Two or Three Days on the Toronto Waterfront and Toronto Island Park

This plan covers two or three days on the Toronto Waterfront and Toronto Island Park in Ontario, Canada. Day 1 follows Queens Quay, the Martin Goodman Trail and Harbourfront Centre. Day 2 takes the ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Centre Island and Ward's Island. Day 3 covers cycling, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and the western dunes. Hotel check-in times and amenities are shown on the booking site.

Day 1: Queens Quay, the Martin Goodman Trail and Harbourfront Centre

Start on Queens Quay, the waterfront's main street. It runs more than 3 km from Bathurst Street to Parliament Street. Waterfront Toronto finished rebuilding its 1.7 km central stretch, from Spadina Avenue to Bay Street, in 2015. On the south side of Queens Quay, a granite pedestrian promenade lined with a double row of trees runs beside the multi-use Martin Goodman Trail. The promenade is about a 10-minute walk from Union Station.

Next, spend time at Harbourfront Centre. It is a registered charitable not-for-profit cultural organization on a 10-acre campus on Toronto's central waterfront. It offers year-round programs. Check program listings and entry details with Harbourfront Centre before you go.

The City of Toronto says the Martin Goodman Trail is part of a waterfront trail of 20+ km from the western to the eastern beaches. That trail sits within a citywide network of over 300 km of trails. Walk or cycle a stretch at your own pace.

Day 2: Ferry to Centre Island, the Maze and the Boardwalk

Ferries to Toronto Island run year-round from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. From mid-April to mid-October there are three routes: Centre Island, Hanlan's Point and Ward's Island. On the island, vehicles are restricted to emergency and commercial service vehicles.

Visit the William Meany Maze. It is planted with 1,200 Black Cedars and recreates the original island maze built in 1967 for Canada's centennial. On the islands, Centreville Amusement Park has over 30 rides and attractions and runs May through September. It is not operated by the City. Far Enough Farm, a petting farm, is open in summer.

From Centre Island, walk the 1.5 km year-round boardwalk. It runs between just east of Centre Island Beach and Ward's Island Beach, with views of Lake Ontario, Tommy Thompson Park and Ward's Island Beach. Centre Island to Ward's Island is 2.9 km, about a 35-minute walk on multi-use trails and bridges.

Day 3: Cycling, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and the Western Shore

Paved and gravel trails cross the islands. You can bring a bike on the ferry or rent through Toronto Island Bicycle Rentals or Bike Share Toronto. Bike Share bikes are not allowed on ferries, so plan which side of the harbor you will ride on.

Ride toward the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. The City of Toronto describes it as more than 200 years old, the oldest stone building in Toronto and Canada's oldest standing lighthouse. The western shore has sand dunes, an uncommon freshwater coastal ecosystem that is home to rare species. Parts of Toronto Island are Environmentally Significant Areas.

Four of Toronto's 10 beaches are on Toronto Island: Centre Island (Manitou), Gibraltar Point, Hanlan's Point and Ward's Island. Lifeguards supervise them in summer. The three ferry routes, including Hanlan's Point, run from mid-April to mid-October, so check which route suits your return trip.

History, Winter Visits and Seasonal Activities

The City of Toronto says Toronto Island has been a place of healing, ceremony and gathering for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous communities for thousands of years. That history is part of the place you are visiting.

October to April is the island's winter season. Ferries still run year-round from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, and the heated Ward's Island waiting shed stays open in winter. The 1.5 km boardwalk is also open year-round.

Some activities are seasonal. The Boat House rents canoes and kayaks for the lagoons between the islands, with paddles and lifejackets included. It is closed for the season as of the check date. The guided golf-cart tour lasts about 30 to 40 minutes, starting and ending near the fountain at the foot of the bridge on Centre Island. It is also closed for the season as of the check date. Confirm reopening details with each operator.

Key points

• Ferries to Toronto Island run year-round from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, with three routes from mid-April to mid-October.
• Queens Quay runs more than 3 km from Bathurst Street to Parliament Street, beside the Martin Goodman Trail.
• Centre Island to Ward's Island is 2.9 km, about a 35-minute walk on trails and bridges.
• The City of Toronto describes the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse as Canada's oldest standing lighthouse.
• The Boat House and the guided golf-cart tour are closed for the season as of the check date.

Frequently asked questions