Top tips to beat Toronto Island ferry lineups this weekend
14,000 expected to visit the island on Friday alone
The Toronto Islands are more popular than ever for people looking to beat the heat this summer. But arriving at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal only to find daunting lineups has left some island-goers frustrated.
James Dann, Toronto's waterfront parks manager, spoke with CBC Metro Morning Friday about those lineups and the best ways to ensure you make it across the harbour to one of the city's favourite getaways..
Here are some of his tips:
Arrive early
According to Dann, the traffic at the ferry docks peaks between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Try to get there earlier in the day to beat the crowds.
Ticket sales ramp up on the weekend, Dann says, and just like the exodus of vehicles destined for cottages or campsites clogs GTA highways, congestion is bound to happen on the waterfront, as well.
No matter the number of people waiting to get on a ferry, the capacity for the fleet remains around 950, up from 750 passengers in years past.
What's the best way to beat the line for the TO Island ferries? Arrive early, waterfront manager James Dann says. <a href="https://t.co/QXSu4z9AUw">pic.twitter.com/QXSu4z9AUw</a>
—@metromorningBuy your tickets online ahead of time
You can buy your tickets online before heading to the terminal.
But you have to be careful, since online buyers have reported the website will crash if there are too many orders:
<a href="https://twitter.com/metromorning">@metromorning</a> seems like his advice to buy tickets in advance also crashed their server! Am trying to buy tickets for tomorrow and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fail?src=hash">#fail</a>
—@bitchelichConsider different ways of getting to the Islands
"Part of the magic of the TO islands ... is that you need to get on a boat to get there," Dann said. "And as much as there is a wait to get there, it is a magical place.".
Along with the ferry, you can take a water taxi, or rent a canoe or kayak.
<a href="https://twitter.com/metromorning">@metromorning</a> Paddling is my & <a href="https://twitter.com/brianjjackson">@brianjjackson</a>'s favourite way to avoid taking the ferry to the islands. <a href="https://t.co/2aIpKXrBkN">pic.twitter.com/2aIpKXrBkN</a>
—@cassandrajowettOther fun ferry facts
Dann are shared a piece of ferry history: "The youngest boat is 60 years old, the oldest boat is actually older than the Titanic."
Dann has heard many ideas to expand the infrastructure that would connect the islands directly to the mainland, including bridges, tunnels and even gondolas.
For now, new boats are expected to arrive in 2019 and 2026. Until then, the current fleet of five ferries can transport about 5,000 people an hour during peak periods.
In response to Dann's conversation with Metro Morning, Mike Layton tweeted this particularly memorable visit to the islands:
<a href="https://twitter.com/metromorning">@metromorning</a> On hot August Sat, <a href="https://twitter.com/bretttryon">@bretttryon</a> & I got married on island, took the ferry back together. busy, but everyone celebrates with us.
—@m_layton