Reviews, comments and discussion
September 19, 2024 , posted by deb , debray1@gmail.com
Hi, What are the Fall hours of operation for the Centre Island Boathouse? I would like to go kayaking in September and October. Thanks for your help! deb
September 18, 2024 , posted by Trina , Foster
Hi. We're a Scouts group looking to rent canoes for our camp on Snake Island this week-end (Sept 20-22nd). Hoping someone can get back to us. We've tried the number but there's no answer
August 12, 2024 , posted by GreenFamily , greentravelduo@yahoo.ca
Is it possible to swim to Toronto Islands instead of taking the ferry, and if so, what would be the best route to take to avoid any potential dangers or obstacles along the way?", "refusal
August 3, 2024
Clothing Optional Beach. This part of the Island used to be quiet, safe and comfortable. But this Summer was terrible. There was two boats competing on who had the loudest music, too many people coming to stare so openly and disrespectful of NATURISM. I know the clash of cultures is inevitable, but this is coming out of control. We need regulations, restrictions and protection.
August 3, 2024
Yes, there are water fountains by most washrooms.
August 2, 2024
Are there water fountains available at Centre Island?
July 31, 2024
The reason for the problems with congestion on Centre Island, including the incredibly long waiting, lines is because the city of Toronto has closed many children’s activities. There used to be Ontario Place where the children could use paddleboats in Lake Ontario, go in a splash pad, play in the water with many balls coloured balls, watch incredible Docs & movies at the Cinesphere. They went on a water roller coaster. There was also the Ontario Science Centre, which was closed and this was a regular place for parents to take children because there were so many activities there and the children loved to go there so much. And our favourite place was the Planetarium at the Royal Ontario Museum. It was incredible to see all of the stars and learn so much about our universe.
July 18, 2024
Came down on July 13th to take my kids to the island, not knowing it was the annual Indian Festival. There were so many people I couldn't even believe it, and everyone was pushing to get onto the ferry. We waited 1.5 hours before we just gave up and went to get a refund. It is shameful to see how people act like animals just to get ahead of others in the waiting area. I had grown men pushing me and my 2 toddlers to get ahead, laughing thinking it is some kind of joke. The crowd was like a stampede and people were pushed down and crying, including my kids. The city really needs to put some structures in there to form proper lines as this was a traumatizing experience and I wouldn't even bother trying to go again.
July 15, 2024 , posted by Sharon , Sharong.2010@gmail.com
I went for the Indian festival on Saturday, June 13/2024. Getting onto a Ferry to cross over to the Island was a very harrowing experience. After scanning my online ticket we entered to the inner gates at around 2 p.m. to wait for the ferry. We waited in the hot sun for over an hour and a half while the waiting area kept getting more and more crowded. It was like being kettked in an area with no place to go as you get deeper into 5he crowd. Two ferry came and went and still we could not board due to volume of people. It got so scary as when the ferry would come the crowd would automatically move forward but the people at the front had no place to go. No one was helping with crowd control in the area. The security at the front kept closing the gate instead of letting people board. The captain was saying they can take more on the boat but the security was not allowing. Children were hysterical and screeming, people around me in wheel chairs were scared. The people in the back didn't know what was going on in front and were pushing forward. No one from the ferry authority was in control of the situation. Even to back out of the crowd was impossible. I thought that this is how people get stampeded and deaths happen in a crowd on a hot sunny day! Once again, I paid for my ticket and expected to board the ferry in an organized manner. It is shameful that after all these years, as the crowds continue to grow to get over to Centre Island there has not been much changes and boarding of the ferry is always a bottleneck and gettin worse. I am sure many children were traumatized during this trip. I saw one litle girl screeming and crying for the whole ferry ride. Her parents were unalbe to get her to stop crying. I am sure this is not what the family planned for when starting there day! Questions:On these festival days, why aren't special accommodations made to increase frequency of the ferry. Crowd control and safety is non existent. The city finally needs to have an alternative way of going across to Centre Island. I want some answers!
