Attraction
CN Tower
Toronto's 553-metre communications tower on Bremner Boulevard, with a Glass Floor, an outdoor terrace, the higher Top level, a revolving restaurant and the seasonal EdgeWalk.
Toronto Island Park
A car-free chain of islands in Lake Ontario reached by a short ferry ride, with beaches, a lighthouse, a summer amusement park and views back to the skyline.
At a glance
- Type
- Island park
- Area
- Toronto Islands, Toronto, Canada
- Official site
- toronto.ca
Good to know
- Beaches
- Bike rentals
- Amusement park (summer)
- Car-free
- Ferry access
Why we recommend it
Toronto Island Park covers a chain of 15 small islands just off the downtown shore, about 330 hectares in all, with Centre Island the largest. The islands are home to the largest urban car-free community in North America, and for visitors they offer beaches, gardens, paths and some of the best views back towards the city.
City ferries leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal on the central waterfront for three docks: Centre Island, Ward's Island and Hanlan's Point. Only the Ward's Island service runs year-round, so outside summer check the routes and schedules page first. Buy ferry tickets online in advance to skip the ticket queue on busy days. Private water taxis also operate from May to September.
Centre Island is the busiest landing. Centreville Amusement Park, open daily in summer, has a miniature railway and an antique carousel, and Franklin's Garden is a children's garden nearby. To the west, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, built in 1809, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. There are several beaches: Centre Island, Manitou, Gibraltar Point, Ward's Island and Hanlan's Point, which is one of only two officially recognised clothing-optional beaches in Canada.
Cycling is the easiest way to cover the islands, and bicycles can be rented on Centre Island and Ward's Island. Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and paddleboards are available from May to September. Ward's Island and Algonquin Island are residential, so keep to the paths and respect private homes.
Centre Island alone covers about 2.6 square kilometres, and the residential communities on Ward's and Algonquin islands had 262 properties at the last count cited by Wikipedia. The pedestrian tunnel to Billy Bishop airport, opened in 2015, does not connect to the island park, so plan to arrive by ferry or water taxi. The city publishes a downloadable wayfinding map that is worth saving to your phone before you cross.
Plan for at least half a day in summer, or a full day if you want a beach afternoon. The islands suit families, cyclists and anyone wanting a break from downtown. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport sits at the north-western tip, and an information hub near the Centre Island ferry dock helps with first aid and lost property in season.
Toronto Island Park FAQs
How do you get to the islands?
Take a city ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Centre Island, Ward's Island or Hanlan's Point.
Do ferries run all year?
Only the Ward's Island ferry runs year-round; check the city's routes and schedules page.
Can you buy ferry tickets in advance?
Yes. The city recommends buying them online to save time.
Are cars allowed?
No. The islands are car-free apart from service vehicles.
Can you rent bikes?
Yes, on Centre Island and Ward's Island.
Which beaches are there?
Centre Island, Manitou, Gibraltar Point, Ward's Island and Hanlan's Point, which is clothing-optional.
Is there something for children?
Centreville Amusement Park opens daily in summer, and Franklin's Garden is a children's garden.
How old is the lighthouse?
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse was built in 1809.