Between all of the Great Lakes and rivers in Ontario, there are “thousands” of islands across this large province. These include inhabited and uninhabited islands, as well as islands that have ferry service or those that are only accessible by personal watercraft.
©Destination Ontario
No matter what kind of summer adventure you’re after, there are many options for an island day trip or vacation in Ontario. Among these are Ontario’s famous network of the Thousand Islands (shared with New York), the Great Lakes islands, and a few other notable locations.
Lake Ontario & St. Lawrence River
Wolfe Island
The location of Wolfe Island, the largest of the Canadian Thousand Islands, is right where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario. To the east, the waters narrow, while to the west, the waters and shorelines widen into the expansive lake’s size. And to say it is one of the largest of the Thousand Islands says a lot since there are closer to 2000 islands in this archipelago.
With its size, there is plenty of room for a ferry port on both sides of the Island, giving American and Canadian ferry access. Whether you come from Ontario or New York, Wolfe Island has many things to see and do within a close drive from both ports.
- Begin with a walk or bike ride around Marysville and Main Street. You’ll find the Niles General Store, LCBO, Fargo General Store, and a few casual spots to eat.
- Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Wolfe Island, with four distinct routes that take bikers through varied scenery. The Red Route is the longest at 58km and provides pathways for exploring the northeastern foot of the island. The next is the Button Bay/Blue Loop at 28km. The Blue Route connects cyclists to the shortest Green Route which leads out to Big Sandy Bay. Last but not least is the Yellow Route, which offers a shoreline bike path. Bike rentals are available in town from Hotel Wolfe Island.
- To visit the Big Sandy Bay Conservation Area and beach, all visitors will need to take the Green Route in at 1.5km one-way. The day-use park has a parking lot at the start of the trail, where you’ll need to pay a small day-use fee.
- For food and accommodations right near the ferry dock, book a stay with the hard-to-miss Hotel Wolfe Island. The restaurant and bar will often host live music, too!
- More island accommodations include the Blue Moose B&B, and several adorable vacation rentals by owner.
- Other local food options include the Wolfe Island Pub & Pizzeria, The Market at Wolfe Island Commons, The Mustard Station or the Wolfe Island Bakery.
Access:
Ferry via the Wolfe Island Ferry from Kingston to the Marysville Dock, or from Cape Vincent, NY, to Point Alexandria, open year-round
A free shuttle bus runs in the summer from the island village of Marysville to the Marysville dock
Howe Island
Howe Island on the St. Lawrence, and part of the 1000 Islands chain, is both a day-use attraction and a vacation destination.
Get to the island to escape to nature with peaceful waterfront areas, great cycling or hiking, and vacation rental options. Of these cabins and cottages, some include private docks, a pool, or a hot tub to enhance the stay, along with many other amenities.
There are no commercial services on Howe Island, but bringing in what you need is easy, with Gananoque, a short drive east and Kingston a short drive west, from the ferry docks.
- Rockin’ The Rock (July) takes place on Howe Island every summer with a day of outdoor live music and other festivities.
- Howe Island is the only one of the 1000 Islands to be part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail network. A trail leads from the ferry docks to the south shoreline of Howe Island and is just over 15km one-way.
- Find adorable or luxurious island hideaways with VRBO accommodations or this private 3-bedroom cottage.
- The Bateau Channel between Howe Island and the Mainland is a popular route for canoers, kayakers, and paddlers of all kinds. As you explore the north shoreline of Howe Island, be aware of private properties.
Access:
Ferry via the Frontenac Howe Islander Ferry from east or west end docks, open daily year-round
Ferry crossing time under 10 minutes
Long Sault Parkway Islands
Experience many small Islands near the St. Lawrence River this summer with a drive, possibly spread over several days, across the Long Sault Parkway. The St. Lawrence River is part of the larger Seaway and channel system, constructed in the 1950s. During construction, intentional flooding created this chain of 11 islands connected to the mainland still by the Long Sault Parkway. The Parkway is about 10km in length with parks and beaches, and much more to explore, on each island.
- A stop at the Lost Villages Museum before getting on the Parkway will help to add a ton of historical perspective to your upcoming drive. Villages were lost to those floods, but some buildings have been recovered and restored and are on display at the museum.
