The Toronto Island ferry is the cheapest way to get the best skyline view in the city and a car-free afternoon on the water. City of Toronto ferries run all year from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street, with three island routes in the warmer months and a single Ward’s Island route in winter. Here is what a round trip costs in 2026, how to buy tickets, and how to plan your day once you land.
According to the City of Toronto’s ferry ticket page, fares are sold as round trips. You pay once on the mainland and ride back for free.
| Rider | Round trip |
|---|---|
| Adult (20–64) | $9.57 |
| Older adult (65+) | $6.15 |
| Youth (15–19) | $6.15 |
| Junior (2–14) | $4.51 |
| Infant (under 2) | Free |
Regular commuters can buy monthly passes at the terminal: $121.64 for adults, $90.74 for older adults or youth, and $60.99 for juniors. The City also lists a 10% discount when you buy 10 or more round trips at once, which is handy for school groups or a large family outing.
On hot summer weekends the line to buy tickets can be longer than the line to board. The City recommends buying online, and online ticket holders can use an express line at peak times.
From mid-April to mid-October, three routes leave the mainland: to Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point and Ward’s Island. The City’s schedule page describes the year in four blocks:
In winter, the Ward’s Island ferry makes about 25 trips in each direction, roughly from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., with gaps of 30 to 60 minutes and some longer evening gaps. Exact spring and summer 2027 timetables are posted by the City once confirmed, and schedules can change because of weather or mechanical problems, so check the City of Toronto ferry page the day you travel.
The islands are linked by paths and bridges, so you can arrive at one dock and leave from another. Each dock suits a different kind of day:
Four of Toronto’s supervised swimming beaches are on the islands: Centre Island, Ward’s Island, Hanlan’s Point and Gibraltar Point. Ward’s Island, Hanlan’s Point and Gibraltar Point were among the Toronto beaches awarded Blue Flag status for 2026. Lifeguards work in summer only; see our guide to Toronto beaches and water quality for details.
Begun in 1808 and first lit in 1809, the stone lighthouse near Gibraltar Point is described as the oldest existing lighthouse on the Great Lakes and one of Toronto’s oldest buildings. It is an easy walk or ride from Hanlan’s Point or Centre Island.
The islands are largely car-free, which makes them ideal for an unhurried bike ride along the boardwalk on the south shore. You can bring your own bike on the ferry (see the rules below).
The north shore of Centre Island and Ward’s Island looks straight back at the downtown skyline. Sunset is popular with photographers; our list of Toronto photo spots has more ideas.
The terminal sits about 100 metres south of Queens Quay West and Bay Street. From Union Station it is a 10 to 15 minute walk south along Bay Street. Streetcars that run along Queens Quay also stop nearby. If you are new to the TTC, our guide to riding the TTC explains fares and transfers, and our GO Transit guide covers trips from the 905 into Union. Parking downtown is expensive, so transit is usually the easier choice.
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An adult round trip costs $9.57. Seniors and youth pay $6.15, children 2 to 14 pay $4.51, and children under 2 ride free, according to the City of Toronto.
Yes. From October 14 to mid-April, only the Ward’s Island route operates, with about 25 trips each way per day.
The City’s ferry ticket page lists credit cards, mobile wallets and cash (at the terminal) as payment methods and does not mention PRESTO. Buy a ferry ticket online or at the terminal.
Yes. Tickets are valid for any island dock, so you can arrive at Centre Island and leave from Ward’s Island when that route is running.
Last updated: November 2026
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