News Release
June 24, 2020

Mayor John Tory today announced the City of Toronto will resume its public ferry service to Toronto Island Park on June 27, as permitted by Transport Canada. The ferries will operate at 50 per cent maximum capacity, with a number of COVID-19 guidelines and procedures in place to protect passengers and staff, developed in consultation with Toronto Public Health.

In order to allow for physical distancing on the ferries and in the terminal, ferry tickets will be limited to 5,000 per day and must be purchased online at toronto.ca/ferry. Visitors should purchase their tickets ahead of time. Tickets are only valid for the date selected at the time of purchase. Additional staff will be on hand at the ferry terminal to assist visitors with these new requirements.

Passengers will be required to wear non-medical masks or face coverings. Signage and markers will be visible at the terminal to help visitors with physical distancing while waiting in line. To reduce crowding, visitors are encouraged to travel outside of peak times. The busiest time for travel from the terminal to Toronto Island Park is between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. for the return trip. Visitors should plan their ferry trips outside of these times.

Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will be undertaken on the vessels after every trip. Washrooms on the ferries will be closed, however hand sanitizer dispensers will be available. Washrooms at the terminal and at Toronto Island Park will be open.

Visitors should self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms and should not board the ferry if they have symptoms. A self-assessment tool is available at covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/.

Services and amenities that will be open at Toronto Island Park once ferry service resumes include washrooms, splash pads, a first aid station, William Meany Maze, some food and beverage outlets and disc golf.

Other Toronto Island Park public and commercial amenities on the Island including Centreville and park playgrounds and boat rentals will remain closed as required by current Province of Ontario emergency orders. Prior to this reopening, ferry service was provided to Wards Island for Island residents only.

Toronto Island Park is a well-loved destination for Toronto residents and visitors, and the park typically sees 1.4 million visitors every year.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

Quotes:

“I am pleased to be able to reopen public ferry services to the Toronto Island Park so that residents and visitors can once again enjoy this beloved part of our city. This journey is an important Toronto tradition, with the ferries annually providing trips to over a million people a year. I encourage people to head to the island, and enjoy the ferry experience safely and patiently as demand will be high and the ferry capacity is much lower due to COVID-19 precautions.”

– Mayor John Tory

“While it is exciting to have this important public service resume, it is vital that people plan their trips in advance by purchasing tickets online and to schedule extra time for their visit as there will be longer delays due to the reduced capacity, COVID-19 procedures and increased cleaning of the vessels and ferry terminal facilities.”

– Councillor James Pasternak (Ward 6 York Centre), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee

“Toronto Islands are one of our city’s most cherished parks, and in summer, it is a destination that many residents and visitors look forward to. It is a critical resource for recreation and green space for many of us, but we have to ensure that people can enjoy it safely without putting themselves and others at risk. That’s why all visitors need to take precautions, including booking tickets in advance and wearing a mask during the ferry ride. We can make this work if we all work together to do our part.”

– Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Toronto Board of Health

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at facebook.com/cityofto.

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