Toronto Island's Ferry Officially Reopens To Passengers This Weekend

Torontonians, rejoice! One of the city's most popular hotspots will finally be accessible this weekend. John Tory has announced that the Toronto Island Ferry will be up and running for passengers as of June 27. So it's time to start planning your next island getaway. 

On Wednesday morning, the mayor announced that non-residents will officially be permitted to board the ferry. 

"Proud to announce the resumption of public access ferry service to the Toronto Island Park starting this Saturday," Tory wrote in a tweet. 

However, it’s worth noting that the service won’t exactly be business as usual this summer.

Mayor John Tory told CP24 that those looking to hitch a ride to the islands this summer would need to book in advance as capacity will be limited. You’ll also need to be wearing a face cover.

“There’s some rules on, again that have to do with crowding and spreading of the virus imposed by the federal government, that have really changed the way ferries will operate,” Tory said, according to the Canadian Press via CityNews.

The Waterfront BIA has also announced that the ferry will only be taking half of the passengers that they have taken in previous years.

The mayor also cautioned that some of the island park amenities will be closed. 

“It is good news because that is a great park over there. Not all the amenities will be open on the island, but the washrooms will, and people will be able to enjoy the islands as we get to the summer months,” he told CP24.

Earlier this week it was also announced that Toronto Island's beaches would also be reopening for the summer.  

According to the City, four of the island's beaches will be reopened on July 1. So you can celebrate Canada Day by the water! 

The announcement comes on the same day that Toronto enters stage two of the government's reopening plan. 

Restaurants, hair salons and malls are all permitted to open under strict safety guidelines.