Toronto/Islands

The Toronto Islands is a large park with a small residential community in the City of Toronto. The park is a popular summertime daytrip for Torontonians who want to get away from the hustle of the city. They provide a spectacular view of Toronto's impressive skyline, and with no cars allowed, the area a favourite for cyclists, walkers and rollerblade enthusiasts.

Understand
Torontonians commonly refer to the islands as if they were one: "the Island", or "Toronto Island". In fact, there are three major islands, eight islands with names and several without names. Despite its name, Ward's Island is not an island but a peninsula of Centre Island, the main island. To add to the confusion, Centre Island Park is on Middle Island rather than Centre Island.

The many lagoons and waterways are populated by ducks and swans, and some areas are off-limits to people, designated as “wilderness zones” for migratory birds. Their charm extends to the residential neighbourhoods, year-round home to some 250 families, containing cottages from the 1920s and featuring English-style gardens.

Each island has its own atmosphere. Centre Island, which features huge picnic areas, an amusement park, greenspace, a maze, a beach, a chapel and award-winning gardens, is the most popular.

Winter
The island ferries are on a very reduced winter schedule from about late October to about mid-April. With the winter schedule, only the ferry to Ward's Island operates. Most eateries, facilities and attractions are closed during the winter, and only three washrooms remain open. Nevertheless, the park remains accessible, and for warmly-dressed and well-prepared visitors it can provide a peaceful solitude amongst snow and ice within view of the city's skyline. Remember that the island tends to be a few degrees cooler than the mainland, and strong lake winds can make it feel even colder. There are no heated shelters; expect to be outside from the time you step off the ferry until you're back on board for the return trip.

Shoulder season
The shoulder season is from about mid-April to the Victoria Day weekend (in late May), and from after Labour Day to about late October. The ferries service all 3 terminals on the island but not as frequently as in summer. The only eating establishments open may be the Riviera (former Rectory Cafe) and perhaps a Pizza Pizza stand at Centre Island. Bicycle rentals are available from May to September. However, as the month of May progresses, more establishments start opening mostly near the Centre Island ferry terminal.

Get in
Access to the islands is only via ferry, taxi or private yacht, and there is no access between the Toronto Island Airport and the rest of the Toronto Islands.


 * Ferries sound a very loud horn just prior to leaving the dock. If you are very close to the ferry slip, you may have a running chance of catching the ferry once the horn sounds. The loud ferry horn may startle some people, but consider it part of the ferry trip experience.
 * Ferries sound a very loud horn just prior to leaving the dock. If you are very close to the ferry slip, you may have a running chance of catching the ferry once the horn sounds. The loud ferry horn may startle some people, but consider it part of the ferry trip experience.



Get around
Walking or cycling is the main means of getting around on the islands. The roadways on the island resemble wide recreation trails, as only city and service vehicles are permitted. Lakeshore Avenue runs from Hanlan's Point ferry docks to Ward's Island Beach, via Gibraltar Point and Centre Island Beach. For most of the Ward's Island peninsula, it is a boardwalk right along the lake. East of the Centre Island beach, Cibola Avenue branches away from Lakeshore Ave to the Ward's Island ferry docks, following the city-side shore. From the Centre Island ferry docks, Avenue of the Islands leads to Lakeshore Avenue at the beach.

The distance between the Hanlan's Point and Ward's Island ferry docks is about  or about 90 minutes on foot, but this excludes any detour to visit the Centre Island Park on Middle Island.

From the Centre Island ferry dock, the pier, beach, and Lakeshore Avenue are about or a 10 minute walk. Hanlan's Point ferry dock is another from here, or Ward's Island ferry dock is.

The ferries and water taxis permit bicycles on board as long as space permits. During busy summer days, the Centre Island ferry is often busiest with larger groups, wagons and strollers. If cycling, it can be faster to take whichever ferry is leaving first with space on board, since it is quick to cycle between docks on the islands. Bicycle Rentals are available on Centre Island south of the Centre Island Ferry docks.

In summer, there is a Tram Tour (really a tractor train).

Do

 * Beaches:

Buy
Despite the presence of the island community, there are no shopping opportunities on the Toronto Islands.

Drink
Water fountains are available throughout the islands, typically along Lakeshore Avenue and near the ferry docks. They can be some distance away from the beaches; remember to pack a refillable bottle. Besides restaurants in Centreville and at Ward's Island, here are patios licensed to serve alcoholic beverages.

Sleep

 * Some residents of the Toronto Island Community offer "Bed and Breakfast" accommodation; expect to pay around $150-$250 per night.

Cope
There are three winter washrooms open to the public year-round: Other public washrooms are closed during winter. More washrooms are open in the warmer months especially in summer.

Connect
There is no post office outlet and probably no establishments offering free WiFi on the islands. It's best that you wait until you are back on the mainland to "connect".