Ward’s Island

Placed on the eastern side of Centre Island, Ward’s Island grazes the Toronto Harbor but still has the charm of the island. In the late 1880s, David Ward and his seven children built a hotel on the newly established island. A small tent and resort town developed, which led the way for houses that make up the current development on the island today. The houses on the island are mostly on the eastern edge; in the Ward’s or Algonquin Island neighborhoods.

The beach itself is a short walk along Withrow Street from the ferry docks. Boaters often anchor close to the shore. The beach is sandy but a bit rocky, more so towards the west end. The water is relatively clean and swimmable. For entertainment, there is a disc golf course, and the Rectory Café and Island café is perfect for any time of day.

To get to this beach, you can use the Ward’s Island Ferry. It departs from the foot of Bay Street. There is also the Queen City Yacht Club Ferry and some water taxis available at the foot of York Street.

Ward's Island - the Toronto beaches