Toronto Islands Compared: Centre Island vs Ward's Island vs Hanlan's Point

Centre Island, Ward's Island and Hanlan's Point each offer a different day out. Here is how the three Toronto Islands compare and how to pick your ferry.

A ten-to-fifteen-minute ferry ride from downtown puts you on the Toronto Islands, a chain of 15 islands linked by pathways and bridges. Three ferry routes serve three main hubs, and each has a different personality. This guide compares them using the City of Toronto's ferry information and Streets of Toronto's island guide.

Getting There

Ferries leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, at 9 Queens Quay W., year-round. According to the City of Toronto, all three routes to Centre Island, Hanlan's Point and Ward's Island run from mid-April to mid-October. The fall schedule runs September 16 to October 13, and the winter timetable, beginning October 14, lists only Ward's Island departures. Schedules can change with weather or mechanical issues, and the city lists five water taxi operators as an alternative. Check the city's page for current times and ticket details, since the online ticket option offers an express line at peak times.

From Union Station, Streets of Toronto suggests the 509 or 510 streetcar to Queens Quay/Ferry Docks, then a short walk. Peak waits can be long, so earlier is better.

Centre Island: The Family Hub

Centre Island Beach is the busiest and has the most amenities, including food outlets, washrooms, change rooms and lockers, and it is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Centreville Amusement Park has over 30 rides and attractions and 14 food outlets. Streets of Toronto also mentions Far Enough Animal Farm, a free petting farm with over 40 species, and kayak and paddleboard rentals.

Ward's Island: The Quiet Community

Ward's Island Beach is the closest beach to the island's homes and about a five-minute walk from the ferry dock. The free 18-hole Toronto Island Disc Golf Course sits on the western side. Ward's is also the one route that keeps running in winter, making it the year-round way to reach the islands.

Hanlan's Point: The Quieter Beach

Hanlan's Point Beach is usually less crowded than Centre Island. Streets of Toronto notes that the south side is clothing optional, while the north side is a standard beach, so choose your side accordingly. Gibraltar Point Beach, a strip connecting Hanlan's Point to Centre Island, was created in 2007 and is the most secluded beach.

How to Choose

Bring kids or want rides and amenities? Take the Centre Island ferry. Want a calm walk, a disc golf round or an off-season visit? Pick Ward's Island. Want a quieter beach day away from crowds? Head to Hanlan's Point, and learn the beach layout first. Whichever you choose, aim for an early ferry, pack water and snacks if you prefer to skip the busy food outlets, and check the city's schedule before you go.