9 things to do on the Toronto Islands this summer that you'll want to add to your bucket list
Looking for the perfect summer day activity in Toronto? Just a short ferry ride from the city core, you can explore a series of islands with tons to see and do.
The Toronto Islands are comprised of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario, right off of the mainland. These scenic islands offer plenty of amenities that make them the perfect summer spot, including pleasant beaches, parks and trails.
Despite their proximity to the city, the islands feel like a world away — just hop on the ferry or grab a water taxi and you'll feel transported to a summery destination.
If you need some inspiration for how to spend your time on the island, we've got you covered. Here are nine fun ways to spend some time on the Toronto Islands this summer.
Follow a pier out onto Lake Ontario
Location: Centre Island Beach
Why You Need To Go: You can take a walk down a scenic pier while on the islands for beautiful views of the lake.
Located on Centre Island at Centre Island Beach, the Centre Island Pier stretches out over Lake Ontario. Take a walk down to the end of the pier for the best vantage point of the lake on all of the island.
Jutting out far into the water, the pier is lined with binoculars and benches and is a great spot to stop and admire the views, which are pretty much endless blue.
Visit a 'haunted' lighthouse
Location: Hanlan's Point
Why You Need To Go: On the Toronto Islands, you can visit a lighthouse that's said to have a spirit lingering around.
The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse on Hanlan's Point is said to be the site of strange and paranormal occurrences.
According to CBC, visitors to the sight have reported seeing unexplained lights in the lighthouse windows, strange bloodstains on the staircase, and a "shadowy form gliding across the sand in the moonlight."
As the story goes, lighthouse keeper J.P. Radan Muller disappeared from his post at the lighthouse on January 2, 1815.
The exact details of what happened to him are unconfirmed, but he was presumed murdered.
Today, legend persists that his ghost haunts the grounds. While you can't go inside the lighthouse for yourself, you can pay it a visit the next time you're on the island.
Enjoy pleasant beaches...
Location: Torono Island Park
Why You Need To Go: You'll find many pleasant beaches on the Toronto Islands, each offering a slightly different experience.
Centre Island Beach is a popular spot on the island for a casual beach day. The beach, which is probably the most frequented on the island, is around a 10-minute walk south from Centre Island Ferry Dock.
The beach stretches east and west of the Centre Island Pier, offering plenty of soft sand.
A break wall of big rock boulders helps to keep the strong waves of the lake at bay and water close to the shore. The beach conveniently also has lockers, washrooms and changing rooms on site.
For a quieter experience, consider heading to Wards's Island beach. The beach is part of a small residential neighbourhood east of Centre Island where fewer tourists venture, and doesn't get as busy as other beaches on the islands.
You'll also find Hanlan's Point Beach on the other main island, as well as Gibraltar Point Beach, which is located between Hanlan's Point Beach and Centre Island Beach, about a 20-minute walk from Centre Island Ferry Dock.
...Including a nude beach
Location: Hanlan's Point Beach
Why You Need To Go: And, speaking of beaches, Hanlan's Point Beach offers something special for those wanting to work on evening out their tan this summer.
Hanlan's Point Beach is one of only two officially designated clothing-optional beaches in the country, and the only one in Ontario.
The pleasant beach can be found on Hanlan's Point, tucked away from the island's main pathway and marked by signs.
The beach is divided into a clothing-optional side where your swimsuit is not required, and a clothing-mandatory side.
While the beach can be considered a lesser-known spot in the city, be aware that it can get quite busy, especially on the clothing-optional side.
The beach was expanded in 2023 from Gibraltar Point to Billy Bishop Airport, according to the Toronto Star, and was also officially recognized by the city as a historically queer space.
Meet the animals at Far Enough Farm
Location: Centreville Amusement Park
Why You Need To Go: You may be surprised to know that the Toronto Islands have their very own petting zoo.
Originally established in 1959, Far Enough Farm is a longstanding Centre Island staple that is sure to please children and adults alike.
And while you may call it a petting zoo, Far Enough Farm is actually a fully functioning farmyard that welcomes visitors, young and old.
Located on Centre Island just east of the amusement park, this petting farm allows visitors to get up close and personal with over 40 different species of farmyard animals and exotic birds, including Indian Runner ducks, billy goats, llamas, alpacas, sheep, ponies and more.
Far Enough Farm website
Bike around the islands
Location: Toronto Island Park
Why You Need To Go: You can pedal your way to the best spots on the Toronto Islands to swim, eat, paddleboard, take photos and sunbathe this summer.
While you can certainly bring your own bike to the islands on the public ferry, you can also rent a bike from Toronto Island Bicycle Rentals on Centre Island.
For families, couples and groups, there are even tandem bicycles and 2-seaater and 4-seater quadricycles complete with golf cart-style roofs to protect you from the sun.
Visit Centreville Amusement Park
Location: Centre Island
Why You Need To Go: Did you know there was a theme park on the Toronto Islands?
On Centre Island, you'll find Centreville Amusement Park, a kid-friendly theme park with over 30 rides and attractions.
While many rides are geared towards children, there's plenty here for adults too, like the Sky Ride, a chair-lift ride where you can sit back and relax as you glide across the sky while enjoying picturesque views of the island and the city skyline.
The park also has a miniature golf course, an antique carousel, a Ferris wheel and a number of food outlets, including Scoops Ice Cream Wagon a Funnel Cake Shop, and a Beaver Tails.
Centreville Amusement Park website
Grab a bite with gorgeous views
Location: 120 Centre Island Dock, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: While there are multiple places to eat on the Toronto Islands, for the best views, you'll want to head to his BBQ joint.
Toronto Island BBQ on Centre Island offers tasty fast, casual BBQ fare, with classic bites like pulled pork, Island Tacos, wings and burgers on the menu.
They also have a special selection of locally brewed beers and homemade desserts.
The restaurants also offers an incredible view of the Toronto skyline to complement your meal.
Take in sunset views of the Toronto skyline
Location: Toronto Island Park
Why You Need To Go: The Toronto Islands are a great spot to take in gorgeous sunset views.
For some of the best sunsets, you'll want to head to Hanlan's Point, Ward's Island or the lesser visited Snake Island, though you'll pretty much get beautiful views of golden hour anywhere on the island.
For a fun end-of-day activity, you could enjoy a fire as you take in the sunset, with several fire pits on the islands that are available for booking.
Enjoy!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
