10 Best Things to Do at Toronto Island Park
Not every city is blessed with an island paradise that is easily accessible, but when it comes to Toronto, we can say that it is rightly blessed with a unique gem that makes it a great tourist destination for both visitors and locals.
Toronto Island Park is a serene oasis located in the heart of the bustling city of Toronto. With its beautiful beaches and stunning views of the city skyline, this park offers a chance to visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature at its finest.
With so much to see and do, there’s no doubt why Toronto island park is considered one of the best attractions in the city. If you’re someone who enjoys spending time with mother nature and is looking for an affordable activity to do, Toronto island park might just be the place for you.
Need a quick guide and To-do for the trip? We got you covered! Before embarking on your journey to the beautiful Toronto Island Park, it is essential to be informed about all the necessary details that will help you plan your trip effectively.
1. History
Over 10,000 years ago, the Toronto Islands came into existence as a result of the last ice age. During this period, the islands were inhabited by the Indigenous Peoples of Canada who utilized the area as a prime location for hunting and fishing activities.
In the late 1800s, the City of Toronto acquired the islands and turned them into a public park.
Soon after its inception, the park gained immense popularity among visitors who were drawn to its serene and picturesque setting, making it a sought-after spot for activities such as picnicking, swimming, and boating.
2. Ways to Reach Toronto Island Park
Toronto island park is located on several small islands in Lake Ontario which is not at a very far distance from the city’s downtown core.
There are a few ways to reach the park:
2.1 Ferry Service:
The most popular and cheapest way to reach Toronto island park is by ferry. The whole ferry ride takes nearly 15 minutes and is a very scenic way to reach the islands as it offers stunning views of the lake and the city skyline.
The tickets can be purchased physically at the dock or online in advance.
The Jack Layton ferry terminal serves as the sole departure point for all ferries heading to Toronto Island. The terminal provides three main ferry routes, which are Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward’s Island.
Accessing the ferry terminal is relatively easy, as it can be conveniently reached by using public transportation. To obtain reliable information about the Toronto Island ferry service, it’s advisable to visit the official website of the park.
2.2 Kayak or Canoe:
For people who love adventures and are into experiencing new things, Kayaking and Canoeing are fun ways to Toronto island park. Kayaks and Canoes are available for rent from several companies in the city and there are many launch points along the city’s waterfront.
2.3 Private Water Taxi
Those who prefer a luxurious experience in a personalized way can book a private water taxi in advance. Traveling by ferry is not only a convenient mode of transportation, but it also offers the quickest route to reach the beautiful Toronto Island Park.
All water taxis depart from the Harborfront area and reach any one of the three islands: Centre Island, Halan’s Island, or Ward’s Island.
2.4 Pedestrian Tunnel
A pedestrian tunnel is available for those who prefer to walk to the island. The tunnel is located at the foot of Bathurst Street and provides direct access to the park.
3. Things to Do at Toronto Island Park:
Here’s a to-do list of what you must do if you’re planning an excursion to the Toronto islands.
3.1 Soaking Up the Sun on the Beaches
Toronto island park is home to several beautiful beaches, including Centre island beach, Ward’s Island Beach, Hanlan’s point beach, and Gibraltar point beach.
3.1.1 Centre Island Beach
Centre island beach remains the busiest on summer days due to the availability of various services like bike rentals, fast food, washrooms, changing rooms, and a restaurant with a great patio.
3.1.2 Ward’s Island Beach
Located at a 5-minute walk from Ward’s Island ferry docks, Ward’s Island Beach is a great option if you need a secluded day by the water.
3.1.3 Hanlan’s Point Beach
Hanlan’s Point Beach is the most “green” beach among all the beaches. it is a great spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding and is usually less busy and crowded than the Center Island beach.
3.1.4 Gibraltar Point Beach
This beach is often considered the Canadian city, of Toronto’s hidden gem. Since it is a little distance from Centre Island, people usually don’t make an effort to walk the extra mile which makes it a bit more tranquil.
Gibraltar point beach has quiet surrounding for a picnic or a peaceful swim.
With several beaches to choose from, Lake Ontario offers the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate yourself. Spend a lazy afternoon soaking up the sun, lounging on the sand, and going for a peaceful swim in the clear water. Lifeguards are present on all the beaches.
To enhance your enjoyment of the Toronto Island Park beaches during the summer, be sure to protect yourself from the intense sun by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Stay hydrated by bringing plenty of water or other hydrating drinks.
