Toronto Islands

Toronto Islands

Native name: Mnisiing "on the islands" Nickname: The Island
The Toronto Islands seen from the CN Tower
Map of Toronto Islands
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Geography
Location	Lake Ontario
Coordinates	43°37′15″N 79°22′43″W / 43.62083°N 79.37861°W / 43.62083; -79.37861
Total islands	15
Major islands	Centre Island
Area	332 ha (820 acres)
Administration
Canada
Province	Ontario
Single-tier municipality	City of Toronto
Demographics
Population	700
Languages	English

The Toronto Islands are a chain of 15^[1] small islands in Lake Ontario, south of mainland Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Comprising the only group of islands in the western part of Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands are located just offshore from the city's downtown area, provide shelter for Toronto Harbour, and separate Toronto from the rest of Lake Ontario. The islands are home to the Toronto Island Park, the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, several private yacht clubs, a public marina, Centreville Amusement Park, a year-round residential neighbourhood, and several public beaches. The island community is the largest urban car-free community in North America.^[2] Public ferries operate year-round from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, and privately operated water taxis operate from May to September. A pedestrian tunnel connects the mainland to the airport (which is only connected to the airport; not to any of the park).^[3]

The Toronto Islands are a popular tourist and recreational destination. Bicycles are accommodated on the ferries at no charge and can be rented at Centre Island. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and stand-up paddle boards ^[4] are also available for rental from May to September. A disc golf course exists on the island. The main beach is along the south shore of Centre Island and the beach on the west shore of Centre at Hanlans Point is clothing-optional. There is ample parkland suitable for picnicking, several playgrounds, water play areas and several gardens. During the winter months people reach the lagoons and Toronto Harbour from the islands for ice skating when conditions permit.