Summer on the islands isn’t just a quick escape; it’s a change of pace. Visitors arrive planning to stay only a few hours, then find themselves wishing they never had to leave. There’s something about the quiet paths, the breeze off the lake, and the absence of traffic that makes time move differently.
Paddle through the island lagoons at sunset as the Toronto skyline begins to glow across the water
Rent a kayak from Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre and paddle through the calm lagoons around the islands as the Toronto skyline shifts in the background. Sunset is the most magical time to go, with glassy water, glowing city lights, and the CN Tower lighting up across the lake. Some companies even offer illuminated kayaks with LED lights underneath, turning an evening paddle into one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the city.
Cycle across the islands on scenic, flat bike trails with no cars in sight
Rent a bike on the islands or bring your own on the ferry and explore kilometres of scenic, car-free trails that connect Centre Island, Ward’s Island, Gibraltar Point, and Hanlan’s Point. The flat paths wind past beaches, greenery, and constant lake views, creating a slow, peaceful ride where the only sounds are birds and the hum of your tires. It’s one of the rare places in the city where cycling feels less like commuting and more like escaping.
Swim at four different beaches, each with its own vibe
Each island beach offers a different atmosphere. Centre Island Beach is the most family-friendly, with wide sand, lifeguards, and nearby food spots just steps from the ferry. Ward’s Island Beach feels quieter and more local, with a relaxed boardwalk and weekend crowds of young locals. Hanlan’s Point Beach is the largest and best for sunset views, while Gibraltar Point Beach offers the most secluded escape, with peaceful shoreline, sand dunes, and endless Lake Ontario views. Despite their different vibes, several island beaches are Blue Flag certified for water quality, have lifeguards in summer, and feel far from downtown Toronto.
Picnic by the water with a blanket, good food, and nowhere to rush to
Pack sandwiches from St. Lawrence Market, bring a blanket, and settle into one of the shaded picnic spots scattered across the islands. You can claim a picnic table, fire up one of the public BBQ pits, or simply stretch out by the water and watch the boats drift past. The islands are made for slow meals and unhurried afternoons, where time feels wider and summer feels exactly the way it should.
Ride the Ferris wheel and Sky Ride at Centreville Amusement Park
Operating since 1967, the island’s beloved amusement park blends vintage charm with classic summer nostalgia. With more than 30 rides, an antique carousel, a Ferris wheel, and the open-air Sky Ride gliding above the park, it offers sweeping views of both the islands and the Toronto skyline. It’s not flashy or oversized—and that’s exactly the appeal. The slower pace and old-fashioned atmosphere make it feel timeless in the best possible way.
Visit Far Enough Farm and meet friendly farm animals
Open since 1959, this free island farm offers a rare chance to slow down and connect with animals in a relaxed, hands-on setting. Wander through the barns to meet alpacas, llamas, ponies, rabbits, sheep, chickens, geese, and exotic birds, many of whom are used to gentle visitors and cared for by staff who know each animal by personality. Donations are welcome, but the experience itself feels refreshingly simple: a quiet summer afternoon spent among animals, fresh air, and the calm rhythm of farm life.
Explore Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Great Lakes
Built in 1808, this historic lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Great Lakes and one of the island’s most atmospheric spots. Its stone walls and narrow spiral staircase carry more than two centuries of history, along with local legends about the ghost of first lighthouse keeper John Paul Radelmüller, who was mysteriously murdered there in 1815. Haunted or not, the lighthouse and surrounding shoreline trails offer a rare glimpse into Toronto’s earliest days, back when the city was little more than a small lakeside settlement.
Walk through Ward’s Island cottages from the 20th century
Ward’s Island still feels like a preserved piece of old Toronto. Once home to more than 600 cottages and houses, the community narrowly survived demolition plans in the 1950s after residents fought to save it. Today, about 250 homes remain, with charming 1930s-era cottages, colourful gardens, and boats docked along the water creating the feeling of a hidden summer village. Walking the narrow lanes feels less like sightseeing and more like stepping quietly into another era.
Walk the Ward’s Island Boardwalk for unobstructed Lake Ontario views
Stretching for 1.5 kilometres along Ward’s Island Beach, this peaceful boardwalk offers uninterrupted views of Lake Ontario and Tommy Thompson Park across the water. Elevated above the sand, it’s the perfect place for a slow afternoon walk as the light shifts across the lake and the shoreline grows quieter. The scenery is simple but endlessly calming, proving that the water never looks the same twice.
Eat waterfront dinners where the skyline glows after the sun sets
The island’s waterfront restaurants are simple, relaxed, and exactly what summer dining should feel like. Grab fish and chips and a pint on the shaded patio at The Riviera, settle into the garden seating at Island Cafe, enjoy lake views from The Upper Deck, or stop by the newer Castaways Rum Shack for drinks by the water. These are places made for slow meals, good conversation, and watching the skyline glow as evening settles over the lake.
