Can you bring alcohol to Toronto Island?

It is against the law to have open liquor in public. Having said that, if you are having a quiet picnic at the islands nobody will bother you. ENJOY. Just be discrete and no one will give you hassle.



As of 2026, the rules for alcohol on the Toronto Islands follow the broader "Alcohol in Parks Program" in Toronto. While the city has legalized drinking in over 50 designated parks, the Toronto Islands are generally subject to stricter oversight. You are not permitted to bring and consume your own alcohol in public beach areas or general park spaces on the island. However, alcohol is allowed in specific licensed areas, such as the restaurants and patios at Centre Island (like the Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co.). If you are hosting a private event at a rented picnic site, you may be able to obtain a special permit through the City of Toronto, but otherwise, open liquor in public spaces can result in significant fines. It is important to note that the ferry service and water taxis maintain a zero-tolerance policy for public intoxication to ensure the safety of families and tourists.

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Rent bikes or boats, go check out Centreville, the children's amusement park, play a round of frisbee golf, or get lost in the hedge maze. There are a variety of amazing restaurants on the island too. Or you could bring your own food and take advantage of the numerous public bbq grills and picnic benches.

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Drinking laws are provincial matters. Say you're 19 and you're from the USA so you're not able to drink there legally but you go to Canada, would you legally be able to be drinking there? Surprise, surprise, little-travelled American young person. Yes, at age 19 you can legally drink alcohol in any province in Canada.

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Open liquor is also illegal in parts of national and provincial parks, though this prohibition may not apply to campsites, as it is a temporary residence. For instance, Ontario Provincial Parks allow alcohol on campsites only.

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The legal drinking age in a liquor sales licensed establishment in the province of Ontario is 19 years of age. Serving people who are under 19 years of age is an offence under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019.

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Alcohol may not be consumed anywhere on the Toronto Islands except in licensed establishments. Toronto bylaw enforcement officers regularly patrol the island looking for violations.

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Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags.

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