Toronto Islands Loop: Ward's Island to Hanlan's Point

June to September is the full-service season, with all three ferry routes, lifeguards and food. Summer weekends bring long ferry lines; a weekday, or an early start on a weekend, is far calmer. September keeps the warm water and loses much of the crowd.

Ferry tickets are sold online and at the terminal, and online tickets have used a separate, faster line at busy times. The ticket is a return valid from any island dock. Check the official City of Toronto site before you go for fares and the current timetable.

The worst queue of the day is the return from Centre Island in the late afternoon. This loop avoids it by ending at Hanlan’s Point; Ward’s Island is the other quieter return. Check the Hanlan’s schedule first, as its last boat can be early outside peak season.

The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal sits behind the Westin Harbour Castle at the foot of Bay Street, about 15 minutes’ walk from Union Station. Bikes ride the ferry free, which makes a bike the fastest way to cover the whole loop.

Centreville’s rides, the free Far Enough Farm, and the beaches make the islands one of the best family days in the city. Centre Island has the most facilities; with small children, consider taking the Centre ferry both ways and skipping the long walk.

Food on the islands is limited and seasonal: a few cafes around Ward’s Island and snack bars near Centre Island. Most visitors bring a picnic and plenty of water. Drinking fountains operate in summer.

There are no hotels on the islands, but a few residents run bed and breakfasts on Ward’s and Algonquin islands. Otherwise stay downtown: the Westin Harbour Castle is next to the ferry terminal, and any hotel near Union Station is a short walk away.

There is little shade on the beaches and the boardwalk. Swim only at supervised beaches when lifeguards are on duty; Lake Ontario can be cold and the waves can pick up. The islands flooded badly in 2017, and high water can still close paths; check for notices.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a hat, plus a light layer: it is often cooler and windier on the lake than in the city. Wear shoes you can walk several kilometres in; flip-flops on the boardwalk get tiresome.