You don’t see many Weeping Willow trees in Toronto. Their aggressive root system makes them very destructive towards pipes and sewer systems. But the graceful silhouette of a willow swaying in the breeze is one of the first things I always stop to admire when we hop off the ferry at Centre Island—a mere 12 minute ride from the heart of downtown but a world away from the hustle and the bustle.

It was a storm in 1858 that severed the then-peninsula to create the over 230 hectare Toronto Island Park that now sees over 1.2 million visitors each year.  And those visitors have the option of doing lots or doing little while visiting this chain of small islands, mostly connected by foot bridges.

Rent a Bicycle or Canoe

Centre Island, Algonquin Island, Olympic Island and Ward’s Island (actually the easternmost tip of Centre Island) offers bicycle and quadricycle rentals to explore the miles of trails, canoe rentals to paddle around the numerous inlets, plus four beaches to enjoy—warning: Hanlan’s Point is clothing optional.

Have a Picnic

This idyllic setting is the perfect place for family picnics, and in addition to over 20 picnic areas, the Islands are equipped with several fully-accessible washrooms, fire pits, water fountains, wading pools, and playgrounds.

Centreville Amusement Park

Photo: Robert Taylor

A summer favourite of mine and now my daughter’s is Centreville Amusement Park, on Centre Island. It’s changed little since I was a child, so visiting there with my family is just like being a kid again myself.

Most rides are fairly tame by today’s theme park standards, but they’re just the right speed for little ones, who delight in being able to go on most of them themselves.

Centreville is open all summer, but weekends only in May and September. It’s free to enter, but tickets or wristbands are required for rides (prices vary).

At the end of Centreville is the Far Enough Farm, a little petting zoo that is open year round.

Getting There

The only way to get to Toronto Island Park is by ferry, and the ferry docks are located at the foot of Bay Street.  Fares range from $6.50 for adults, $4 for seniors and students (15-19 with a student card), $3 for children, and free for those under 2.

There is no winter ferry service to Centre Island, but weekday service continues for Hanlan’s Point. A full ferry schedule is in place for Ward’s Island, for the fortunate few who call Toronto Island Park home.