Toronto Islands
Toronto Island Park (City Of Toronto) · Toronto, Ontario
The Toronto Islands are a chain of low, sandy, car-free islands in Lake Ontario, a 10 to 15 minute ferry ride from the foot of downtown Toronto. A storm in 1858 cut the old sandbar peninsula into islands, and today they hold lagoons, beaches, picnic lawns, bike paths, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse from 1808 and the best view of the downtown skyline anywhere. Ferries leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to three docks: Centre Island, Hanlan's Point and Ward's Island. Centreville, a small seasonal amusement park for young children, sits near Centre Island, and a small residential community lives on Ward's and Algonquin. Hanlan's Point has a clothing-optional beach, signed and in its own section. The islands suit families, cyclists and anyone who wants a few hours away from traffic, but summer weekend ferry lines can be long and the last boat home is not optional. In high-water years parts of the islands flood and close. Confirm the schedule first.
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2H3, Canada
The islands are open all year as a city park, but the ferries set the real hours. Boats run year round, most often in summer when they can leave every 15 to 30 minutes to Centre Island and less often to Hanlan's Point and Ward's Island, and on a thinner winter timetable. Early boats usually start in the morning and the last boats back leave in the evening, earlier outside summer, so check the current schedule for the dock you will return from. Centreville opens seasonally, mainly late spring to early autumn, with shorter days at the edges - confirm dates. Beaches are staffed in summer only. Some areas close in high-water years.