Ever popular and synonymous with hot summer days, the Toronto Islands are an untapped attraction in the winter.
Only a quick 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto, visiting the Toronto Islands tops many to-do lists in the summer. But many people (locals included) don’t realize that the Toronto Islands also make for a great winter excursion, especially if you love outdoor winter activities.
Just a stone’s throw from the downtown core, it is a uniquely peaceful destination in the winter as the usual crowds become non-existent. Outdoor enthusiasts will love it in the winter when they can partake in activities usually only available outside the city.
Below are some ways to enjoy the Toronto Islands in the winter.
Cross-country skiing
The Toronto Islands are great for cross-country skiing with its wide open spaces and flat terrain.
Right off the ferry dock—Ward’s Island is the only stop in winter, but the other islands are connected and accessible—you can start heading west to Centre Island.
You’ll pass through the disc golf course, St. Andrew-By-the-Lake Anglican Church, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, and the Centreville Amusement Park (eerily silent for the winter season and fun to walk around).
Snowshoeing
If cross-country skiing isn’t of interest, opt to go snowshoeing instead. You can follow the same trails, but snowshoeing will allow you to venture off the trail and explore more of the island.
Feeling ambitious? Make the 5km trek to Hanlan's Point, the Toronto Islands’ most westerly point.
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Photo ops on the Toronto Islands
You don’t have to burn calories to enjoy a winter day on the Toronto Islands. If you’re into photography, you’ll find many picture-worthy spots, especially after a fresh dusting of snow.
From the 200-year-old Gibraltar Point Lighthouse to the frozen lagoons, the ice-covered shoreline, and even the iconic Toronto skyline, all make for beautiful photo moments.
ALSO READ: Best Places to Take Photos in Toronto
Skating on Lake Ontario
A cool feature of the Toronto Islands is that the waterways and lagoons between the islands can freeze during winter cold snaps, creating natural skating rinks. But there must be an extended cold snap to see these conditions and even then, it is not recommended for skating.
Note: PortsToronto’s Harbour Master’s Office advises the public to stay off the ice. Ice-breaking activity in the harbour to enable ferry service and lake currents make the surface unpredictable, even on cold days.
Instead, we recommend exploring one of Toronto’s many other public skating rinks and trails.
Tips for visiting Toronto Islands in winter
Only the Ward's Island ferry operates during the winter season. This ferry will take you to the eastern part of the islands, and from there, you can walk or bring your bike to get around. There are no bike rentals available on the island in the winter.
All park facilities at Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point are closed except for the public washrooms near Ward’s beach, in Centre Island and at Hanlan’s Point Ferry Dock. Also, pack some food and water, as the only restaurant that’s open during winter is Ward’s Island’s Riviera (and that’s only on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays).
