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 western end is an 18-hole Disc Golf Course. An old-fashioned boardwalk runs the length of the southern shore, starting at Ward's Island Beach and passing the back gate of Riviera cafe with its lovely patio.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Ward's Island Beach

0.17 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…

2. St Andrew by-the-Lake Anglican Church

1.05 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…

3. Sugar Beach Park

1.07 MILES

Named after the Redpath Sugar Refinery next door, Sugar Beach is a sweet little spot located near Old Toronto. The urban beach park is filled with pastel…

4. Centreville Amusement Park

1.17 MILES

From Centre Island ferry terminal, wander past the information booth to quaint Centreville's antique carousel, goofy golf course, miniature train and…

5. Distillery District

1.37 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…

6. Centre Island Beach

1.43 MILES

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…

7. Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery

1.44 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…

8. Market Gallery

1.48 MILES

The Market Gallery is a tiny museum with rotating exhibits of paintings, photographs, documents and historical relics of Toronto. It's located at St…