Ward’s Island

this is the best section of the toronto islands, bar none.
being serviced by the ferry 365 days of the year, this is the best part to start at with the island, when you get off the boat, to the left is the grouping of residential housing, which is not only tucked away, but also is home to some very small and quiet beaches that have the perfect view of the toronto skyline, on the southeastern end is a long boardwalk that has a beach on both ends, with stunning views as well.
bring a camera and some comfy shoes :)

I find it interesting how Ward’s Island has such a higher rating than Center Island even though they are connected!
I came here when I went paddleboarding at Toronto islands SUP. The ferry here was much emptier than it is going to Center Island. If you have a bike, I’d highly recommend starting at this location and then biking over to the other two islands for a nice scenic view!
There wouldn’t be as many attractions as there would be on Center Island though, but it’s definitely a great place to go and enjoy a nive summer day. Haha we only have two months of that here in Canada!
Ward’s beach is fairly nice, sort of small though and the washrooms are smaller as well with less stalls.
Ferry tickets here are $ 7 for adults!

First off, I gave 4 stars not because this place wasn’t awesome, but because I wish I prepared a bit better. Enjoyed the better part of today, there. So lovely. Sun was out, but it was far from being scorch-​y. A nice breeze here and there. So many trees to sit under!
We were at the beach, where it was pretty windy. I should have brought a jacket, and worn clothes that covered a bit more fully.
I walked around at a leisurely pace. So pretty just to look at nature, houses, the water.
Spotted two eateries: Island Café and Rectory Café. Both filled with people, seemingly popular. Prices didn’t seem too $$; a range of prices.
Great for cyclists (you can keep your bike with you while on the ferry ride over). Dog-​friendly island (just keep your eyes open for signs at the beach, and be responsible with your dog).
Kid-​approved (two simple playgrounds).
Purchased ferry tickets online — great because you can skip the longer queues.

Could this be one of Toronto’s best kept places? We went here on Father’s Day aboard a completely empty boat. At first sight, the place may seem a bit unkempt. But as you walk around the Island, you see nice little cottages very close to the water, and the place is completely peaceful and free of crowds. It’s like an Oasis from the big bustling city. A short boat trip, and you feel like you’re cottage country, minus all the mosquitoes and black flies. You can enjoy a nice walk on the beach, or a long leisurely picturesque stroll to Center Island. Next time, we’ll bring a picnic basket!

It seems weird to review an island… but I feel like I should broadcast how great it is here. It’s whimsical, pretty and charming, and it really feels like it’s own unique place. It’s a nice place to take a long walk with someone you care about or even just to explore on your own.
If you visit in the cooler months, bundle up generously, it gets colder here than it does on the mainland.

One of the perfect island spots to go to for a peaceful and serene day getaway from the city. Not at all like the famous Center Island which is often too busy and bustling if you crave a peaceful day. Hop on the ferry, and ten minutes later you have a beautiful park on an island to explore and enjoy yourself (with a friend or a few). You can rent tandem bikes, walk the boardwalk, hike, try the local café, gaze at the whimsically designed resident homes on the island, and enjoy the beach. The beach is a lot less rockier and the water is cleaner than Woodbine Beach — and less busy for that matter. It’s a great setting for a summer barbecue and beach/​picnic day with friends or family!

Amazing view and an awesome place to visit :)

***Ward’s Island in Toronto is one of those middle of North America spots that make this part of the continent feel less landlocked because of the Great Lakes; Ward’s Island sits right on the massive and beautiful Lake Ontario and there are some paths for cycling as well as a waterfront boardwalk for walking (though there are not many things to do like a traditional boardwalk); there is even a beach; you will also find great views of Downtown Toronto, interesting small houses, a hidden café, and lots of greenery here***
You will not need a vehicle since the island is so small; it connects to the other islands and ferry stops here; the ferry or water taxis are a fun and quick way to get to this island from mainland Toronto.

Ward’s Island has an incredible atmosphere. The beach is beautiful and it feels like you’ve taken off to a resort when you’re really quite close to the city. It’s a great place to take your bike and meet up with friends while enjoying the beautiful beach and having some drinks. There usually is volleyball, Frisbee or other games going on that you can join in on — everyone really unwinds and it’s quite welcoming here. The beach is also dog friendly so it’s a great place for you and your pup to meet new friends too!
If you haven’t been before, I recommend packing up your towels and inviting some friends to come with you. The first time went I anticipated it would be enjoyable, but it was honestly one of my favourite memories of that summer!

I am only piling on here, but this has to be one of the most amazing spots in Toronto.
Take the ferry to Ward’s Island for a bike ride, dinner at Rectory Café, or a sunny day at the beach. It is like going in ten minutes from a massive, crowded, unplanned, treeless megalopolis to a quaint seaside village. Wait, it’s not like that, it is that!
The ferry to the island is 7 $ for adults and less for kids. Be sure to check the schedule before you go to make sure you get back to the mainland.
This spot is ideal for relaxing, the beach, play lying frisbee golf, riding bikes, or having a picnic. I have heard others rave about the islands for a while, I am glad I experienced them first hand.

