Yes, the Toronto Island Ferry costs money, but the pricing structure in 2026 is unique because your ticket is a round-trip fare. You only pay (or scan your ticket) when departing from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in downtown Toronto; the return trip from the islands (Ward's, Centre, or Hanlan's) is effectively "free" as there are no ticket booths on the island side. In 2026, an adult ticket costs approximately $9.50 to $10.50 CAD, with discounts for seniors, students, and children. You can purchase tickets at the terminal kiosks, but the "pro-tip" for 2026 is to buy them online via the City of Toronto website to skip the massive queues that form on sunny weekends. Your ferry ticket is valid for any of the three island destinations, allowing you to "island hop" on foot or by bike once you arrive. Note that private water taxis are also available for around $12 per person each way if you want a faster, more flexible alternative to the large municipal ferries.