The Toronto Ferry service started in 1833, using a small boat which was named as Sir John of the Peninsula and Toronto Island Ferry Company started in 1883. At first these ferries carried passengers and vehicles from Eireann Quay to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. They connected the Toronto Islands to Lake Ontario.
Ferry from Toronto to the islands
The main entrance for the Ferry to Toronto is located at Bay Street and Queen’s Quay, and on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. There are four ferries, larger and smaller ones, from which three go to the Islands (Centre Island, Ward’s Island and Hanlan’s Point) and one goes to the island airport.
All ferries are accessible for people with a disability and are equipped with comfortable seats and washroom facilities. In the summer there is a possibility of high tides flooding, the ferry service will then get temporarily cancelled. Taking the ferry from Toronto is a safe way to travel. There are plenty of life jackets on board.
Ferry tickets are affordable and can be purchased for only $8.19 (adults). A monthly pass for the ferry to Toronto Island are available as well. Ferry tickets are available for purchase at the terminal or online.
Parking for the ferry to Toronto is available on public parking lots close to the ferry terminal. If you would like to avoid high parking rates, it’s recommended to travel from Union Station to the ferry docks by bus, street car or subway.
The Toronto Islands
Taking the ferry to one of the Toronto Islands only takes 15 minutes. The ferries depart from downtown Toronto and arrive at either Hanlan’s Point, Centre Island or Ward’s Island. You can walk from Ward’s Island to Centre Island via the boardwalk, this only takes a few minutes.
All islands are known as a good spot for fishing and bird watching. The beach at Centre Island typically achieves a blue flag certification every year. There are many bike trails on all islands, which makes Toronto Island Park a very popular activity. Taking your bicycle on the ferry is free. It’s also possible to rent a bike.
Centre Island is the most popular among the islands, mostly because of Centerville, an amusement park for both kids and adults. There are also so many other facilities available on Centre Island.