3.2 Go On a Bike Tour
Riding a bike at Toronto island park is one great way to explore the full lengths of the park and its attractions. It offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also a great way to clear your head and calm your thoughts.
Renting a bike at Toronto Islands is a rather simple process as there are many renting shops available throughout the island. Bicycles are available in a variety of styles and sizes, including adult and children’s bikes and even electric bikes.
The rate of these bikes usually depends upon the type of bike rented and the length of the rental time.
You are provided with a helmet, and bike lock as well as a map of the island for easy navigation. You can take a peaceful ride along the boardwalk, explore, and even visit other attractions of the island park such as the Centreville amusement park and the Gibraltar Point lighthouse.
One of the most popular bike routes is the William Meany Maze – It is a 3-acre hedge maze that offers a fun challenge for visitors of all ages.
While riding a bike on Toronto islands, it’s important to respect the rules and regulations of the park like speed limits and bike paths.
3.3 Visit Centreville Amusement Park
If you’re traveling with kids (or if you’re still a kid at heart), visiting an amusement park can be a fun and memorable way to enhance a trip. Centreville has been evoking screams of excitement from visitors for over 50 years and is still a popular tourist destination.
The Centreville houses over 30 rides and amusements including classic carnival rides like the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and Tilt-a-Whirl. In addition to these rides, there are also many games and activities like a mini golf course, an arcade, and a farm.
Another feature of the Centreville amusement park is its location on the Toronto islands. It offers a marvelous view of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario. One more best thing about the park is that it has zero admission fee, visitors only have to buy tickets for the rides they want access to.
3.4 Have a Picnic
Do you or your family enjoy day trips to pretty places surrounded by nature?
Well then, Toronto island park has got you covered. Here you can find hundreds of picnic spots and free BBQs under leafy-towering trees.
Some of the picnic spots include Island, Ward’s Island, and Hanlan’s Point. You can also find picnic tables and benches throughout the park.
Bring a blanket, believe me, it is much better as it’s comfortable and adds to the picnic atmosphere, add some snacks and enjoy your meal surrounded by nature.
One of the most popular picnic areas on the Toronto Islands is Centre Island. With its spacious picnic tables and stunning views of the Toronto skyline, it’s the perfect spot for a family gathering or a romantic picnic with your partner.
Another great picnic spot is Hanlan’s Point, located on the western end of the islands. This secluded area offers a more peaceful atmosphere, with plenty of grassy areas and quiet spots to enjoy a picnic. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset over the city skyline.
If you’re looking for a more secluded picnic spot, the south end of the islands is a great option. Here you’ll find a beautiful stretch of sandy beach and plenty of quiet spots to enjoy a picnic
At some spots, you can enjoy both a picnic and Splash pads, which can just add more to your fun. Also, when you’re finished, make sure to clean up any trash and pack up your belongings. Leave the park cleaner than you found it!
3.5 Visit the Toronto Island Garden
The Toronto Island Garden is a beautiful oasis of flowers, plants, and trees. The garden features a diverse collection of plants and flowers from around the world, including native Canadian species, as well as exotic plants from Asia, Europe, and South America.
The Toronto Island Garden covers an area of approximately 10 acres and is divided into several sections, each with its unique theme and plant collection.
Some of the highlights of the garden include the Butterfly Habitat Garden, which is home to a variety of native butterfly species, and the Perennial Border Garden, which features a colorful display of flowering perennials.
The garden also includes a sensory garden which is designed to engage visitors’ senses of touch, smell, and sound and a children’s garden namely, the Franklin Children’s Garden where young visitors learn about nature and gardening.
The Toronto Island Garden offers an escape from busy city life. Take a stroll through the gardens and enjoy the sights and smells of the blooming flowers.
3.6 Play a Round of Disc Golf
One of the many outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy at the islands is disc golf. Disc golf is a fun and challenging sport that can be enjoyed by people. Toronto island park is home to the 18-hole disc golf course, which is perfect for golf players of all skill levels.
Disc golf is similar to traditional golf, but instead of using clubs and a ball, players use a flying disc or frisbee. The objective is to throw the disc from a tee area and try to get it into a metal basket in as few throws as possible.
Each hole on the course has a par, which is the number of throws it should take an experienced player to complete the hole.
The course at Toronto Island Park is designed to challenge players with a variety of obstacles, including trees, bushes, and water hazards. The park’s scenic location on the Toronto Islands also provides players with stunning views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline.
The disc golf course requires no reservations or admission fee but you must carry your own disc set so be sure to add it to your itinerary the next time you visit the islands.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time player, the course at Toronto Island Park is sure to provide a fun and memorable experience.
