Centre Island Pier
Iconic pier offering breathtaking Toronto skyline views across Lake Ontario, accessible by a scenic ferry ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Centre Island Pier
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic pier offering breathtaking Toronto skyline views across Lake Ontario, accessible by a scenic ferry ride.
"Literally paradise with an amazing view on the side!!!"
Book Ferry Tickets Online
Save time and avoid long queues by purchasing your round-trip ferry tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a meal with a view! Many visitors bring their own food to picnic on the island. :pizza:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Centre Island Pier
Centre Island, Toronto Islands
A concrete jetty with a large observation deck offering breathtaking Toronto skyline views.
Toronto Skyline Views
From the pier and ferry
Mesmerizing panoramic views of the city's iconic skyline across Lake Ontario.
Ferry Ride Experience
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Centre Island
A peaceful and scenic cruise across Lake Ontario with fantastic city vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Tickets & Timing
Best Day for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ferry Tickets Online
Save time and avoid long queues by purchasing your round-trip ferry tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a meal with a view! Many visitors bring their own food to picnic on the island. :pizza:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the islands and reach the pier. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Skyline
The pier offers one of the best spots for photos with the Toronto skyline. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ferry Tickets Online
Save time and avoid long queues by purchasing your round-trip ferry tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a meal with a view! Many visitors bring their own food to picnic on the island. :pizza:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the islands and reach the pier. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Skyline
The pier offers one of the best spots for photos with the Toronto skyline. :camerawithflash:
Check the Weather
A clear day is essential for the best views from the pier and during the ferry ride. :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning Toronto skyline views from the Centre Island Pier and the scenic ferry ride. It's considered a must-visit for its picturesque scenery and relaxing atmosphere, though be prepared for significant crowds on weekends and holidays, leading to long ferry queues.
"Literally paradise with an amazing view on the side!!! But if you’re a tourist, you can make your day even better by joining tourist on the beaches. I recommend the east side of the dock due to my observations of the water being slightly cleaner and cooler. It’s also less crowded, but this may vary. Just make sure the weather’s nice before going. Ferry to Centre Island is about $9 Canadian dollars or $7 USD for round trip. From this pier to the Ferry dock is about a 5 to 10 minute hike, depending on your energy level."
Evan Lau
"The Toronto Island Pier is a stunning destination that you can reach by enjoying a pleasant cruise ride from the Toronto side. After a leisurely walk through the lush gardens of the central island, you'll arrive at this magnificent pier, which is truly breathtaking.
From the pier, you'll be treated to mesmerizing views of both downtown Toronto and the picturesque waterfront. Its strategic location ensures that you can appreciate the beauty that surrounds you from every angle.
The pier is thoughtfully designed and offers ample space for groups to gather and enjoy their leisure time. It's a perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Looking out across Lake Ontario is a real delight, even though the vastness of the lake means all you can see is water stretching out to the horizon. The pier itself is spacious, allowing many onlookers to enjoy the view simultaneously. While there are a few benches at the end of the pier, they may not be enough to spend a substantial amount of time on. Additionally, there is a captivating mural painted on the floor, adding a touch of artistic beauty to the surroundings."
Keyur Thakkar
"This is a fantastic place to visit if you’re visiting Toronto. You can catch a ferry from Jack Layton ferry terminal, it is about a 15 minute ride to get to Centre island. The ticket costs about CAD $9, if booked online. The island has a beautiful park, restaurants all around, restrooms and is a great place to stroll and take in the views of Lake Ontario. Make sure to stop by the park to see the Toronto skyline and have a little picnic. It’s one of the best spots to get some pictures clicked with the skyline in the background."
Sheetal Shedbalkar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Centre Island Pier is by taking the ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at 9 Queens Quay West. The ferry ride itself offers beautiful views of the Toronto skyline. +2 From the ferry dock on Centre Island, it's a short 5-10 minute walk to the pier.
The round-trip ferry ticket to Centre Island typically costs around CAD $9.11 per person. Booking online in advance is recommended.
While the ferry is the most common and recommended method, water taxis are also an option, though they may be more expensive.
The ferry ride from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Centre Island is approximately 15 minutes.
The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal is well-marked and easily accessible in downtown Toronto, often a short walk or transit ride from major attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Centre Island Pier itself is free to access. However, you will need to purchase a ferry ticket to get to Centre Island.
Ferry schedules vary by season, so it's best to check the official Toronto Islands ferry website for the most up-to-date operating hours. The islands are generally accessible during daylight hours.
Ferry tickets are typically purchased at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal before boarding. It's advisable to buy round-trip tickets.
The Toronto Islands themselves are free to enter. The only cost associated with visiting Centre Island is the ferry fare.
On busy days, the ferry queue can be very long, sometimes taking up to 45 minutes to board. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday can help avoid this.
📸 📸 Photography
The Centre Island Pier offers iconic views of the Toronto skyline, making it a prime photography location. The surrounding gardens and waterfront also provide beautiful backdrops. +1
Absolutely! The pier provides a unique vantage point for capturing stunning photos of the Toronto skyline, especially during sunrise or sunset. +2
Yes, there's a captivating mural painted on the floor of the pier, adding an artistic element to your photos.
Late afternoon or early evening, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful lighting for skyline photography. Sunrise is also a great option for fewer crowds and soft light.
Drone usage is generally restricted in public parks and near populated areas. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Centre Island offers much more, including gardens, fountains, picnic areas, a beach, and even an amusement park. It's a great place for leisurely strolls and enjoying nature. +1
Centre Island is known to be the busiest of the Toronto Islands, especially on weekends and during summer, attracting many families. Visiting on a weekday or early in the morning can provide a less crowded experience.
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes available on Centre Island, offering various dining options.
You can find restrooms, picnic areas, and benches on the island. Some areas may have limited seating, especially at the end of the pier.
Yes, you can take short boat rides or walk to adjacent islands like Ward Island or Hanlan's Point to explore different areas and beaches. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as while there are food options, having your own can be convenient. The pier offers a safe place for kids to marvel at the city skyline, and the beaches are great for a day of fun.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the pier, the islands offer picturesque gardens and waterfront views. The ferry ride itself presents excellent opportunities for capturing the city from a different perspective.
🚶♀️ Leisurely Strollers & Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Centre Island Pier
Beyond its function as a viewing platform, the pier is also known for a captivating mural painted on its floor, adding an artistic touch to the landscape. While there are some benches, they can be limited, so many visitors opt to stand or sit on the pier's edge to enjoy the scenery.
Its strategic location makes it a focal point for appreciating the beauty of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline, especially during the softer light of sunrise or sunset.
Experiencing the Toronto Skyline from the Water
From the Centre Island Pier, the skyline appears as a majestic backdrop, a constant reminder of the urban energy just across the water. This view is consistently praised in reviews and social media content, often described as breathtaking and a must-see for any visitor.
Whether you're capturing photos or simply enjoying the moment, the interplay between the vastness of the lake and the towering city creates a memorable visual experience. The pier's design allows for unobstructed views, making it an ideal spot to appreciate this iconic Toronto vista.
Navigating the Toronto Islands
Centre Island itself is a sprawling park with various attractions, including gardens, fountains, picnic areas, and a small amusement park. It's a family-friendly destination with plenty of space to roam and enjoy outdoor activities.
Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends. The ferry queues can be substantial, so planning your visit during off-peak hours or weekdays is highly recommended to make the most of your time.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit