Start where you land. A native shrub and perennial garden surrounds the historical Waiting Shed at the dock. The City lists island gardens as available all year round.
Outdoors DeskGuide
Toronto Islands in Winter: Ferry Timing and What Is Open
From October 14 the City's winter ferry timetable lists Ward's Island. Here is how to time your crossing and what to do once you step onto the quiet islands.
There is a moment on the winter ferry when the downtown towers shrink behind you and the lake goes quiet. That is the whole pitch: the same islands, minus the crowds, plus a hat.
Do ferries run to the Toronto Islands in winter?
Yes. The City says ferries to Toronto Island run year-round from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. What changes is the route: from mid-April to mid-October, service runs to Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point and Ward’s Island. In winter the City’s timetable lists Ward’s Island departures, and its winter schedule runs from October 14 to mid-April.
That means your winter plan starts at Ward’s Island, and it is a good one. We have deliberately left the departure times out of this guide: the City notes that all ferry schedules are subject to change due to weather or mechanical issues. Open the City’s ferry schedule the morning you go.
What should I know about waiting for the ferry?
The City says the Ward’s Island waiting shed is open and heated in the winter, with limited capacity and first-come seating. It also encourages buying tickets in advance, and says online ticket holders enter the terminal through an express line during peak travel times. Bicycles, strollers and wagons are welcome on board.
How cold is it on the island?
The City calls October to April the winter season on Toronto Island and says it can be colder there than in the rest of Toronto. Its advice is to dress in layers and add an insulated layer. We would add: boots with grip, and a thermos you are proud of.
What is open on Toronto Island in winter?
The City’s list of island activities marks many as available year-round. Here is how we would string them together from the Ward’s dock.
A five-minute walk south from the ferry dock. The City says public washrooms near Ward’s beach are open year-round, and that water is available at the public washrooms, though the water filling stations outside them are not available in winter months. Four of Toronto’s 10 beaches are on Toronto Island, so this is a lake-in-winter walk you can claim as part of a bigger beach tour.
A 1.5-kilometre walk, available year-round, with views of Lake Ontario, Tommy Thompson Park and Ward’s Island Beach. It is our pick for a short winter loop.
One of two permanent public art installations on the island is a clock called Fire and Water, on the fire station tower on Ward’s Island. The City also lists an 18-hole disc golf course across Ward’s and Centre Island as available year-round.
Views of the islands, Tommy Thompson Park and the city skyline, available year-round. The City gives the walk between Ward’s Island and Centre Island as 2.9 km, about 35 minutes. Washrooms at Centre Island are also open year-round.
Fishing is allowed on Toronto Island Park and available year-round. The park is connected by many multi-use trails, paths and bridges. The City also lists the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, which it describes as over 200 years old, as available year-round.
Can I bring my dog?
The City says pets are allowed on the ferry and in the waiting area, as long as they stay on a leash. A quiet boardwalk is a pleasant place to walk a dog in January.
How far apart are the docks?
Planning a long walk? The City gives Ward’s Island to Centre Island as 2.9 km, about 35 minutes, and Ward’s Island to Hanlan’s Point as 5.4 km, about 70 minutes. Add time for photos. Because the winter timetable lists Ward’s Island, plan your route as an out-and-back from the dock unless you are happy to double the walk.
Can I bring a bike or drive?
You cannot drive: the City says only emergency and commercial service vehicles are allowed on the island, and public vehicles are not. You can bring a bicycle by ferry, and the islands have a network of paved and gravel trails.
Why visit in winter?
Because the skyline looks different when the beaches are empty and the lake is the loudest thing around. Because a garden bench in January is a rare find. And because the islands feel like a small town with a view when you have the paths to yourself.
What should I pack?
Think of it as a lake picnic with better lighting. Our short list: waterproof boots with grip, a hat, scarf and gloves, a flask of something hot, and a charged phone for photos. The City itself suggests a hat, scarf, gloves and boots. Add a small snack, because the kind of cold you get beside open water makes a walk feel longer than it is.
How should I plan the day?
Pick a morning ferry, walk to the boardwalk first while the light is low, then head for the pier if you have energy. Shorter on time? Stay near Ward’s: the beach is a five-minute walk from the dock and the garden is right beside it. Longer? Add the 35-minute walk toward Centre Island. Keep an eye on the clock for the return crossing, and keep a spare layer in your bag.
If the island makes you want more cold-weather outings, see our winter in Toronto guide, our list of winter walks, our skating trails and our best hikes in Toronto.
Know before you go
Send this to the friend you would bring, the one who has only ever seen the islands in July.
Sources (4)
- Ferry Routes & Schedules, City of Toronto
- Getting Around Toronto Island, City of Toronto
- Things To Do on Toronto Island, City of Toronto
- Ferry Ticket & Passenger Information, City of Toronto
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“Saving this for the first snowy Saturday: the Toronto Islands in winter, with the ferry facts and what is open.”
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