3.7 Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the park’s waterways, including the lagoons and channels that wind through the park’s interior. It is one fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of the area and get some exercises done at the same time!
There are several options for renting kayaks and canoes, the most popular one is to rent them from the Toronto Island Canoe and Kayak Centre, which is located at the center island.
One of the main advantages of kayaking or canoeing at the Toronto Islands is the opportunity to enjoy the serene waters of Lake Ontario up close.
The clear waters of the lake provide a perfect setting for a relaxing paddle, and the islands’ natural beauty and wildlife create an unforgettable atmosphere.
While paddling, you can spot a variety of bird species, including swans, geese, and ducks, that call the islands home.
You can paddle around the perimeter of the islands, taking in the stunning views of the Toronto skyline and the natural beauty of the area. Kayaking or canoeing on the Toronto Islands is suitable for people of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers.
Although the water is usually calm and there are no major currents, still it is important to always wear a life jacket in the area.
3.8 Seek Out the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
If you’re someone who is into history and is keen to learn more about the ancient buildings of Toronto, then you wouldn’t want to miss the Gibraltar Point lighthouse.
Built in 1808 and designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, the lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Great Lakes. For over 150 years, It played a vital role in guiding ships through the Great Lakes.
Today, visitors can explore the magnificent Gibraltar Point Lighthouse along with a tour guide, and ascend to the top to witness breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline.
However, the climb to the top is not for the faint of heart, as the narrow and winding staircase requires some physical exertion. Nevertheless, the awe-inspiring vistas from the lighthouse summit make the effort worthwhile, leaving visitors spellbound and mesmerized.
According to legend, the lighthouse holds within its walls a ghostly presence that is said to belong to none other than John Paul Radelmuller, the original lightkeeper.
Radelmuller’s tragic end, having been murdered, has only served to further enhance the lighthouse’s reputation as a place shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
3.9 Walk the Pier
Toronto may not have as many piers as other cities built on a lake, but the pier extending out into Lake Ontario at Centre Island Beach is a hidden gem worth visiting.
The pier is located on the south side of Centre Island and offers stunning views of the Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario, and the surrounding islands.
The walk from the ferry Terminal to the pier takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on your pace. The pier is a long wooden boardwalk that offers breathtaking views of the water and surrounding islands.
Standing on the center island pier, with the wind in your hair, and the sound of the lake lapping against the shore provides a gateway to a sense of inner calmness.
You may see sailboats and motorboats passing by, and with some luck, you might catch a glimpse of playful dolphins or a curious seal swimming in the water.
It offers a sense of peace and tranquility which is nearly impossible to find among the hubbubs of the city.
3.10 Watch the Sunset
Are you someone who loves the sky as if it’s your home?
Something which soothes your stress and anxiety and watching the sunset is something you never like to miss?
Then head to the western side of Toronto island park and watch the sunset over the Toronto skyline coloring the sky with beautiful shades of pink, orange, and purple.
As the sun sets, the sky becomes ablaze with a warm, golden light that envelopes the park and the surrounding lake in a spellbinding aura. The ethereal glow casts a magical spell, creating a breathtaking vista that leaves one awestruck.
For an unparalleled sunset-watching experience at Toronto Island Park, make your way to Hanlan’s Point. This location boasts an unobstructed view of the sun as it sets
Watching the sunset at Toronto Island Park is a must-do experience. It’s a reminder that even in a busy metropolis, there are moments of tranquility and natural beauty that can take your breath away.
So be sure to take the time to watch the sunset during your visit to Toronto Island Park. You won’t regret it!
Conclusion
Toronto Island Park is a serene oasis that offers a perfect escape from the fast-paced city life. This natural wonderland provides visitors with a wide range of outdoor activities, fun-filled family attractions, and a tranquil retreat that rejuvenates the soul.
Nestled in the heart of Lake Ontario, the park offers breathtaking vistas of the Toronto skyline and surrounding waters, allowing visitors to revel in the beauty of nature and delve into the rich culture and history of the city.
It’s no surprise that the park draws millions of visitors each year, thanks to its many exciting attractions and amenities. However, you don’t have to take our word for it. Plan a visit and discover the wonders of Toronto Island Park for yourself.
If you’re keen to explore Toronto’s many delights, the city offers a plethora of thrilling experiences that are sure to captivate you. From exhilarating adventures to waterfront restaurants that boast sweeping views, Toronto caters to every taste and interest.
So go ahead and immerse yourself in this vibrant city, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Read more from us here.