Things To Do In Toronto Islands

Toronto is the most populous city in Canada, with over 6 million people living in the Greater Toronto Area. It is a vibrant and culturally diverse city, full of attractions and activities. From iconic landmarks to its world-renowned entertainment venues and exciting outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in Toronto. One of the most popular places to visit in Toronto is the Toronto Islands, a series of small islands located just off the coast of downtown Toronto.

The Toronto Islands have been a popular recreational destination since the 1800s, when they were first used as a summer retreat by the wealthy upper-class families of Toronto. Today, they are still a popular spot for tourists, offering stunning views of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario, along with various activities and attractions. The islands are accessible by ferry or water taxi from downtown Toronto and make for a perfect day trip. Here are some of the best things to do on Toronto Islands.

Explore the Historic Landmarks

The Toronto Islands are home to some of the oldest surviving structures in the city. One of the most iconic is the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, built in 1808, which is the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse is open for tours (in summer only) and offers stunning views of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario. Another popular landmark is the Centreville Amusement Park, which has been operating since 1967 and is home to over 30 rides and attractions. Other historic sights include the Lake Ontario Park Pavilions, which were built in 1909 and offer stunning views of Toronto’s skyline, and the ruins of the former Hanlan’s Point Hotel, which was built in 1873 but was destroyed by a fire in 1895.

Enjoy a Picnic or Relax on the Beach

The Toronto Islands are home to some of the city’s most beautiful beaches. Hanlan’s Point Beach is a secluded beach located on Hanlan’s Point Island and is a popular spot for sunbathers, swimmers, and beach volleyball players alike. Centre Island Beach, located near Centreville Amusement Park, is another popular spot for sunbathers and swimmers, and also offers stunning views of downtown Toronto. There are also numerous picnic spots and BBQ spots throughout the islands, making them a great spot for picnics and barbeques with friends and family.

Go Boating or Kayaking

The Toronto Islands are great for those looking to explore the waters of Lake Ontario by boat or kayak. There are several boat rental companies located on the islands, offering everything from small boats to large sailboats. Kayaks can also be rented from many of these companies, allowing visitors to explore the islands from a different perspective. For those looking for something a little more adventurous, boat tours are available that will take you around the islands and give you an up-close look at the city skyline.

Explore the Nature Trails

The Toronto Islands are home to some of the city’s best nature trails. The longest trail on the islands is the Ward’s Island Loop Trail, which runs for 8 kilometers and takes you past scenic views of Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. For those looking for something a little more challenging, there’s also the Algonquin Island Loop Trail, which runs for 4 kilometers and takes you through some of the most remote areas of the islands. Both trails offer stunning views of Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto, as well as plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities.

Visit Toronto’s Festivals

The Toronto Islands are home to some of the city’s most popular festivals. One of the biggest events is Centre Island Festival, which takes place over two days in July and features live music, theatre performances, art exhibitions, and more. There’s also the Toronto International Buskerfest, which takes place in August and features street performers from all over the world. And don’t forget about the Island Music Festival, which takes place in September and features performances from some of Canada’s best musical talent.

Book a Tour of Toronto Islands

If you want to explore the Toronto Islands but don’t have much time to spare, consider booking a guided tour with a local company. There are numerous tour companies operating on the islands that offer guided tours that will take you around all of the islands’ sights and attractions. Many of these companies offer private tours as well as group tours, so you can choose whichever option is best for you. A great option is a private tour with Toronto Islands Tour, which will take you to all of the best spots on the islands in a comfortable small group setting.

Another great option for exploring the islands is a Toronto Islands Boat Tour. This tour will take you around all of the islands in a comfortable boat while providing fascinating commentary on their history and sights. On this tour you will get to see some of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks from a unique perspective while learning more about their history and significance.

Conclusion

The Toronto Islands make for a great day trip or weekend getaway from downtown Toronto. With their beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, nature trails, festivals, boat tours, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the islands. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with friends or family or just want to relax in a beautiful natural setting, the Toronto Islands have something for everyone.