For the 2026 season, the capacity of the Toronto Island ferry fleet is undergoing a major upgrade. The existing older vessels, like the Sam McBride, typically carry about 900 passengers. However, the city is currently rolling out a new fleet of all-electric ferries designed to meet modern demand. The first of these electric vessels, slated to arrive in late 2026, will have a maximum capacity of 1,300 passengers when configured for passengers only. If the ferry is carrying vehicles (up to 14 cars), the passenger capacity is roughly halved. This expansion is vital because on busy summer days, the ferry service handles upwards of 18,000 passengers daily. The new ships are part of a $92 million investment to make the island commute more efficient, eco-friendly, and capable of handling the massive crowds that flock to Centre Island during the warmer months.
That’s an excellent question, but the answer isn’t a single number because there are three different ferry routes to the Toronto Islands, each using different boats with different capacities.
Here’s a breakdown:
1. Ward’s Island Ferry
- Primary Boat: Sam McBride
- Passenger Capacity: Approximately 850 passengers.
- Notes: This is the largest ferry in the fleet. It also services the Hanlan’s Point route during peak times.
2. Centre Island Ferry
- Primary Boat: Ongiara
- Passenger Capacity: Approximately 600 passengers.
- Notes: This is the most popular route, especially for families heading to Centreville Amusement Park. The Ongiara is a modern, double-ended ferry.
3. Hanlan’s Point Ferry
- Primary Boat: Thomas Rennie
- Passenger Capacity: Approximately 400 passengers.
- Notes: This route serves the western end of the islands, closer to the clothing-optional beach and the airport.
Important Context & What This Means for You:
- “Fit” vs. “Comfortable Ride”: The capacities listed are the maximum safe legal limits. On a beautiful summer weekend, ferries can be extremely crowded, reaching these limits. You may be standing shoulder-to-shoulder.
- Boat Substitution: The Toronto Port Authority, which operates the ferries, will substitute boats as needed based on maintenance, weather, or expected demand. So you might take the larger Sam McBride to Centre Island on a busy day.
- Bicycles & Cargo: These capacities include space for passengers with bicycles, strollers, and cargo. Dedicated areas on the ferries accommodate these items.
- Frequency: During peak season (summer weekends), ferries depart approximately every 15-30 minutes on a rotating schedule to manage the large crowds.
Practical Summary:
- If you’re asking for planning purposes (e.g., how many people can be moved per hour), the system can move several thousand people per hour using all three routes.
- If you’re asking as a passenger, be prepared for a crowded experience during peak times. To avoid the biggest crowds, travel on a weekday, early in the morning, or later in the afternoon.
- Always check the official Toronto Island Ferry schedule and updates from the Toronto Port Authority before you go for the most current information.
Bottom Line: The ferries are large, with capacities ranging from about 400 to 850 people per sailing, depending on the specific boat and route in use that day.