A Day on the Toronto Islands

• Author: ClaireB
• Accommodation: Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city so it can feel crowded, especially when you add in the thousands of tourists who visit every day! Finding a place that you can get away from it all may seem like a challenge, but if you catch a ferry and head out to the Toronto Islands the relaxing atmosphere of this family friendly place feels like a different world!

What and Where are the Toronto Islands?

The Toronto Islands is a small chain of islands just a little way off the shore of downtown Toronto. Covering an area of about 570 acres between them, the islands are home to summer homes, a small amusement park, and plenty of beaches and recreational areas, and although there are no vehicles on the island (apart from service vehicles) you can get around on foot, by bicycle or quadracycle, or make use of the Historic Tram Tour.

Getting to the Toronto Islands

Unless you’re flying in the only way to get to the Toronto Islands is by boat, and there are frequent ferries departing from the Toronto Ferry Docks throughout the day. When they operate and how frequently they operate depends on the time of year, obviously with more service offered during the busier summer months. You can check the ferry schedule on the Toronto City website.

Attractions on the Toronto Islands

Although the islands present themselves as a way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s no doubt that they do get pretty busy in the peak summer months as Torontonians enjoy travelling out and spending a day, as well as visiting tourists. Having said this, there’s usually enough room for everyone on the island’s beaches, which includes one for nudists! If you don’t fancy the beach, there are many beautiful grassy areas where you can set up a picnic and sit enjoying the views back to the Toronto skyline.

Visitors who like to be a little more active can explore the different islands, or rent a canoe or kayak and explore the islands from the water. The Historic Tram Tour is a good way to see some of the historical highlights of the Toronto Islands during the summer months, when it operates, and is popular with families, as is the island’s amusement park, Centreville Amusement Park. A log flume, tea cups, kiddie boats, Sky Ride and more makes this a perfect place to spend a few hours with the family!

Photo and article copyright Claire Bolgil. Claire is a freelance travel writer based in Beautiful BC. Find out more about her at www.clairebolgil.com