The warm summer sun has started to rise, and there’s nothing better to do in Toronto when the weather allows it than spending the day on Toronto Island.
There are so many iconic things about the island outside of the beaches, it’s hard to narrow down exactly how you want to spend your time while not lazing in the sun.
Leave the planning to us! Just pack your beach bag, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready to see the best that Toronto Island has to offer.
Set sail in style
The easiest (and cheapest) way to get to the island is the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, but that’s not necessarily the most fun way.
Along the harbour are private water taxis to help you travel on your own schedule, with pirate taxis and tiki taxis to get you into the seafaring mood.
There’s even a themed tiki boat tour so you can experience all the island has to offer in a tropical state of mind.
Centre Island is the place to dock if you’re an island newcomer, but a pro tip is to dock at Ward’s Island if you want a calmer entry point.
Explore the island on wheels
A leisurely stroll is a fine way of getting around, but not the best if all you brought were flip-flops.
Give your feet a rest and hit up the bike rental shop on the island. A standard bike starts at $10 per hour, but there are also tandem bikes to share in the adventure with a special someone, or quadricycles to get the whole gang involved.
Rentals are first-come, first-served, and all bikes are inspected before and after your ride to ensure they’re in top shape.
The shop is just a 10-minute stroll from the Centre Island Ferry Dock, but the location is clearly marked on maps once you get to the island.
Embrace nature
Outside of the picturesque beaches, Toronto Island is home to plenty of fauna that you’ll fawn over.
While the Toronto Island Gardens will give you your flowery fill, the William Meany Maze — a 1,200 Black Cedar hedge maze built in 1967 — is a creative way to experience the island’s nature.
Being one of the city’s environmentally significant areas, it’s also a prominent birding location, so keep your ears peeled and you might hear some rare chirps!
Arts and culture on the island
Outside of the natural environment, the island is home to some hidden gems, including some of Toronto’s prominent public art, including the Edward Hanlan statue and the Fire and Water clock at Ward’s Island.
If you want to really explore a piece of Toronto’s history, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, just north of Gibraltar Point Beach, is the oldest stone building in the city, being over 200 years old and is Canada’s oldest standing lighthouse.
And, regardless of faith, the quirky St. Andrew-by-the-Lake Anglican Church is a charming little spot with a great sense of humour.
Centreville Amusement Park
The beloved island amusement park has been a staple of Toronto Island since 1967, and the park is set to resume daily operations in June, but you can check it out on weekends in May.
The park is home to over 30 rides and attractions, and that includes 14 food options from the Carousel Cafe to Beaver Tails, which is a personal must-have for any island trip.
And if you look up, you can catch an amazing view of Toronto’s iconic skyline from the Centreville Sky Ride. It’s the perfect way to catch the sunset to cap off your beach day.
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