July 13, 2024
Hey my name is Adam I work at the boathouse. Just wanted to update some stuff. Pricing has changed too The prices are $30.78 for a canoe , $19.40 for a solo kayak, and $38.40 for a tandem Kayak. All prices are for a one hour rental period. They serve at a first come first serve basis. And our new phone number is 416-392-1814.
July 5, 2024 , posted by Audrey , audrey.bacchus@rogers.com
We went to Centre Island yesterday and we were shocked at the length of time it takes to get on a ferry. We waited from 5:30pm until 7pm to get a ferry back to the mainland. We’re both seniors and had our Grandkids with us aged 4 and 6. It was an American holiday being July 4th so I’m sure there were a lot of tourists in line too. How is it acceptable to have to wait that long in a major city in Canada like Toronto? I was embarrassed for our city. I don’t understand why they don’t have multiple ferry boats going back and forth to ease the frustration. This is not acceptable. Do better. We pay a fee for this service and with the number of people travelling I’m sure the ferry service makes good money. What an embarrassment.
July 1, 2024 , posted by Marina Ybarra , marinaybarra@gmail.com
I have just experienced the worst thing in my life when the security guard from the ferry did not allow me to go in the ferry with my stroller two toddlers and my two older kids were already in the boat. I explained that my family was in and still he said that he could not overload the boat, as if three more people in the hundreds that went in were going to make any difference. Separating a family is unacceptable and wrong. He closed the gate on my face. Two people said they would give their spot to us but he completely ignored them and let the boat go without them too. It is unbelievable that we are in Canada, on Canada day and this happened to me. I cried. They didn’t even noticed.
June 12, 2024
Can people use the round-trip ticket over night? e.g. go to the island on Friday evening, then come back to Toronto on Saturday? Can people stay overnight in a Tent on the island?
June 5, 2024 , posted by Cathy
I plan to come with a small group to the Toronto Islands on Jul 9th. We would like to take the tram tour in the afternoon. It says it is closed for the season but the site also refers to 2017. Could you pls tell me if in fact it is running weekdays in July 2024 - hourly from noo until 5 pm?
June 3, 2024
What's the plan to fix the long and unorganized ferry lineups?
May 26, 2024
So disorganized and it’s like cattle waited 2 hours to depart waist of day
May 8, 2024 , posted by Atiya Husain , atiyah@cmschool.net
Good morning, we are looking to book a trip for the day of June 11 for 20 Grade 6 students. If you could please let me know if you would be open during the day, and what activities students would be able to participate in....also if the restaurants would be open. Thanks
May 7, 2024
Sometimes there is a bug if buying ticket online. I have tried to buy ferry ticket in the midnight between May 3rd and 4th on the official website. It says that the transaction was not completed and no tickets was sent. However, the bank record shows that the payment was successfully made and dollars was deducted from my accounts.
April 30, 2024 , posted by Adam
Hi, is there a way to reserve tandem kayaks for a specific date? Or is it first come first serve? Also, how long are you open for? I was looking to rent a kayak until a little after sunset.
April 25, 2024
Will moms ride free this Mother’s Day 2024?
April 23, 2024
RE: @Georgios You cannot book a spot on the ferry, it's first come first serve. You need to buy a ticket which is best to do upfront online (there is a line for online ticket holders, which moves MUCH quicker than the rest) then you wait in line and get on the next ferry. If it's full and you can't get on it it's because it's peak season, which also means another ferry is coming very soon (30 mins).
April 22, 2024 , posted by Georgios , tcccwin@outlook.com
Hi, We plan to come to Toronto on July 13th. We've seen it's important to book a place on ferry but we would like to know if you can already do it now? Or is it too soon? (e.g. for TowerCN it's 30 days before, so we don't want to buy our tickets today for the Ferry and cannot have the activity in July...) Thanks for your information!
April 22, 2024
Are the cherry trees blooming already on Centre Island?
April 3, 2024
When does the Boat House open in 2024for rentals?
