Kandice Vincent10 Fun Things to Do at Toronto Island
Across the bustling city of Toronto lies a green paradise known as the Toronto Island. Composed of 15 different islands, Toronto Island offers a host of activities both locals and visitors will enjoy.
If you’re looking to go and explore beyond Toronto’s bustling streets, here are some of our favourite things to do in the island!
10 Fun Things to Do at Toronto Island
1. Bring your kids to Far Enough Farm for some fun
Address: Toronto, ON M5J 2E9, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00AM – 4:00PM
The Far Enough Farm is a fun zoo that’s all about cute farm animals and birds that you can interact with. With a diverse set of animals and a huge red barn, it’s the perfect place to have some family fun with your kids.
As a fully functioning farm, there’s over 40 cute animals roaming around just waiting to be petted! Some of our favourite animals are the chubby pot-bellied pig and the jaw-dropping beauty that is the Duke the buckskin horse.
Pro tip:
- If there’s one animal you don’t want to miss, it’s the goofy Alpaca named Huacaya. Unlike the other Alpacas, Hucaya’s coat is unique because of its tightness which makes him look like a teddy bear!
2. Go kayaking around Toronto Island’s canals
Address: Toronto Islands, St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, ON, Canada
Toronto Island is made up of 15 different islands, leaving hundreds of canals and scenic waterways to be discovered. And there’s no better way to explore them than using a kayak!
Kayaks offer a fun way to explore and experience picturesque scenes of trees and wildlife. Since each canal offers a different scenery, you’ll come across different wildlife like ducks or geese swimming beside you.
Pro tip:
- There are tons of rentals around the island that offer kayaks and canoes. Some rentals offer tandem kayaks and canoes that can fit multiple people, allowing you to explore the canals with friends!
3. Traverse your way out of the crazy William Meany Maze
Address: Avenue of the Island, Toronto, ON, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00AM – 11:00PM
One of our favourite activities when we visit Toronto Island is trying to traverse our way in and out of the William Meany Maze. The Maze is composed entirely of black cedar trees and has tons of dead ends and confusing turns!
The maze is scenic with its giant lush trees that stand over 7 feet tall around every corner. Giant trees do a great job concealing participants racing to the centre of the maze, making for an exciting and competitive experience.
Pro tip:
- After you’ve finished the maze, take a short walk to Franklin Children’s Garden. It’s a fun place to relax with its playground, spots to see wildlife, and turtle sculptures!
4. Visit the legendary Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
Address: Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, Toronto, ON, Canada
For history lovers, Toronto Island has several historical sites (historical site Toronto) that will have you going crazy like the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. First built in 1808, this 25 metre limestone lighthouse is one of the most iconic sights on the island.
Rumour has it that this iconic lighthouse is haunted by the ghost of a keeper who was brutally murdered. Whether or not the legend is true, the light house’s beautiful architecture and picturesque scenery are enough reason to visit.
Pro tip:
- Just a little to the east of the structure is a small bridge and waterway. This area is a great spot to capture scenic pictures of the lighthouse and nature together.
5. Have a fun bike ride around the islands
Address: Toronto Islands, St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, ON, Canada
One of the best things to do in Toronto Island is to go for a fun bike ride around numerous islands. There are loads of trails around the area that offer scenic views of nature and even Lake Ontario.
Nothing beats a ride down the boardwalk between Centre Island Beach and Ward’s Island Beach. On this boardwalk, you’ll come across sandy beaches, rich wildlife, lush flora, and a picturesque view of the lake and city!
Pro tip:
- Another fun place to ride your bike is at Algonquin island. This place is filled with beautiful buildings with unique architecture and tons of places to take in the scenic view of Toronto’s cityscape and skyline.
6. Go for a ride at Centreville Amusement Park
Address: 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10:30PM – 7:00PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:30AM – 8:00PM
Price: Per ride – $1.30
Although you can’t find Canada’s Wonderland (wonderland Toronto) on the island, you can find Centreville Amusement Park, which is the next best thing. For over 50 years this has been the spot for family-friendly fun with its fun rides, snacks, and midway games.
The park has over 30 rides like log fumes but we recommend trying the Skyride, which will have you flying across the park on a chairlift. It’s a fun way to observe the busy amusement park and to appreciate the island’s natural scenery.
Pro tip:
- If you find yourself dripping in sweat under the sun’s heat, then head over to the park’s splash pad. It’s a fun way to relax and beat the summer heat!
7. Relax at the beach
Address: Toronto Islands, St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, ON, Canada
Toronto Island isn’t all just about amusement parks and beautiful bike trails; it’s also one of the best places to go for a beach trip! The island has several beaches and they’re all Blue Flag Beaches – which basically means they’re the best of the best.
One of our favourite beaches is Centre island beach, which is popular for its warm and shallow waters! If you dislike crowded beaches, head to Hanlan’s point beach which is teeming with wildlife and has a tranquil atmosphere – it’s a great place to relax.
Pro tip:
- A little south of Hanlan’s point beach is a “clothing optional” beach. If you’re the adventurous type or the type who likes to skinny dip and lay in the sand unclothed, then this place is perfect for you.
8. Enjoy a picnic with a view
Address: Toronto Islands, St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, ON, Canada
If you’re looking for the perfect place to have a picnic or a barbecue cookout, then Toronto Island has you covered. Toronto Island has tons of picnic tables, barbecue pits, parks, and huge open spaces filled with trees where you can take in the cityscape!
There’s tons of picnic areas on the island but our favourite place for picnics is right beside the ferry docks in Centre Island. This huge field is filled with trees that shade you from the heat, a barbecue pit, and most of all an awesome view of the city!
Pro tip:
- If you want a view of the beach when having a picnic, there’s a cool spot right behind Centre Island Beach. It’s the perfect place to sit under the shade while watching people swim, there’s also a splash pad and playground nearby!
9. Stop by St. Andrew’s by the Lake Church
Address: 11 Avenue of the Islands, Cibola Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada
Another cool historical site on the island is St. Andrew’s by the Lake Church. As a church built in 1884, this landmark has an interesting gothic architecture that’s great for pictures!
Aside from its cool architecture, some of the best parts about this church is its quaint yet vibrant interior. The church’s interior has beautiful hardwood floors, lovely stained glass windows, and a beautifully crafted concert-level grand piano worth checking out.
Pro tip:
- After you’re done snapping some pictures of the church, head to the lawn. It’s filled with flowers and huge trees making it a great place to unwind!
10. Take in the view of the city skyline
Address: Toronto Islands, St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, ON, Canada
Everyone knows that there’s lots of places to take in the city skyline, but nothing comes close to the view of the city from Toronto Island.
Our favourite place to take in the city’s beauty is right off the coast of Olympic Island. This place offers a scenic view of the cityscape with its lush flora, view of the lake, and unique angle that places the CN Tower to the left – which is great for unique pictures.
Pro tip:
- If you’re going to take in the view of the city, we suggest bringing a tripod and taking a timelapse of the cityscape and skyline. It’s a fun way to see how the skyline shifts from sky blue to a golden orange sky as the sun sets!
