m on my own, I usually head to Ward’s Island or Gibraltar Point. They’re more secluded than Centre Island. Gibraltar is right beside the main beach, but it’s quieter and sand and water are glorious.
Hanlan’s Point Beach is a clothing optional beach. It’s marked, but it’s good to be aware if you’re not expecting it, especially if you’re visiting with kids!
☞ Want to explore more great spots to swim and sunbathe? Check out my guide to the best beaches in Toronto.
6. Canoe, Kayak, or Paddleboard
Exploring the Toronto Islands by water is an adventurous way to see a different side of the city. Lots of people come to the islands to go canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. There are rental places on the islands, and you can even take lessons if you’re new to paddling.
I love paddling through the lagoons and inlets on a peaceful afternoon and the views of the skyline from the water are hard to beat. If you’re up for something more unique, you can book a guided night paddle with illuminated kayaks or SUPs – sunset is especially beautiful out on the lake.
7. Watch the Sunset Over the Toronto Skyline
If you time your visit right, sunset is one of the most beautiful moments on the islands. As the sun dips behind the skyline, the buildings light up and the lake glows with reflections – it’s easily one of the best sunset spots in Toronto and a favourite with photographers.
Sunfish Cut is a peaceful place to settle in and watch the colours change, while Olympic Island gives you a wide, open view of the entire city as the sky shifts. If you’re closer to Centre Island, the area behind the water taxi docks is also a great option.
It’s worth staying a little later for the sunset, plus you’ll avoid the busiest return ferry lines and catch one of the most iconic views Toronto has to offer.
Things to Do on Centre Island with Kids
If you’re visiting the Islands with young kids, Centre Island is where you’ll want to spend most of your time. Here are a few of my favourite things to do on the islands with kids.
8. Visit the Centreville Amusement Park
Centreville is a small amusement park tucked right in the middle of the islands, designed especially for younger kids. It’s not flashy or high-tech, and yes – it’s a little dated – but that’s part of the charm. Think Twirling Tea Cups, an old-fashioned Log Flume, and the classic Antique Carousel.
There are about 30 rides and attractions, and you can either buy individual tickets or get a day pass if you’re planning to stay a while. The Sky Ride is my personal favourite – the short ride takes you over the park with great views of the islands and city skyline. It’s one of the few rides adults will enjoy just as much as the kids.
Food options are your typical amusement park fare – Pizza Pizza, Subway, BeaverTails, and ice cream. Nothing fancy, but convenient when you need a quick lunch or snack.
If your kids are under 10 and just want to ride a few gentle rides, Centreville is a great time. But if you’re chasing thrill rides or roller coasters, you’re better off planning a day at Canada’s Wonderland.
9. Stop by Far Enough Farm
Right next to Centreville, Far Enough Farm is a small petting zoo that’s been around since 1959. It’s free to walk through, and while it’s not a full farm experience, it’s a fun little stop if you’ve got young kids with you.
There are a handful of animals – goats, pigs, ponies, and a few birds – and kids can get up close to most of them. It doesn’t take long to walk through, but it’s a nice break from the rides.
If you’re looking for a more complete farm visit in Toronto, Riverdale Farm is the better choice. But while you’re already on Centre Island, this is a sweet and simple stop that little ones usually love.
10. Explore Franklin’s Children’s Garden
One of my favourite hidden spots on Centre Island is Franklin’s Children’s Garden. Tucked away behind Centreville, it’s a quiet, kid-friendly space inspired by the Franklin the Turtle books – complete with child-sized sculptures of Franklin and his friends.
The garden is designed for little ones to explore at their own pace. There’s a winding path, a wooden playhouse, and even a small amphitheatre for story time. It’s a great spot if your kids just need some unstructured time to play.
☞ If you love visiting gardens around the city, you might also enjoy my roundup of the best gardens to visit in Toronto for more green space escapes.
11. Cool Off and Let the Kids Play
Right in the middle of Centreville, there’s a free splash pad that’s perfect for hot summer days. It’s not huge, but it does the trick – and kids love running through the sprays between rides or after lunch.
There are also a few playgrounds scattered across the islands with swings, slides, and climbers.
Nearby, the William Meany Maze offers something a little different. It’s a small hedge maze with a lookout platform in the middle. It’s not overly challenging, but it’s a fun way to try something new and gets the kids moving in a more adventurous way.
