To get to Centre Island beach, take the Centre Island ferry from mainland Toronto. Walk by the amusement park and take the long open walkway across the island. Be aware that there may be long lineups for the ferry on hot summer days. *A Blue Flag beach is one that meets strict water quality and safety criteria.

To reach Centre Island Beach in Toronto, you must take a ferry or a private water taxi from the mainland across the Toronto Harbour. The primary departure point is the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, located at 9 Queens Quay West, at the foot of Bay Street. You should board the ferry specifically marked for "Centre Island." Once you disembark at the Centre Island dock, it is a scenic 10-to-15-minute walk south through the park, past the Far Enough Farm and over several small bridges, until you reach the boardwalk and the sandy shore on the south side of the island. In 2026, it is highly recommended to purchase ferry tickets online in advance to skip the long lines at the terminal, especially on sunny weekends. The ferry ride itself takes about 15 minutes and offers one of the best views of the Toronto skyline. For a faster but more expensive alternative, you can take a water taxi from various locations along the Harbourfront (like Spadina or York Street), which will drop you closer to the island's interior, making the walk to the beach even shorter.