Everything you can enjoy on the Toronto Islands this summer

Following a summer of torrential downpours and major flooding, the city’s favourite local getaway, the Toronto Islands will be the place to be over the next few months.

Located a quick 13-minute ferry ride from downtown, the Island is actually a group of 15 islands inter-connected by pathways and bridges, making it the perfect place to escape the city in the summer.

Whether you’re looking to spend a family-friendly afternoon or chill out with your friends, there’s always plenty to do and see on the Island.

Here’s everything you can enjoy on the Island this summer.

Centerville Theme Park

The family-friendly, nostalgia-inducing amusement park is now open for the summer season. Bumper boats, the log flume ride, and a windmill-style Ferris wheel are among more than 30 rides and attractions at the park. There’s also a Pizza Pizza and Subway open on-site in case you get hungry!

When: Open now
Time: Park opens at 10:30 am
Where: Centre Island, Toronto
Price: $35.35 for an adult day pass

Toronto Island Brewing

If you’re in the mood for a waterfront patio serving ice cold beers and epic skyline views, look no further than Toronto Island Brewing, the newest food and beverage addition to the Toronto Islands. Opened by the folks of Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Company, patrons can look forward to house brands including Sinners Helles Bock, Redeemers Lager, Ferryboat Blonde Ale, and Ned’s Champion IPA.

When: Open now
Time: 11 am to 8 pm
Where: 120 Centre Island Dock
Price: Pay for what you order

Paddle Boarding

If you want to explore the Island on your own terms, all while getting a killer workout, you’re going to want to try paddle boarding. Whether you’re experienced or a beginner, paddle boarding is a great way to explore the lagoons and take in the beauty of the Island.

When: Rentals open June 1; full summer schedule begins June 22
Time: Monday to Friday, 10;30 am to 8:30 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm
Where: Rentals are located at Ward’s Beach
Price: $30 for the first hour

Bike Rentals

Whether you want to cruise the boardwalk or hit up a beach, there’s no better way to experience the island than by bike. Rental options at the Toronto Island Bicycle Rental include single and tandem bikes and two and four-seater quadricycles.

When: Open now until September 1
Time: 10:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Centre Island
Price: Varies by bike

Beaches

The Island is home to three beaches: Centre Island Beach, Ward’s Island Beach, and Hanlan’s Point, which just so happens to be a clothing optional beach FYI. While the sand on the beaches isn’t as nice as what you might find in the Caribbean, it’s as good as it gets for a beach that’s 15 minutes from downtown Toronto.

When: Open
Time: Lifeguard is on duty from 11:30 am to 6:30 pm from June to Labour Day
Where: Hanlan’s Point is located on the west shore; Centre Island is located right by the ferry terminal; Ward’s Island located on the east east shore
Price: Public access is free

Boat Rentals

Another great way to get around the Island is by boat. Visitors are able to rent canoes, pedal boats, and kayaks at the Boat House. Spend an afternoon leisurely paddling through the lagoon and open waters. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the various wildlife, which includes fish, turtles, herons, and nesting swans.

When: Open now
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Centre Island Dock
Price: Canoes and single kayaks are $29 for one hour, $74 for three, including HST. Tandem kayaks are $37 the first hour.

Electric Island

If you’re really looking to let loose on the island, Electric Island will be taking over Hanlan’s Point over the coming months and hosting an epic afternoon picnic and electronic music party. This year, concertgoers can look forward to 50 musical acts, which includes Lane 8, Yokoo, Ellen Allien, and more.

When: July 1, August 11, September 2 & 3
Time: 2 pm to 11 pm
Where: Hanlan’s Point, Toronto Island
Price: Tickets start at $50.84

Sports

If you’re in the mood for some friendly competition, the Island is the perfect place to play some sports. There’s a public tennis court at Hanlan’s, a soccer field on Ward’s Island, a baseball diamond on the southwest “corner” of the island, and beach volleyball nets set up on the beaches in the summer.

When: Open year round
Time: Open Island hours
Where Located throughout the Island
Price: No cost. Everything is first come first serve and you need to bring your own equipment

See also

• Toronto Island ferry starts its summer schedule today
• Toronto Islands ready for summer following last year's record-breaking water levels
• There's an app all about the Toronto Islands being released this year