Things to Do on Centre Island
Centre Island is the busiest and most built-up part of the Toronto Islands, with lots of family-friendly attractions, open green space, and easy access to beaches, bike paths, and food stalls.
12. Walk Across the Centre Island Bridge
One of my favourite, historical spots on Centre Island is the Centre Island Bridge. It’s a lovely place to pause, take some photos, and watch boats pass below as they weave through the lagoons. The bridge itself dates back to before 1896 and has a simple, elegant design that feels almost frozen in time.
If you’re heading from Centreville toward the beach or pier, you’ll walk over this bridge. Take a moment to admire the views from this bridge and stop to appreciate the history of the islands.
13. Visit the Centre Island Pier
At the far end of Centre Island, near the main beach, you’ll find the Centre Island Pier – a long boardwalk that stretches out into Lake Ontario. It’s a great place for a walk and views of Lake Ontario.
What makes it worth the stop is the view looking back toward the city. From the end of the pier, you can see the Toronto skyline, the islands, and even Tommy Thompson Park on a clear day.
14. Admire St. Andrew’s by-the-Lake Church
If you’re interested in history or architecture, St. Andrew’s by-the-Lake is worth a stop. Built in 1884, it’s one of the oldest buildings on the Toronto Islands and still holds services today.
Tucked away in a quieter part of Centre Island, the church has a peaceful, timeless feel. Everyone is welcome to attend a service, but even if you’re just passing by, it’s a lovely spot to admire the old woodwork and reflect on the island’s long history.
Things to Do on Ward’s Island
Ward’s Island has a quieter, more residential feel than Centre Island, but there’s still plenty to see-especially if you enjoy a slower pace and a bit of local history.
15. Catch the Ferry from Ward’s Island
You can catch the ferry to and from Ward’s Island, and in the winter, it’s the only part of the islands with regular ferry service.
While you’re there, take a moment to check out the old Waiting Shed near the dock. It’s a small, 100-year-old building that still serves its original purpose-offering shelter from the wind while you wait for the boat.
16. Walk Through the Ward’s Island Community
One of the most interesting parts of Ward’s Island is the small residential community that lives here year-round. About 700 people call the Toronto Islands home, most of them living on Ward’s or Algonquin Island.
There are no personal cars and no stores – just quiet footpaths, colourful cottages, and gardens that reflect the charm of island life.
It’s especially beautiful in the fall, when the trees turn and the streets quiet down even more. If you want to learn more about the island community, Toronto Island Walking Tours are run by longtime residents and offer a great look into what it’s actually like to live here.
17. Enjoy a Meal at an Island Café
While Centre Island has its fair share of snack bars and food stands, Ward’s Island offers a quieter, more local dining experience. There are a couple of small, independently run cafés near the ferry dock that are perfect for a relaxed meal or coffee break.
The Riviera: Ward’s Island Kitchen is just a 5-minute walk from the ferry and has a large patio, making it a great spot for a sit-down lunch. They’re open seasonally and take reservations for groups of eight or more.
Just steps away, The Island Café serves everything from coffee and baked goods to full meals – with a lovely garden patio and occasional live music. It’s a great place to slow down, grab a bite, and enjoy the island atmosphere.
18. Play Frisbee or Disc Golf
If you’re up for something active, Ward’s Island is home to an 18-hole disc golf course. There are two tee pads and two baskets for each hole, so players of all levels can enjoy the course (or make it as challenging as they want).
You’ll need to bring your own frisbee or disc, but once you’re out there, it’s free to play. I don’t play myself, but every time I pass by, there are groups tossing discs and clearly having a great time. If you’re looking to try something new outdoors, this could be it.
19. Let the Kids Play at Pirate Park
Tucked near the fire station on Ward’s Island, Pirate Park is a fun little playground that’s perfect for younger kids. The main feature is a pirate ship-shaped climber with two slides and lots of spots to crawl and climb.
There’s also a rope climbing structure, a ping pong table (don’t forget your paddles and balls), and a basketball court if you’ve got a ball with you.
It’s not a huge space, but it’s a great stop to let the kids run around after walking through the quieter parts of the island.
20. Walk the Ward’s Island Boardwalk
One of the nicest ways to explore the islands on foot is by walking the Ward’s Island Boardwalk. It runs along the edge of Lake Ontario, connecting Ward’s Island to Centre Island, with several entry points along the way so you don’t need to commit to the whole distance if you’re just out for a short stroll.
