The Toronto Islands welcome thousands of visitors every year. However, in the winter months they become a tranquil, peaceful space…and for some, a welcome change of pace from bustling, city life.
Why Should We Visit in the Winter?
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
The island provides some of the city’s best cross country and snowshoe trails. If you’re looking to avoid crowds for these snow-filled pastimes, the island is a quiet and serene alternative. Wide open spaces and flat terrain make the conditions ideal.
Skating
Frozen lagoons can create natural skating rinks, however none are maintained publicly. Locals may choose to groom some frozen areas, but the conditions should be assumed as ‘au naturel’ with a “use at your own risk” option.
Unique Photography
The islands always offer impressive views of the city any time of year. Winter is no exception and gives photographers opportunities to get snowy, diamond-glinted perspectives of The 6ix.
How Can We Get to the Islands?
In the winter, only the Ward’s Island Ferry travels over Lake Ontario. Weather and ice conditions can influence times. For winter ferry times, click here.
Is There Anything Open and How Can I Be Prepared?
All businesses are closed during the winter months (except for the Island Cafe that closes for the season on Dec 1st). Island-goers should pack drinks, food and other necessities for the day. Think of it as a day in nature and pack needed supplies while dressing warm (in layers) to anticipate windy, cold conditions. The islands are typically colder than city conditions, with higher exposure to winds.
For bathroom facilities, there are 3 that remain accessible:
- Near Ward’s Beach
- In Centre Island
- At Hanlan’s Point Ferry Dock
Any Etiquette of Which I Should Be Made Aware?
Respect the quiet neighbourhoods on Ward’s Island, as people do live here year-round. Leave with what you came with such as any food, waste or garbage.
The islands are home to many natural habitats so respect these areas by sticking to the trails and public spaces and leave no mess behind!
How Does Lake Ontario Keep Waterways Open for Ferries?
Icebreaker Vessels
Specialized vessels such as the William Lyon Mackenzie (a fire and icebreaker boat) is capable of breaking ice up to 18″ thick. It can start its day as early as 5:00am to break Lake Ontario’s ice formations. This is a crucial mission of Toronto’s Fire Services as they keep emergency lanes open in these colder months.
Water Flow Management
This method also contributes to maintaining open water areas within the harbour by using currents from the Don and Humber Rivers.
Ice Booms
Ice booms, which are typically constructed of anchored, floating steel pontoons, aid in preventing ice formations and create a continual water flow underneath.