November 5, 2023 , moreamlieve@gmail.com
Can I rent a kayake or a canoe in early to mid october, around the time of 1- 16th? would it be available for rental?
September 3, 2023 , posted by Matthew Emes , Matthewemes@hotmail.com
Absolutely unbelievable how this ferry is being handled. Here with my disabled child trying g to get to hanlans point and because my child has to sta out of the crouds we can get on a boat because of to may people. Asked for a refund they can't do that ether. This isn't inclusion. Feel free to call me at 905-396-1187.
August 30, 2023
Hi there, we are planning to visit Toronto Island on September 15 and wondering if any of the amenities there will be closed for the season.
July 31, 2023 , posted by Rick
So disappointed. This area is a garbage dump. Wrappers, empty bottles and trash everywhere
July 31, 2023
Hello, is there a lost and found for objects lost on the island?
July 30, 2023 , posted by Nat , netingen@gmail.com
Before boarding a ferry you have to wait in a huge crowd of people on the sun. Very crowded ferry thousand of people with crying children. On the island thousands of people walking around. It was my first and last time coming here, very disappointing experience
July 30, 2023
Hi there, I just want to leave a message about a Len unfortunate experience I had at the gates where you purchase tickets on July 30th at 12:30pm. I was with my two daughters and we were going through the gates, and one of your employees had shouted at me “why are you taking so long? You’re holding up the line” which was clearly inappropriate and the public shaming was certainly not appreciated. She was an older lady, dark skin, and hair braided situated by the gate where tickets are purchased online in-advance. It’s unfortunate that customer service isn’t a priority.
July 23, 2023 , ameynell@rogers.com
I will sue the boat house if you keep renting to people who hit my boat because they are idiots 2 men and a woman were unable to stop or reverse their canoe and came at me I was avoiding them. They hit my boat You cannot rent to people who cannot control their boats or maybe do not let them near the yachts
July 11, 2023 , posted by Faby
hi there, are there areas for a large group (more than 25) to picnic on Olympic Island? I understand you need a permit for one of the picnic shelters with bbq, however can we simply find a free spot and gather some picnic tables together ourselves?
July 7, 2023
Can a visiting group use the ball diamond on Ward's Island?
July 5, 2023
Hello! I am hoping to visit the island with a group of 15 seniors next week Wednesday. Would you advise that we bring our own sandwiches for a picnic or are there many accessible places to eat close by to the ferry? Thanks!
July 4, 2023
re: Jamie kayak rental. I've seen tourists using passports or other documents to rent so basically any official card works, doesn't have to be a driver's licence. 16 year olds can rent a kayak as long as you follow all the safety rules that apply to everyone else.
July 4, 2023 , posted by Jamie , Jamierahulkauri@gmail.com
Hi, I'm hoping to visit the Islands later this month and wanted to look into renting a kayak from the boathouse. I would be going with friends but nome of us are 18 yet (16 & 17) would we still be allowed to rent a kayak? And if we don't have a driver's license can we use health cards or school ID as the ID to leave behind? Thanks
July 4, 2023
No, overnight camping is not allowed at the island.
July 4, 2023 , posted by P
I read and understand that propane barbecue is not allowed. Sane is the case for the small portable camp stoves?
June 30, 2023 , posted by Prakash Singh Rana , prakashsinghrana22@gmail.com
I wanted to explore Toronto, In that regard I wanted to confirm is it legal to spend a night at Toronto island(camping).
June 26, 2023
Yes, you can bring your bicycle on the ferry.
June 25, 2023
Can I bring my bicycle on the ferry.?
June 20, 2023 , posted by Rachael Rosner , rachael@denenberg.com
Hello -- My husband has limited mobility—he can walk, but not very long distances without fatiguing. Does the island have some kind of cart, even a bicycle cart, that can help him get around? I'm happy to pedal him in a quadraped. Can that be done? Are there other options? Thank you.
June 9, 2023
Has the boathouse on the islands opened for the season? If do what are the hours of operation for the week?
June 9, 2023 , posted by David
What date is the amusement park open and what are the hours of operation
June 5, 2023
is there a circus on the island?