The views across the water are peaceful, and the breeze off the lake keeps things cool even on warm days. It’s especially beautiful in the fall, when the trees lining the path start to turn.
Whether you’re walking with a coffee or just stretching your legs after the ferry, it’s an easy way to slow down and enjoy the quieter side of the islands.
☞ Looking for even more places to capture the autumn colours? Read my article with all the best spots to see the fall foliage in Toronto.
Things to Do on Hanlan’s Point
Hanlan’s Point is the quietest of the three main islands, with wide-open green spaces, shady paths, and a more laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great place to escape the crowds, go for a long walk, or catch some skyline views without the noise of Centre Island.
21. Visit Hanlan’s Point Beach (Clothing Optional)
Hanlan’s Point Beach is one of the most well-known clothing-optional beaches in Canada. Recently, the clothing-optional designation was extended to cover the entire beach, not just one section, making it a unique and fully inclusive spot in the heart of the city.
Even if you’re not there for the clothing-optional experience, this is genuinely one of the prettiest beaches on the Toronto Islands. It’s wide, sandy, and west-facing, which means it also happens to be one of the best places in Toronto to catch the sunset over the water.
Whether you’re going for the experience or just looking for a quieter stretch of beach with great views, Hanlan’s is worth a visit.
22. Walk the Rainbow Road
In 2024, the city unveiled what’s being called “the world’s largest Rainbow Road” at Hanlan’s Point-a 2,000-foot stretch of path painted in vibrant rainbow colours, with trans pride flags at each end. Officially titled The Long Walk to Equality, the project was a collaboration between Pride Toronto and Skittles.
The path leads down to the beach and adds a bold, joyful energy to the area. It’s both a celebration of LGBTQ2S+ history on the Islands and a powerful visual statement. Whether you’re there for Pride events or just enjoying a sunny day, it’s a meaningful and photogenic spot to walk through.
23. See the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
Built in 1808, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse was the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes and is now one of the oldest surviving ones in Canada. It’s a white, hexagonal stone tower that stands 62 feet tall-easy to spot and a favourite photo stop for visitors.
You can’t go inside, and there’s not a lot to explore around it, but there’s a small sign with some history and it’s a fun landmark to pass if you’re walking or biking near Gibraltar Point. It’s one of those classic Toronto sights that feels a little off the beaten path.
24. Find the Babe Ruth Home Run Plaque
Near the Hanlan’s Point ferry dock, there’s a small plaque marking the site of Babe Ruth’s first professional home run-hit in 1914 while he was playing in the minor leagues. The stadium is long gone, but the plaque remains as a quiet nod to Toronto’s place in baseball history.
It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but that’s part of what makes it fun to find. It’s one of those little details that adds character to the Islands and one of several hidden gems in Toronto that locals often walk right past.
When to Visit the Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are open year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons and some times of year are definitely better than others, depending on what you’re looking for.
Spring is a quieter time to visit, especially before the summer crowds arrive. Things are just starting to open back up, and the cherry blossoms on the islands are a lovely (and often overlooked) spot if you’re hoping to catch them without the crowds of High Park.
Summer is the peak season, and with good reason. Beaches, bike rentals, amusement parks, cafes, and water activities are all in full swing. It’s the best time for a full-day visit but weekends and holidays get busy, so plan ahead if you want to avoid long ferry lines.
Fall is one of the prettiest times to explore the islands. The trees along the Ward’s Island boardwalk and throughout the residential areas put on a great show. It’s a peaceful season to walk or bike, and the cooler weather makes for a very pleasant trip.
Winter is quiet and stripped back. The ferry only runs to Ward’s Island, and most amenities are closed. But if you’re bundled up and enjoy winter scenery, it’s a peaceful place to walk in the snow and see a different side of the islands.
Final Thoughts on Visiting the Toronto Islands
Whether you’re planning a full summer day with the kids, a quiet fall walk, or just a ferry ride for the skyline views, the Toronto Islands are one of those places that always feel like a bit of an escape no matter how many times you’ve been.
I’ve been visiting since I was a kid, and now I bring my own family. Each visit feels a little different, but just as special. There’s more to explore here than most people expect and once you go, it’s easy to understand why locals keep coming back year after year.
If you’re looking for more nearby ideas, you might enjoy my guide to guide to visiting the CN Tower or discover the best beaches in the city to visit next.
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