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Toronto Islands, one of Toronto’s premier summer locations, is now open. Consisting of over 10 islands connected through parkways and bridges, guests can enjoy rides and attractions at the carousel at Centreville Amusement Park, explore the historic 200-year-old Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, rent a bicycle to cycle, and partake in lots of fun activities.
To help you navigate from the city to the islands, we have covered how to get to the Islands by ferries or water taxis.
Toronto Ferry
The most common transportation to the island is public transportation using the Toronto Ferry. Ferries to the islands operate year-round out of the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. The ferry is busiest on weekends and holidays, from 10 am to 2:00 pm when heading to the islands and from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm for return trips to the city.
It is advisable to travel during less busy times to avoid longer wait times. The busiest route is the ferry from Centre Island.
Ferry tickets start at $9 for adults and can be purchased online here.
Tiki Taxi
Tiki Taxi offers twelve custom-built “Tiki”-themed boats, decorated with real bamboo, reclaimed wood, and realistic synthetic thatched roofing. These boats provide a safe and fun voyage across the Harbour.
Their spring schedule runs from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. The company suggests calling in advance to confirm operational hours.
Tiki Taxi tickets start at $13 for adults and offer a special 10-ride pass for $90 for cost savings. Their dock is located at the intersection of Spadina & Queen’s Quay.
Pirate Taxi
Looking to sail the seas like a pirate? Pirate Taxi boats are customized with a skull-and-crossbones flag on their roof, giving you a pirate feel on a unique adventure to the islands.
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Tiki Taxi tickets start at $13 for adults and can be boarded at 235 Queens Quay W. or 375 Queens Quay W, Toronto.
Toronto Harbour Water Taxi
Toronto Harbour Water Taxi offers comfortable water taxi service to the Islands. Their taxis run every 15 minutes for just $13. They open at 10:00 am and can be boarded at 145 Queens Quay West, Toronto.
They also offer an informative one-hour boat tour, a scenic cruise, and stunning photo ops of the city skyline, island wildlife, and waterfront landmarks. Tour prices start at $33 for adults.
Toronto Water Taxi
In operation for over 30 years, Toronto’s Longest Running Water Taxi offers a quick and fast ride to the Islands for just $13; this yellow water cab can be boarded at 207 Queens Quay West (York Street) or 5 Queens Quay West (Yonge Street)
TDOT Water Taxi
TDOT Water Taxi operates between the city and the Toronto Islands. They are located at Yonge St and Queens Quay E. With TDOT Water Taxi, you can get to the Centre Islands for just $13.
You can bring over your bike, stroller, and small luggage free of charge.
Palapa Tours Toronto
Tour seekers and sightseeing lovers can check out Palapa Tours, Toronto’s only Tiki Bar Tour.
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Palapa Tours provides full tropical vibes around Toronto’s waterfront in a custom-built tiki bar boat; each boat has 12 seats, a TV, a sound system, Wi-Fi, and a fully licensed bar with drinks! Guests can set sail for a 90-minute boat ride for $75 for an individual ticket on Mondays to Wednesdays, and it goes up to $90 from Thursdays to Sundays.
As always, you can keep up with all the fun happenings in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.