Centre Island comprises 600 acres of parkland not far off the shore of downtown Toronto. Just a few minutes away by ferry, Centre Island is home to Centreville Amusement Park, Franklin Children's Garden - inspired by the children's storybook - loads of green space, bicycle paths, eateries and more.
Centre Island is alternately known as Toronto Island and actually is a number of islands, which are home to more than 250 residences and the Toronto Island Airport.
Centre Island is a great trip for anyone wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, but especially so for families with children 12 and younger.
Centre Island is alternately known as Toronto Island and actually is a number of islands, which are home to more than 250 residences and the Toronto Island Airport.
Centre Island is a great trip for anyone wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, but especially so for families with children 12 and younger.
Getting to Centre Island
Image courtesy Centreville Amusement Park
Centre Island visitors catch a ferry at the foot of Bay St. at the Toronto Ferry Docks, a 5 - 10 minute walk away from Union Station. Tickets for a round trip cost $4 - $8. Children under 2 are free.
The ferry leaves every 15 minutes in the summer, less frequently in colder months. Check the ferry schedule for a complete listing.
Strollers, wagons and bicycles are allowed on the ferry, but visitors must leave their cars behind. Parking is available 1 block north at Lakeshore and Bay, 1 block west on Queens Quay between Bay and York Sts, 1 block east opposite Toronto Star building adjacent to Captain Johns restaurant.
Alternately, drive to a GO station, park there for free, and take the GO Train into Union Station and walk to the dock.
The ferry leaves every 15 minutes in the summer, less frequently in colder months. Check the ferry schedule for a complete listing.
Strollers, wagons and bicycles are allowed on the ferry, but visitors must leave their cars behind. Parking is available 1 block north at Lakeshore and Bay, 1 block west on Queens Quay between Bay and York Sts, 1 block east opposite Toronto Star building adjacent to Captain Johns restaurant.
Alternately, drive to a GO station, park there for free, and take the GO Train into Union Station and walk to the dock.
When Should You Go to Centre Island?
Photo courtesy John Walthour
Centre Island attractions are open from May to October. In the colder months, the island reverts to a sleepy residential community. The ferry operates year-round - more frequently during the peak summer months.
How Much Time Should You Spend on Centre Island?
Families will easily be able to make a day out of Centre Island; allow two hours minimum.Keep in mind the Centreville Amusement Park opens daily at 10:30am from June 1st to September 1st and all weekends in May and September, weather permitting.
Centreville Amusement Park
Photo courtesy John Walthour
Centre Island's most popular attraction is the Centreville Amusement Park, which features more than 30 rides and games. The best part of this park - at least for parents with young kids - is that it is geared towards kids under 12. All rides are appropriate for kids of this age, although some height restrictions require adult accompaniment. Seven rides are specifically intended for children under four and a half feet to ride alone.
The rides are geared more towards amusing rather than scaring kids, so no crazy roller coasters here; instead, you'll find an antique ferris wheel, pony rides, a carousel, a bumper boats and more.
Day passes for children are $21 - $30 (as of 2008), depending on height and an unlimited summer pass is only $55.
The rides are geared more towards amusing rather than scaring kids, so no crazy roller coasters here; instead, you'll find an antique ferris wheel, pony rides, a carousel, a bumper boats and more.
Day passes for children are $21 - $30 (as of 2008), depending on height and an unlimited summer pass is only $55.
Other Centre Island Highlights
Aside from Centreville Amusement Park, some other Centre Island attractions include:Where to Eat at Centre Island
Several restaurants and fast-food kiosks are on Centre Island. As with so many public attractions, the food is overpriced and unhealthy. We ate at the Carousel Cafe, which had a pretty waterside setting and was not extravagantly priced. The waiter was attentive and supplied coloring for the kids. The food came quickly, but in the end, a so-so lunch for two adults and two children cost $60 - not great value.Visitors should consider bringing a picnic lunch and spreading out on some of the abundant green space. You may also bring along a small portable charcoal operated hibachi BBQ or use one of the island's BBQ stands if available.
Tips for Visiting Centre Island
Photo courtesy Hanif Bayat Movahed
