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Full ferry service to the Toronto Islands returns May 13th, just in time for the summer; that means it’s time to start planning your trips to one of the city’s top seasonal destinations.
Made up of more than 10 islands connected by parkways and bridges, the Toronto Islands offer a wide range of experiences for visitors. From rides and attractions at Centreville Amusement Park to exploring the historic 200-year-old Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, there’s something for everyone.
Guests can also rent bicycles, take in scenic views along the waterfront, and enjoy a full day of outdoor activities across the islands.
With more frequent departures and expanded routes, getting to the islands is about to become faster and easier than ever. To help you navigate from the city to the islands, we have covered how to get there by ferry or water taxi.
Toronto Ferry
The most common way to reach the island is by public transit via 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.
Tickets: Starting at $9 for adults
Location: 9 Queens Quay W., Toronto
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.
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The company suggests calling in advance to confirm operational hours.
Tickets: From $13
Multi-pass: 10 rides for $90
Location: 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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Tickets: From $13
Locations: 235 Queens Quay W. and 375 Queens Quay W.
Harbour Tours Toronto
Harbour Tours Toronto offers a comfortable water taxi service to the Islands. 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.
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Tickets: From $13
Boat tours: From $35 (1 hour scenic cruise)
Location: 145 Queens Quay West
Toronto Water Taxi
In operation for over 30 years, Toronto’s Longest Running Water Taxi offers a quick and fast ride to the Islands
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Tickets: From $13
Locations: 207 Queens Quay West (York St) and 5 Queens Quay West (Yonge St)
TDOT Water Taxi
TDOT Water Taxi operates between the city and the Toronto Islands.
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You can bring over your bike, stroller, and small luggage free of charge.
Tickets: From $13
Location: Yonge St & Queens Quay E
Palapa Tours Toronto
Tour seekers and sightseeing lovers can check out Palapa Tours. Palapa Tours provides full tropical vibes around Toronto’s waterfront on custom-built tiki bar boats, a Hawaiian-style floating Tiki Bar. Each boat has 12 seats, a TV, a sound system, Wi-Fi (you won’t need it), and a fully licensed bar with drinks!
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Duration: 90 minutes
Price: $75 (Mon–Wed), $90 (Thu–Sun)
Location: 319 Queens Quay W at the East Corner of HTO Park
Plan your trip, hop on board, and make the most of island season!
As always, you can keep up with all the fun happenings in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.
