On the south side of Centre Island, this is the busiest and least scenic of the islands' beaches. A big, rocky surf break keeps the water calm – perfect if you have little ones, but kind of an eyesore. Nearby there's a handful of kiosks selling quick eats, as well as a recommended bike-rental shop.
Centre Island Beach
Toronto Islands
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.54 MILES
Centered on the 1832 Gooderham and Worts distillery – once the largest distillery in the British Empire – the 5-hectare Distillery District is one of…
3.73 MILES
Opened in 1914, the multidisciplinary ROM is Canada's biggest natural-history museum and one of the largest museums in North America. You'll either love…
1.96 MILES
Dominating Toronto's skyline, the CN Tower is a marvel. At a height of 553 metres, the communications spire stands over the city like a beacon. Queues can…
2.18 MILES
The mecca of Canada's national sport, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a Canadian institution. Even those unfamiliar with the rough, super-fast sport are likely…
4.94 MILES
Toronto's favorite green space is a wonderful spot to unfurl a picnic blanket, swim, play tennis, bike around, skate on 14-hectare Grenadier Pond or – in…
2.3 MILES
Old York's sensational St Lawrence Market has been a neighborhood meeting place for over two centuries. The restored, high-trussed 1845 South Market…
2.78 MILES
The AGO houses collections both excellent and extensive (bring your stamina). Renovations of the facade, designed by the revered Frank Gehry and completed…
4.64 MILES
Famed for the transformation of its once-deteriorating heritage buildings into a prime location for all things geotourism, this dynamic, LEED-certified…
Nearby Toronto Islands attractions
0.33 MILES
From Centre Island ferry terminal, wander past the information booth to quaint Centreville's antique carousel, goofy golf course, miniature train and…
2. St Andrew by-the-Lake Anglican Church
0.39 MILES
An 1884 Stick-style church with striking stained-glass windows, St Andrew by-the-lake sits at the eastern end of Centre Island. It originally stood near…
0.59 MILES
Gibraltar Point is a pleasant little beach backed by small sand dunes and beach grass. It's less frequented than other island beaches, making it a bit…
1.01 MILES
Beyond the tennis courts and a fragile ecosystem of low-lying dunes sustaining rare species, Hanlan's Point Beach has 'clothing-optional' status,…
1.12 MILES
West of Centre Island, the island of Hanlan's Point is named after world-champion sculler 'Ned' Hanlan (1855–1904), a member of the first family to…
1.43 MILES
The most residential of the Toronto Islands, Ward's has funky old houses crowded together and narrow pedestrian- and cyclist-only streets. At the island's…
1.49 MILES
Arguably the prettiest beach on the Toronto Islands, this is a long, curving shoreline with tawny sand and views of boats sailing past. Lifeguards are on…
8. Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
1.6 MILES
Easily recognized by its painted smokestack, the Power Plant gallery is just that: a former power plant transformed into Toronto's premier gallery of…