Toronto Islands Park and Centreville Amusement Park
There is a gem of Toronto that offers something fun for everyone, young and old. It starts with a thirteen-minute ferry ride from Queens Quay Terminal and takes visitors to the beautiful Toronto Islands. A group of 15 picturesque small islands on Lake Ontario are connected by bridges and paths, allowing visitors to walk from one end of the Islands to the other. The Islands stretches approximately five kilometres in length and covers 600 acres of lush parkland.
Centreville was part of a plan to turn the Toronto Islands from cottage residences into a recreational destination. Today the Islands are still home to over 500 hundred residents in tiny cottage homes. Centreville opened in 1967, with the buildings having a 1900s village theme.
The largest island is known as Centre Island and is home to the Centreville Amusement Park. Hop on the Centre Island Ferry, which provides a phenomenal view of the Toronto skyline and planes flying into the Island airport overhead. Centerville features over 30 rides, most of which are family-friendly and great for young children. There are a wide variety of food choices with 14 different tasty food outlets. With Pizza Pizza, Beavertails, Subway, Floss Factory, Sister Sara’s Cake Shoppe, Funnel Cake Shop, Uncle Al’s Smokehouse Grill, and O’Bumbles’s Ice Cream Parlour, and Mr. Flipp’s Popcorn Wagon, there is something delicious for everyone.
The list of rides is sure to pack in a day of family fun, including the Haunted Barrel Works, Swan Ride, Kermit’s Bouncing Bog, Rockin Ferry, Bumble Bees, Twirling Teacups, Antique Cars, Bumper Boats, Log Flume, and a miniature roller coaster. A 1907 vintage Carousel with 52 hand-carved animals remains in operation and is sure to be a family favourite. The park also offers pony rides, miniature golf, and a wading pool. The Sky Ride glides visitors over the park in a chairlift aerial ride. Another highlight is the Lil Blue and Lil Red Express miniature trains that chug passengers through the park grounds, a tunnel, and the farm.
Far Enough Farm is a hobby farm on the east end of the park that opened in 1959 and provides a way to visit the country in the heart of the City. It is a petting farm where guests can get up close with over 40 different animal species and birds. The farm is home primarily to domesticated animals such as rabbits, chickens, pigs, goats, ponies, and cows. Throughout the spring and summer, visitors will find new animals arrive each year.
Centreville offers a fabulous day, but the Toronto Islands offer so much more! It is a paradise for photographers with fantastic views of The City and the gorgeous natural island beauty. In spring, the park comes alive from May until late September abounds with activities. Most facilities close for the winter. One remarkable and unique feature is no cars are allowed on the islands, but there are plenty of ways to take a tour and get around. Visitors can walk, run or even rent a bike to trek around.
Hanlan’s Point is is hidden jewel known to be the least busy and most “green” island and the best place to watch the sunset. The beaches (including a clothing-optional separate area) are covered by beautiful sand dunes and great for swimming. The island features 12 picnic sites, a baseball diamond, a bike trail, fire pits, tennis, and volleyball. It also is home to the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse of the Great Lakes, built in 1808. It is also said to be haunted by J.P. Rademueller, the murdered first lighthouse keeper.
Centre Island is the most popular island and hosts formal gardens, fountains, and a pier that extends into Lake Ontario. Centreville and the petting zoo are top attractions. Many visitors enjoy a quiet break from the City, have a picnic, or spend the day swimming at the beach. There is an artist’s retreat studio, with studio rentals available. A splash pad and playground sit next to Franklin Children’s Garden, a busy spot for young families to enjoy. The new Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co. and the Carosouel Cafe keep busy as the most happening restaurants on the island, with many other incredible eateries to choose from.
Ward’s Island, situated on the east side of the islands, is home to Island residents and has fewer tourists visit. It is home to the private Queen City Yacht Club. The boardwalk and beach area are a favourite spot for a great view of Lake Ontario. New this past year is Stand Up Paddleboarding, rent a board or even join a yoga paddleboard class. There is also the option to rent a canoe or kayak and explore by paddling around the islands.
The Toronto Islands offer an escape from the bustle of the City only a short ferry ride away. The vast list of activities offers something fun for all visitors, young and old. Take the ferry over, stop at the Island Information booth to pick up a map/guide, and start exploring all that the gorgeous Toronto Islands have to offer!
Check out the Toronto Ontario Science Centre which is in Toronto ON too.
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