Ferries to the Toronto Islands leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street and run to three island docks: Centre Island, Ward’s Island and Hanlan’s Point. Service is seasonal, with all three routes running in summer and a reduced winter service to Ward’s Island only. Fares in October 2026 were set by age group, from free for infants to $9.57 for an adult round trip. Confirm schedules and fares with the City of Toronto before you travel.
The ferry terminal
The ferries leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at 9 Queens Quay West, at the intersection of Queens Quay West and Bay Street. The City of Toronto says the terminal is set back about 100 metres south of that intersection, behind a hotel. It lies a short distance south of Union Station, so most visitors arrive on foot or by public transit.
Tickets can be bought in advance online or at the terminal booths. The City of Toronto has warned the public about fake websites that sell ferry tickets and says to buy only from the City’s own ferry pages. If you are unsure whether a site is official, call the City’s 311 line.
The three ferry destinations
One ticket is valid for any island dock. The three docks serve different parts of the islands.
- Centre Island. This is the busiest route. It is closest to the amusement park, the farm and the family beach.
- Ward’s Island. The City suggests it as a quieter alternative, about a 35-minute walk from Centre Island. It is the dock used in winter, and it serves the residential community, a beach and the boardwalk.
- Hanlan’s Point. The City says staff are present at this dock at peak times. Its beach is partly clothing-optional, and the City describes the dock as about a 15-minute walk from that beach.
The islands are connected by paths, so a day visit often combines two docks: arrive at one, walk or cycle across, and leave from another. Check the posted return times before you go far, since the last departures matter.
Seasons and schedules
The City of Toronto organizes the service into four seasons. In October 2026 its schedule page described them without giving years, and said exact dates would be posted once confirmed.
- Spring: from about mid-April for roughly a month, with reduced trips to Centre Island, Ward’s Island and Hanlan’s Point.
- Summer: from about mid-May to mid-September, with service on all routes to all three docks.
- Fall: from about mid-September for roughly a month, with reduced trips to the same three docks.
- Winter: from October 14 to about mid-April, with service to Ward’s Island only.
The winter timetable listed first departures at 6:30 a.m. from the city and 6:45 a.m. from Ward’s Island, and last departures at 11:45 p.m. from both. Boats usually run every 15 minutes, with longer gaps at certain times of day, and two trips are marked as having no vehicle service. Because those times belong to one season and can change, read the current timetable for your date rather than relying on these figures.
Fares, as published in October 2026
The City of Toronto’s ferry ticket page listed these round-trip fares, with no year stated on the page:
| Fare category | Round trip |
|---|---|
| Adult (20 to 64) | $9.57 |
| Older adult (65 and over) | $6.15 |
| Youth (15 to 19) | $6.15 |
| Junior (2 to 14) | $4.51 |
| Infant (under 2) | Free |
Monthly passes were also listed and are sold only at the terminal. A 10 percent discount applied to purchases of 10 or more round-trip tickets, and tickets are non-refundable. Terminal tickets are valid only on the day of purchase, while online tickets, according to the City, can be used until December 31 of the year they were bought. Payment methods listed were cash at the terminal, major credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
In July 2026 a news report said city council had approved free ferry rides for children, youth and seniors for the month of August 2026. That period has ended. Ask the City whether any similar offer applies on your date.
What is on the islands
The City’s list of things to do includes several items that are open at different times of year.
- Centreville Amusement Park. More than 30 rides, open May through September. The City says it is run by a private company, not by the City.
- Far Enough Farm. A free petting farm that is open in summer.
- Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. The City calls it the oldest stone building in Toronto, and lists it as open year-round.
- Franklin Children’s Garden. A wheelchair-accessible garden with a hide-and-seek garden and wetlands, open year-round.
- Beaches. Centre Island, Gibraltar Point, Hanlan’s Point and Ward’s Island, with lifeguards in summer.
- Trails and sport. A 1.5 kilometre boardwalk, paved and gravel cycling paths with bike rentals, an 18-hole disc golf course and pickleball courts near Ward’s Island.
The City also lists privately run cafes and restaurants, and picnic and fire pit bookings from May through September. The City says to dock your bicycle before boarding and before leaving the island. If you plan to bring a drink to a picnic, read the rules in the article on alcohol on Toronto Island.
Why the islands matter in Toronto’s story
The islands are not only a park. The City’s ferry page notes that they have long been a place of healing, ceremony and gathering for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous communities. The longer story of how the land took shape and how it was used is told in the history of the Toronto Islands. Billy Bishop airport also sits on the islands, but it has its own tunnel and ferry, as explained in how many airports Toronto has.
For a low-cost day out, the ferry fare is the main expense, since the City lists the farm as free and describes the trails and boardwalk without a charge. For more ideas, see free things to do in Toronto.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the Toronto Island ferries leave from?
From the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at 9 Queens Quay West, near the foot of Bay Street. The terminal is south of the intersection of Queens Quay West and Bay Street.
Which island dock should I choose?
Centre Island is the busiest and suits families and the amusement park. Ward’s Island is quieter, and Hanlan’s Point leads to its beach and the western side. One ticket works for any dock.
Does the ferry run all year?
Yes, but the schedule changes. In winter, from October 14 to about mid-April, the City runs service to Ward’s Island only. Check the City’s timetable for your date.
How much does the ferry cost?
In October 2026 the City listed a round-trip adult fare of $9.57, with lower fares for older adults, youths and juniors, and free travel for infants under two. Confirm current fares before you buy.
Can I pay with a transit card?
The City’s page listed cash at the terminal, credit cards and mobile wallets. It did not list PRESTO as a payment method, so ask the City before assuming it works.
Sources
- City of Toronto, Ferry ticket and passenger information (accessed October 2026)
- City of Toronto, Toronto Island ferries: routes and schedules (accessed October 2026)
- City of Toronto, Toronto Island ferries, terminal and route information (accessed October 2026)
- City of Toronto, Things to do on Toronto Island (accessed October 2026)
- City of Toronto, Toronto Island ferries overview (accessed October 2026)
- CP24, “City of Toronto warns of Toronto Island ferry ticket scams” (August 2, 2026)
Related reading
- History of the Toronto Islands
- Alcohol rules on Toronto Island
- Free things to do in Toronto
- How many airports does Toronto have?
- Toronto Union Station
Last verified: November 2026
Cite this page
APA: History of Toronto. (2026, November 1). Toronto Island Ferry Guide: Terminal, Fares, Schedules. https://historyoftoronto.ca/blog/toronto-island-ferry-guide
MLA: “Toronto Island Ferry Guide: Terminal, Fares, Schedules.” History of Toronto, 1 Nov 2026, https://historyoftoronto.ca/blog/toronto-island-ferry-guide. Accessed .
Chicago: History of Toronto. “Toronto Island Ferry Guide: Terminal, Fares, Schedules.” Last modified November 1, 2026. https://historyoftoronto.ca/blog/toronto-island-ferry-guide.
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