Here is my random place review of the day. As an Island lover, take my advice; forget Centre and even Hanlan’s, unless you have kids please go to the former or you want to expose your nakedness then do the later. If you just want a very cool destination to get away from the city, Wards is the place. In the spring, I love cruising along the streets and checking out the residents’ gardens. In the fall, I love seeing the colours of the leaves as they turn. A walk along the break wall is also always on the to-​do list. I usually pop over to Algonquin Island too while visiting. There is a seasonal snack bar on Wards, but I generally pack a picnic lunch and share it with Eli somewhere overlooking the water and the city shore.
The only drawback to this place is that until I learn to teleport, I am stuck taking the ferry. This is why I mentioned spring and fall earlier. The problem is the summer crowds; I just can’t deal with the line ups to get to Wards. But that is just me.

The Toronto Islands are definitely a world of its own. one of my favorite places in town

Ward’s Island is awesome. Stroll around the neighbourhood looking at all the cutely decorated houses. Sit on the edge of the beach and watch the skyline. It’s the perfect spot to share with a special someone or with a group of friends.

This is an awesome place to go on a date as I have recently discovered. It’s a secluded little part of the island that is so adorable, scenic and romantic yet it is only a few minutes away from downtown Toronto. They have this really fun jungle gym, that’s probably only for kids but was really exhilarating to climb. We also had a lot of fun looking at the little houses on the island. They look exactly like the houses that they describe in fairy tales, which is another reason why it is kind of a romantic place. On a warmer day, this would have been a good place to have a picnic, but we went at a transitional time and had the opportunity to see the changing leaf colours. A cooler day is always a good excuse to sit closer to each other, and there’s a great view of the downtown skyline too.
Ferries to ward island is year-​round according to the disgruntled ticket seller (don’t let him ruin your mood). And make sure to bring cash for the tickets.

A quick bike ride rom Centre Island, Ward’s Island is not a hectic commercial place of touristic type.
Instead of amusement parks and fast food, you get to walk around… there are wildflowers, butterflies, and rodents (squirrels) that come right up to you…

i love ward’s island. went again a few weeks ago for a «beach day», and it was wonderful. the beach was nice and clean, and there are nice spots where you can find a little shade from the trees (on the really sweltering days) but still be really close to the water. we found a perfect half-​sun, half-​shade spot about 10 metres from the water. and the water was beautifully clean– verified by the blue-​flag program.
it’s a really nice alternative to the usually crowded woodbine beach. in the city, i think it’s as good as it gets.

Is this island a hidden gem? Possibly cause it’s wasn’t packed the two times I went. The last time I went we played frolf (frisbee golf) on an actual frolf course! Ya right? Lol if you haven’t been yet please mark your calendars and make sure to go visit it with a bunch of friends. It will make you feel like you are at the cottage and not in TO. Amazing only smiles when I think of it.

Ward’s Island is one of the many things that makes Toronto unique. The only problem being is that many native Torontonians have never been.
To access, visit the Toronto Island ferry docks, and pick the «Wards» ferry, not overun with strollers, you are more likely to sit with locals that inhabit any of the number of year-​round cottages that line the shore. Overrun with foliage and wild flowers, this community houses approximately 600 people, who have leases on the land until 2092. As mentioned in other reviews, the homes have varying levels of charm, but several are being «fixed up» and the best line the boardwalk around the south side of the island.
Quiet, and simple, Ward’s has a small beach, a nice restaurant (the Rectory) and a road that leads you to Centre Island and the fabulous clothing optional Hanlan’s Point Beach which is always entertaining.
Best for Bicycles as the distance from Ward’s to Centre Island Ferry is 3 km. Some are for rent if you take the Centre Island Ferry.
$ 6.50 for the ferry, trip back is free. Bikes are allowed on Ward’s and Hanlan ferries only if visiting on weekends. Centre Island is loud, touristy and not as much fun. except for the farm which is neat.

Beautiful park a short ride from downtown Toronto. The residents of Toronto have a great gem just a 10 minute ferry ride away. We went specifically for the disc golf course and were not disappointed, it was mid-​December so we were definitely cold out there but the scenery was amazing, as were the views back over the city.
Loved the yacht clubs and the quaint cottages out on the island. On the other side of Wards Island there are sweeping views out over the lake with some small beaches.
Just a beautiful and cheap way to spend half a day while in Toronto, bike riders, dog walkers, bird watchers, and disc golfers. Such an impressive use of the land, so Canadian in its simplicity and charm.

Just a quick bike ride (or long walk) from Centre Island, Ward’s Island is the antidote to the hectic commercial vibe and the touristic milling of its isle neighbor.
Instead of amusement parks and fast food, you get kid-​free serenity and voyeuristic delight while browsing the eclectic houses on Ward’s. Some are cute and cheerful, some are whimsical and kooky, and a couple look like Boo Radley shacked up there.
With its wildflowers, butterflies, and friendly squirrels that come right up to you, Ward’s Island feels almost enchanted; like if I lived there birds would sing to me as they helped hang my laundry on the clothesline. That is, till Boo Radley comes ’round with those scissors…

It boggles my mind when I meet born and bred Torontonians who’ve not set foot on Ward’s Island. Having said that, if Ward’s was overrun by as many people as Centre Island, perhaps I wouldn’t go as often?
Ward’s is the gem of the three ferry stops, populated with adorable cottage homes of old money and eclectic artists. It’s a romantic, quiet spot, with a beach facing the city and another facing the vast expanses of Lake Ontario on the other side.
Best time to go is during popular fluff season — June-​ish. The summer snowfall can make even the most jaded people fall in love again.