- From north to south, Mille Roches Campground and Park is the first major stop on the parkway. The park covers two islands with the St. Lawrence corridor’s longest sand beach. Waterfront RV and tent camping are available, while the park also offers a single cabin for rent.
- The next stop to the south is Macdonell Island, with a short but beautiful walking trail, a lookout area over the river, picnic areas, and a boat launch.
- Further along, after driving directly beside the river and trees, will be the Woodlands Park and Campground. The park is slightly larger than Mille Roches, with two areas for campers and a set of mini cabins. The park also operates two beautiful beaches on the northwest side of the Woodlands Islands.
- The McLaren Park & Campground is the final major stop on the Long Sault Parkway. Enjoy more options for RV, tent, and cabin camping, plus many more waterfront campsites. The park offers yet another beach and swimming option on the south side of West Woodlands Island.
- And if you intend to do the trip in a day, every one of these parks is perfect for a picnic stop.
- Many also choose to bike the entire Long Sault Parkway!
Access: car and highway; use the 401 to access ON-2; use ON-2 from Long Sault in the north, or from Ingleside in the south, to access the Parkway
1000 Islands National Park
Southern Ontario’s Thousand Island National Park is one of the more unique National Parks in Canada. There are mainland areas to the park, with the Mallorytown Visitor Centre and docks at the heart of it all. From here, boaters and boat shuttles take visitors to one of over 15 different islands!
Credit: Humyn/Rami Accoumeh/Destination Ontario
Personal watercraft are allowed to access the islands, the trails, and the campgrounds. Keep in mind that the St. Lawrence Seaway and its mouth at Lake Ontario are waters suited to experienced boaters. Non-boaters are in luck as local guides are happy to bring you to your campsite or rent you a boat to get there on your own. All of the National Park Islands are worth a visit, with some offering some more notable features! Some are better for long-term camping, with Parks Canada’s oTENTiks and large tent/RV areas, while some are better for a day visit and an island picnic.
Admiralty Islands
- These include five National Park Islands: Aubrey, Mermaid, Beau Rivage, MacDonald, and Thwartway.
- Aubrey Island, Beau Rivage, and MacDonald all offer camping along with shorter trails, paddling areas around the island, and comfort camping oTENTiks.
- Thwartway and Mermaid Islands are better for day visit with no camping but small quiet areas where you can enjoy the calmer river waters.
Navy Islands
- Two islands: Gordon and Mulcaster.
- Gordon Island offers regular camping, or Parks Canada oTENTiks, Red Chair lookouts, and picnic shelters.
- Mulcaster has a smaller campground, but a great looping trail around the island for day use visitors.
Grenadier Island
- Grenadier Island is divided into West, Central, and East.
- The west section has a small amount of docking space for accessing the picnic area
- Central Grenadier Island is where you’ll find one of the two marked beaches on the Islands of the Park, along with a campground and picnic shelters.
- The east section is a smaller campground with additional picnic space.
Access: For boat shuttle service or boat rentals to use to access the park, contact 1000 Islands Kayaking, or D&D Marine.
Personal watercraft with docks at every one of the park Islands. Varying docking space is available, with the smaller islands better suited to kayak or canoe docking. View all of the maps and navigation charts here.
Amherst Island
Take a relaxing summer vacation or a day trip to Amherst Island, where the options for activities are all centred on slow-paced summer fun.
Take scenic strolls and bike rides, spend a day at the beach or in the water, or explore the artistic and cultural experiences around Amherst. This is one of the best Ontario Islands for getting back to nature in a more comfortable way.
Credit: To Do Canada
- The entry to Amherst Island at the village of Stella is where you’ll find the Neilson Store Museum & Cultural Centre or snacks from the Back Kitchen.
- The scenic drive hugging the waterfront offers something different for visitors. The Sand Beach Conservation Area, or Back Beach Park, is perfect for swimming and beach activities, while Lane’s End Park and Stella Bay Park offer great waterfront picnic views. The Owl Woods Trail is Amherst Island’s best birding and wildlife viewing area.
- Stella Bay Park also has a public boat dock for canoe and kayak launching.
- Enjoy live music all summer with the Waterside Summer Series outdoor concerts on the Island from July to August at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church.
- Enjoy a mix of local nature, art, and culture with a visit to the Rossland Gardens, open for boutique shopping and as an art gallery.