May 22, 2023 , posted by C
It was Victoria Day long weekend, and my family and I decided to take a day trip to Toronto Island. I thought I had it all figured out when I purchased online tickets for the ferry to skip the waiting line. However, upon arrival, we were met with a massive crowd of people. We joined the line for those who had already purchased tickets and waited patiently. To my surprise, many people were carelessly skipping the line without any repercussions. When we finally made it to the boarding area, chaos ensued. People were pushing carts, suitcases, chairs, and strollers over our legs. It was like a horde of zombies, with no regard for anyone else's safety. As the security gate opened for boarding, the situation only got worse. People were pushing and shoving, hitting and stepping on our feet. It was a horrifying experience. Some parents didn't even care about their small children, and there were scared pets (dogs) running around our legs. Carts were hitting us from all directions, and it was worse than being at a concert. The same chaos continued on the ferry, with people running to take the best position for photos or to find a seat. Screaming children were running around, and it was disgusting. When we arrived on the island, all those rude people took out their blankets and spread them on the grass, along with everything they had brought in their carts. I'm not a racist, but this situation needs to be organized somehow. These people didn't spend any money in the island restaurants to support the local businesses. Instead, they were just screaming and yelling. I will never make the mistake of going to Toronto Island on a weekend again.
May 12, 2023 , posted by Parth Majmudar , Parthmajmudar05@gmail.com
Hello, do you provide wheel chairs for rent for central island? Would appreciate advise and more information on this.
May 4, 2023 , posted by Anitha Jeremiah , anitha.jeremiah@labatt.com
Hello, I am looking to organize a group beach clean up on the island for about 40 individuals the week of May 29th.
April 27, 2023
Did you know that there are cherry blossoms / cherry trees on Toronto Island too? Way less busy than High Park!
April 20, 2023 , posted by Admin
Answers to a few recent questions: - Yes, most of the facilities will be open by mid May. - You can bring a scooter on to the ferry. - Bike and watercraft rentals will be open in 2023. - You can't walk to the island (it's an island without a bridge connecting it to the mainland) - you need to take the ferry or a water taxi. - No idea if there will be a Toronto Island Garden Tour in 2023 :-( please check with torontoislandwalkingtours@gmail.com
April 20, 2023
Can we walk to Toronto Island or do we have to take a ferry?
April 18, 2023 , posted by Kira , kimsyspam@gmail.com
Are most things open in May on a weekday? For example, May 15th to 19th. Thank you!
April 18, 2023 , posted by Nick , nick.hartmann@decathlon.com
Hi, Do you still rent bikes and paddleboards in the summertime?
April 17, 2023 , posted by Sophie Dixon , marozava@hotmail.com
Toronto Island Garden Tour - 2023. The islands had a wonderful garden tour last year, 2022. Will there be a garden tour this year? Thank you.
April 16, 2023 , posted by Mari , marilexisb@gmail.com
Hi! Hope you're fine! We will be visiting Toronto in June, and we are planning to rent a scooter. Can we bring into the ferry to Toronto Island? The scooter model is the one you use standing, not the one that looks like a motorcycle. Thanks for the information!
April 7, 2023 , posted by Admin
A few answers to recent inquiries: Yes, you can fly a kite on the island - just stay away from the airport side. Centreville opens on May 6. For bike rental info go to: https://www.torontoislandbicyclerental.com
April 6, 2023 , posted by may
Can I fly kite on the island? Thanks!
April 5, 2023 , posted by Krrish , krrishthanvi@gmail.com
Hello. I wanted to inquire when will the attractions such as the centerville and bike rentals start this spring 2023? A few friends were thinking to visit the TO Islands over the long weekend of April 7th, 2023. Thanks.
January 12, 2023 , posted by Michel , mswieca@gmail.com
Hello, on I believe the 4:15pm, Dec.27 ferry from Ward's Island, I forgot a grey neck warmer & blue headband. Has anyone found them or turned them in to the people who run the ferries?
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