Toronto: Island Nature and Trails on Lake Ontario

The Toronto Islands consist of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario, just offshore from the mainland. They offer a natural setting and a place to explore during a stay in Toronto, with lagoons, shoreline and trails. If you’re looking for a hotel in Toronto, you can include the islands as a day-trip destination; the ferry schedule and your preferred arrival point are the main considerations when planning.

Island Nature and Coastal Landscape

Sand dunes and beaches stretch along the western shore of Toronto Island Park from Hanlan’s Point to Gibraltar Point, as well as on Ward’s Island. Together, they form a rare freshwater coastal ecosystem on the shores of Lake Ontario. Six Environmentally Significant Areas are located on the Toronto Islands; parts of the area are designated as such. Four of Toronto’s ten beaches are on Toronto Island. You can spot a variety of migratory birds there in spring and fall.

The trails also offer different vantage points. The waterfront promenade provides a 1.5-kilometre walk with views of Lake Ontario, Tommy Thompson Park and Ward’s Island Beach. From the Centre Island Pier, you can see the islands, Tommy Thompson Park and the Toronto skyline. Ward’s Island Beach is a five-minute walk south of the Ward’s Island ferry dock.

Trails, Lagoons and Activities

Numerous trails, paths and bridges connect Toronto Island Park. The Toronto Islands also have a network of paved and unpaved trails that you can explore on foot or by bicycle. Public vehicles are not permitted on Toronto Island; only emergency and commercial service vehicles are allowed.

Several lagoons lie between the islands, giving paddlers access to different parts of the park. You can rent canoes and kayaks on Toronto Island; paddles and life jackets are included in the rental price. As operations may change seasonally, check the latest rental information in advance. Fishing is also permitted in Toronto Island Park. Check the applicable Ontario rules before fishing.

Other activities include an 18-hole disc golf course on Ward’s Island and Centre Island, as well as the William Meany Maze. The hedge maze consists of 1,200 black cedars planted in a winding pattern. Far Enough Farm offers encounters with ponies, rabbits, sheep, chickens and other farm animals. Operations may change seasonally, so check the latest opening information.

Gardens, History and Winter Visits

Franklin Children’s Garden is divided into seven areas. Children can garden, listen to stories and explore the natural world there. The garden is designed for independent exploration and is open seven days a week; operating details may change seasonally. Toronto Island Tours offers guided golf cart tours that showcase the island’s main attractions. The service is seasonal, so check in advance whether tours are running on your travel dates.

Toronto Island has been a place of healing, ceremony and gathering for thousands of years for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous communities. Hanlan’s Point Beach also has special cultural significance: the beach is considered a historic gathering place for queer communities and the site of Canada’s first 2SLGBTQ+ Pride event.

A winter visit can bring different activities to the fore. From Ward’s Island, you can ski or snowshoe to Centre Island. Winter conditions and access may change; check the latest information before travelling.

Ferry and Visit Planning

The ferry to Toronto Island departs from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at 9 Queens Quay W. Ferries operate year-round. From mid-April to mid-October, three routes serve Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point and Ward’s Island. Seasonal dates and schedules may change; check the latest schedule before departure.

The mainland’s Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, the ferries, the washrooms and the terminal’s waiting shelters are accessible to passengers using wheelchairs or mobility aids. Check the latest arrangements before travelling. If the Toronto Islands are a focus of your stay, you can plan ferry connections, your arrival point and the trails or activities that interest you together.

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