- Bring your own bike or rent one from Amherst Island Bicycle Rentals. Amherst Island offers many quiet roads and trails for cyclists to explore.
Access: ferry from the Millhaven Wharf, open daily
20-minute ferry crossing time
Toronto Islands
This large city attraction offers many reasons to visit for families, couples, friends, and kids. From the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, you can choose between ferries to three of the Toronto Islands. Centre Island is, of course, at the heart of it all, with Hanlan’s Point to the west and Ward’s Island to the east.
© Destination Ontario
Centre Island
This is easily the family destination of the Toronto Islands with so many attractions that kids can get excited about!
- The Centreville Amusement Park has over 30 rides plus carnival games.
- Gibraltar Point Beach, or Centre Island Beach, is a wide and expansive sandy beach on Lake Ontario.
- The Far Enough Farm, beside the Amusement Park, has over 40 different animal species to meet in their petting zoo.
- See the Islands on a bike. You can easily bring your own on the ferries, or grab one from the Toronto Island Bicycle Rentals.
- Enjoy incredible views of the Toronto skyline or grab some family photos with the park and skyline in the background.
- Centre Island is where visitors can find the dining on the Toronto Islands, with many picnic areas all around the park and the island.
Hanlan’s Point
This might be a better part of the Toronto Islands for adults and couples.
- Hanlan’s Point Beach is one of Toronto’s clothing-optional beaches, so it is more secluded, quieter, and less populated than the other Island Park beaches.
- Also, keep in mind that photography is not permitted on the beach!
Ward’s Island
Access to Ward’s Island can be via the direct ferry or on foot or by bike from Centre Island, as they are still connected.
- Ward’s Island Beach is one of Toronto’s blue flag beaches, while the rest of the Island is great for birding, fishing, or picnics.
- Ward’s Island offers two different restaurants: The Rectory Café, and the Island Café, both waterfront locations.
Access: from Toronto’s Jack Layton Ferry Terminal are options for the Ward’s Island Ferry, Centre Island Ferry, or Hanlan’s Point Ferry.
Lake Erie
Pelee Island
Point Pelee National Park is as far south as you can go in all of Canada- on the mainland, anyway. There is an opportunity to go even farther south in Canada, to Ontario, with a ferry or boat ride to Pelee Island. The Island is directly south of Point Pelee on Erie, with more chances to enjoy the Lake’s wonderfully warm waters. The ferry ride alone is an experience in and of itself. With about an hour and a half on the water, you can take in sunsets or rises, snacks and drinks, or simply enjoy the views. There are many other things to see and do during your trip, which could be a multi-day vacation thanks to the Island’s accommodations.
- Those wishing to stay on Pelee Island can choose between waterfront accommodations like Pelee Lake Muse Cottage & Guest Suite, Kiki’s Westview Motel, The Wandering Dog Inn, or the East Park Campground. Dozens more accommodations are available in Leamington for those making a day trip to the Island.
- The East Park Campground is also the location for the public East Beach on Pelee Island. Some of the campsites are even right beside the beach!
- This quiet part of Lake Erie is nestled among quiet parts of Ontario and the States. This helps to make wildlife viewing and birding around Pelee Island easy to do, even when you’re out enjoying other activities. For the best wildlife and birding opportunities on the Island, go to Fish Point Provincial Park on the far south side of Pelee Island. An approximately 2km out-and-back trail follows a forested area out to a sand spit and truly as far south as you can be in all of Canada.
- The next must-experience walking and biking trail on the Island will take you to Lighthouse Point Nature Reserve. This is on the opposite and north side of the Island, with parking available on East Shore Road. Interpretive signage marks the trail to the Pelee Island Lighthouse and lookout area.
- Without a single food chain in sight, Pelee Island has a wonderful selection of local eateries to experience during your stay. These options include The Westview Tavern, Stone House 1891, The Shack, The Filling Station, Scudder Beach Breakfast Bar & Bakery, or the Dog & Goat Restaurant. Plus, Coneheads Ice Cream & Mini Golf offer activities and sweet treats.
Access: ferry via the MV Pelee Islander I & II from Leamington & Kingsville
Personal watercraft with access at the West Dock
1.5-2-hour ferry crossing time
Peche Island
Peche Island is only accessible from Windsor by a crossing of the Detroit River on personal watercraft or with City of Windsor Tours. The city has made efforts to restore Peche Island and protect its varied flora and fauna. And as the uninhabited Island Park has no services, there are a few things to consider when visiting Peche Island:
- Use a lifejacket no matter the type of boat you’re using to get there.
- Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen
- There are washrooms, trails, and picnic facilities around Peche Island to make use of during your stay.
- For those who’d rather not go it alone or those without a boat and boating experience, the city of Windsor offers boat tours and shuttle service from June to October.
Access: personal watercraft with dock facilities on the Island’s south side & City of Windsor Peche Island Tours
Lake Huron and The Georgian Bay
Chantry Island
Exploring the shoreline town of Southampton offers a look into the area’s deep marine heritage and roots. One of the most exciting ways to explore the area’s marine history is with the summer tours to Chantry Island. These tours are the only way to get to the Island and Bird Sanctuary, where even more history is preserved for visitors to enjoy.
- These historic boat tours to Chantry Island include a 20-minute ride on the water before getting to Chantry. Once docked, tour groups will be led to the historic Light Keeper’s Cottage, taken on a walk through the gardens, and given a chance to walk the 107 steps up to the top of the Lighthouse.
- The tours depart from the Tour Base & Gift Shop, where volunteers have in-depth information on the Island and the surrounding waters.
- Take in the incredible variation of birds and species around the skies, the land, or the waters. Chantry Island is a Bird Sanctuary.
Access: historical boat tours from Southampton, open June to October
Christian Island
Christian Island, along with Beckwith and Hope Islands, falls under the Beausoleil First Nation, with Christian being the largest of those Islands.
- The Christian Island Lighthouse is located on the far south tip of the Island. The area is great for photography with the tall stone lighthouse in the foreground, as well as picnics with sheltered or non-sheltered picnic areas.
- Take a dip from the West Beach on Christian Island. This sandy area is quiet and secluded but offers amenities like picnic tables and portable washrooms.
- Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the townsite: find local eateries, shops, art, and more while learning about the Beausoleil First Nation.
Access: Access to Christian Island on Huron’s Georgian Bay is by Sandy Graham ferry from Cedar Point and offers access to the Island all year-long.
Beausoleil Island – Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Honey Harbour is the base camp community for adventures on the Georgian Bay Islands. The Islands, also a National Park, are only accessible by boat. Luckily, there are five private companies with charters, ferries, and boat rides to the Georgian Bay Islands.
To Do Canada
- Parks Canada provides a few options for spending overnight trips to the Georgian Islands: choose between cabin or oTENTik rentals or tent and RV camping.
- The park’s hiking trails are all on Beausoleil Island, with dozens of km to explore. A few of these trails also allow for cycling. Plus, Bike rentals are now available at the Cedar Spring Visitor Centre on Beausoleil Island.
- Beausoleil Island is also home to the park’s beaches and day-use areas, yet another reason to make the DayTripper from Honey Harbour.
Access: Private water taxi and ferry companies from Honey Harbour, or boat shuttles.
- Get to the National Park from Honey Harbour with the help of Georgian Bay Islands Water Taxi, Georgian Coastal Water Taxi, Honey Harbour Boat Club, Harbour Water Taxi, or the Island Express. These taxis are the most convenient options for those wanting to camp and spend multiple days on the Georgian Islands.
Flowerpot Island
Fathom Five National Marine Park takes up the waters on Lake Huron which surround the Bruce Peninsula near Tobermory. The area gets its name and notoriety from the 20+ shipwrecks located on the Huron floor at varying depths. Due to this, Fathom Five is a famous snorkelling and scuba diving destination. Some shipwrecks are visible at simpler snorkelling depths, while others require scuba diving experience and training.
Timothy Neesam/Flickr/CC BY-ND 2.0
Flowerpot Island is the second big draw to the Marine Park, and for completely different reasons. The Island has beautiful yet rugged scenery, offers swimming in crystal-clear waters, and many ways to explore Flowerpot’s unique features.
- The camping on the island is unique! These sites are near the water and have a wooden tent platform for easier setup. These campsites are all a short walk from the Flowerpot Island beach.
- Enjoy a relaxing swim or lazy day at Flowerpot Island’s Beachy Cove. This is where you’ll get a great view of the flowerpot rock formations, too.
- The trails from Beachy Cove lead first to the flowerpots, then to the historic light station. A longer and more challenging hike will take you up a flight of stairs and through a loop back to the main Beachy Cove trail.
