Toronto Islands: Morning Bike Tour with Ferry & Lighthouse

Summary

Cycle quiet island paths, hear local stories and spot the skyline

You’ll ride quiet paths across the car-free Toronto Islands with a local guide, pausing for stories at places like Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and spotting skyline views few tourists find. With your ferry ticket, snacks, and all gear included, you can just focus on soaking up island life — it feels surprisingly peaceful so close to downtown.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — not traffic, but soft bike tires crunching over gravel as we rolled off the ferry onto the Toronto Islands. Our guide, Jamie, waved us over by a row of bikes lined up like they were waiting for summer camp. I fumbled with my helmet (never looks cool), but nobody cared — everyone was too busy grinning at that first wide-open view of the city across the water. It’s strange how close Toronto feels from here, but also like you’ve slipped into another world where cars just… don’t exist.

We pedaled at a lazy pace through winding lanes shaded by old trees and tiny gardens. Jamie pointed out a cottage painted bright turquoise — apparently it’s famous for its Halloween decorations, which made me laugh thinking about skeletons in kayaks floating by. The air smelled faintly of lake and cut grass, and every so often someone from our group would call out when they spotted something weird or beautiful (a heron, a backyard swing shaped like a boat). We stopped at Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, which is older than Canada itself — Jamie told us about its ghost story while we munched on granola bars he’d packed. I tried to peek inside but just got a face full of salty wind.

There were moments when we’d all just coast quietly, listening to birds or watching sunlight flicker on the water between docks. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed — maybe it’s being away from honking cars or maybe it’s just the rhythm of pedaling and stopping whenever something caught our eye. We finished near a little beach where some kids were building sandcastles and someone’s dog barked at our bikes. I’m still thinking about that view back toward Toronto — glass towers shining behind all that green space — kind of makes you see the city differently.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning bike tour on Toronto Islands

• Take ferry across Toronto Harbour
• Explore car-free Toronto Islands neighborhoods
• Visit Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and Yacht Club
• Enjoy parks, beaches, and skyline views
• Listen to stories about island history

Top questions

How long is the Toronto Islands morning bike tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours including ferry time.

Is the ferry ticket included in the bike tour price?

Yes, your ferry ticket is included in the tour package.

What landmarks do you visit during the bike tour?

You’ll stop at Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and pass by parks, beaches, cottages, and yacht clubs.

Are bikes and helmets provided for this tour?

Yes, both bicycle and helmet are provided as part of your booking.

Is this Toronto Islands bike tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it moves at a leisurely pace and is suitable for beginner to advanced riders.

Are snacks or drinks included during the ride?

You’ll get bottled water and snacks along with your tour.

Can children join this morning bike tour?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available upon request.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The tour runs in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or shine.

What’s included

Your morning includes use of a bicycle and helmet, bottled water to keep you refreshed, snacks for quick breaks along the way, your round-trip ferry ticket across Toronto Harbour, plus guidance from a local who knows every shortcut and story on these islands.