- The two boat operators who offer ferry services to Flowerpot Island for day use or camping also offer glass-bottom boat tours of Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Access: ferry from Tobermory via The Blue Heron Company, open June-September, or the Bruce Anchor Cruises, open June-October.
Personal canoes or kayaks (no docking space, so canoes and kayaks must be pulled up fully onshore)
Manitoulin Island
Welcome to Spirit Island, also known as the largest freshwater island in the world or Manitoulin Island. This North Huron Island is home to unceded First Nations Territory in the East, where visitors have numerous opportunities for Indigenous cultural education from spring to fall. This education is available through incredible outdoor tours and immersive experiences. Getting to the island is quite convenient as highway and bridge access in the north and ferry access in the south from Tobermory.
East Manitoulin
- Book with Wikwemikong Tourism for incredible Island experiences, such as culinary tours, paddle trips, and guided hikes. These tours are available from June to September or from June to October.
- The eastern side of Manitoulin offers numerous accommodation options, including adorable inns, guest ranches, or camping. The Manitoulin Eco Park offers unique stays with dark sky experiences available, too. The Manitoulin Resort is a great waterfront option on the Island’s Manitoulin Lake.
- Make a visit in August for the Cultural or Music and Arts Festivals (August long weekend), or the local powwows (Mondays and Tuesdays in July-August).
- Wass Tours operates on the east side of the Manitoulin with charter fishing trips and scenic boat tours around the Georgian Bay.
North/Central Manitoulin
- Catch a summer show from the Burns Wharf Players Theatre, which provides new shows each season. More local culture is offered from a historical perspective at the Centennial Museum in Sheguiandah.
- This part of the Island’s must-experience hike is the trek to Bridal Veil Falls. Trails follow both sides of the river valley, with access to the top of the falls, where there are picnic areas, and to the base of the falls, where a shallow, calm pool is safe for a swim.
- Gore Bay is an excellent central location on Manitoulin for walking trails, dining, and accommodations. The town’s Boardwalk Trail offers excellent views, picnic areas, and access to the new breakwater and path.
South Manitoulin
- Enjoy a day or a night at the ferry port of South Baymouth, where there are walking trails, a scenic lighthouse, and the South Bay Resort & Campground.
- Travel further west on Manitoulin’s southern shores to hit Providence Bay Beach, within walking distance of the town of the same name. The area is known for its gorgeous beach where you can paddle, float, swim, or set up for a picnic.
- Visit Misery Bay, west of Providence Beach, to visit Manitoulin Island’s only Provincial Park. Misery Bay Provincial Park offers 15km of hiking trails that overlook the water, some of which lead to secluded, quiet beach areas.
Access: ferry from Tobermory via the MS Chi-Cheemaun.
Use ON-6 south from ON-17 (Trans-Canada Highway) at Espanola
St. Joseph Island
Go north on your next Ontario Island adventure! St. Joseph Island is the furthest north of all the accessible Great Lakes islands around Ontario, with Sault St. Marie as the closest major city.
This is also one of the few Ontario islands accessible by car, with no need for a ferry ride! The island is on the far northwest side of Lake Huron, where the St. Joseph Channel becomes the St. Mary’s River as it leads to Lake Superior.
There are deep historical roots to uncover and explore throughout the Island, as well as incredible trails and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Plus, there are many ways to dive into modern local culture, such as dining and shopping.
- For a mix of history and nature, visit the Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site, which offers immersive experiences, birding, a museum, and nature trails. The St. Joseph Island Museum will include a country drive through the island.
- Find numerous great local shops around St. Joseph Island, like Mountain Maple Products, the Hilton Beach General Store, Hilton Beach Farmers’ Market, Bee Joyful Sewing, Moose Sweats, or Island Market.
- For local island dining, visit communities like Richard’s Landing and Hilton Beach, which have more places to stop between these two villages. And both locations are toward the north of St. Joseph Island where you can fill up before exploring the rest of the Island.
- Visit in June for the one-day-only Lobster Fest, or in July for the 3-day-long Go North Music Festival. The outdoor concert and festival are held in Richard’s Landing, and camping is also available.
- For those visiting the area for its incredible fishing, be sure to mark your calendar for the Annual Island Fishing Derby (June-July)
Access: bridge from the north on ON-548