Ontario island getaways worth exploring

Wolfe Island, St. Lawrence River

Located in Southeast Ontario’s Frontenac County, Wolfe Island is the largest of the famous Thousand Islands archipelago, scattered like gems in the St. Lawrence River.

The island lies where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence, across from Kingston. It is a peaceful and picturesque place, featuring secluded beaches, sand dunes, cycling trails and the charming village of Marysville.

Getting to Wolfe Island

Wolfe Island is about 20 minutes from Kingston by a year-round ferry service from the Kingston Terminal to Wolfe Island Dawson’s Point dock, just under five kilometres east of Marysville.

If you’re arriving by boat, contact Hotel Wolf Island to inquire about docking availability and fees.

Wolfe Island attractions

Visit the Old House Museum to learn more about the island’s history. Sample butter tarts from the original Wolfe Island Bakery, right by the dock. Explore the various cycling routes and hike through wetlands to the beach. Enjoy beautiful lake views, exceptional birding and the rare dunes of Big Sandy Bay Conservation Area.

Where to stay

For an overnight stay, book a room at the charming Blue Moose Bed and Breakfast in Marysville. In addition to a restaurant with a summer dock patio and café, Hotel Wolfe Island provides comfortable waterfront rooms and suites.

Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron

At the top of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island. It contains over 100 inland lakes, including Lake Manitou, the largest lake within a freshwater island.

Manitoulin is home to six Anishnaabeg First Nations, a living testament to the region’s flourishing Indigenous communities and culture.

Getting to Manitoulin Island

There are several ways to get to Manitoulin Island. Access the island year-round by road via Highway 6 over the Little Current Swing Bridge across the North Channel.

Alternatively, between May and October, board the scenic two-hour MS Chi–Cheemaun, ferrying passengers and vehicles between Tobermory and South Baymouth.

Boaters will find several public marinas on Manitoulin Island, including Gore Bay Marina, the marina at Spider Bay and Harbor Vue Marina. Additionally, there are designated boat launch sites.

Manitoulin Island activities

Hike an extension of the Niagara Escarpment to a stunning lookout point along the Cup and Saucer Trail or walk behind the curtain of water at Bridal Veil Falls. Supporting local tourism operators, Wikwemikong Tourism offers a variety of outdoor and cultural experiences that reflect the culture and traditions of the Anishnaabek people.

Places to stay

Enjoy luxury at Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre or connect with nature at Manitoulin Eco Park. 

Pelee Island, Lake Erie

Journey to the southernmost inhabited point in Canada and uncover a truly unique destination. In just 90 minutes, a relaxing ferry ride will bring you to the sunny shores of one of Ontario’s hidden gems. Pelee Island, nestled at the same latitude as renowned wine regions in Portugal, Spain and France, boasts a charming winery that captures the essence of its exceptional location.

Getting to Pelee Island

Board the Pelee Island Ferry from either the Leamington or Kingsville docks.

Scudder Marina welcomes visitors arriving on Pelee Island by boat with the essential services and facilities for a day visit or overnight stay.

Pelee Island highlights

If you opt not to ferry your vehicle to the island, consider exploring the island by bicycle, e-bike, or even in a golf cart.

Venture out to the tip of the island at Fish Point Nature Reserve. Keep a keen eye out for migrating shorebirds and butterflies. Tour the picturesque ruins at Vin Villa, the site of Canada’s first commercial estate winery, founded in 1866 and relax at Pelee Island Winery Pavilion, the outdoor wine garden overlooking Lake Erie.

Where to stay and eat

Accommodations range from campgrounds to cottage rentals, bed and breakfasts, and inns. The Wandering Dog Inn is a picturesque spot that reflects the island’s laidback character. Kiki’s Westview Motel offers comfortable rooms, suite or cottage options. Stone House 1891 serves great Canadian craft beers and delicious farm-to-table food.

Toronto Island Park, Lake Ontario

You don’t need to venture far from the city to soak up breezy island vibes. Just a short 15-minute ferry ride from Harbourfront, this car-free group of 15 islands connected by boardwalks, pathways and bridges is the perfect destination for a summer day trip.

Getting to the Toronto Islands

Ferries run on a frequent schedule from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point and Ward’s Island. Water taxi services, provided by Toronto Harbour Tours and Toronto Harbour Water Taxi are another option for getting to the islands.

Or paddle your way across the harbour in a rental from Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre.

If you’re looking to dock your boat at Toronto Islands, reserve a slip at the Toronto Island Marina or at the Island Yacht Club.

Things to do on Toronto Island

Fun activities include paddling, cycling and frisbee golf. Check out the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, built in 1808.

Centerville Theme Park is great for children, with more than 30 rides and attractions, including a chairlift, mini golf, a log ride and an antique carousel. For those looking to unwind, simply park yourself on a beach and soak up some sun. Keep an eye out for updates and announcements on water quality.

In addition to the Centerville food court, the backyard garden patio at The Riviera or the Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co. are both great spots to spend a summer afternoon. 

Grasshopper Island, Rice Lake

Join Island Spirits for an off-grid eco-getaway on a private, 10-hectare island that is undoubtedly one of Ontario’s most unique getaways. Grasshopper Island is a car-free island in the middle of Rice Lake.

Private ferry to Grasshopper Island

Captain TJ from Island Spirits will ferry you over to the island from Roseneath.

Activities on Grasshopper Island

Take advantage of the on-site kayaks, canoes and paddle boards, and dive off the floating swimming barge. Visit the sheep, piglets, hens, goats, bunnies and alpacas that call the island home.

Savour the flavour of pizza and bread made in the 100-year-old wood-burning oven. Reconnect around the campfire and marvel at the star-studded show above on a clear night.

Accommodation options

Stay in an eco-cabin, cabin pos or set up your tent in the campgrounds.

St. Joseph Island, Lake Huron

St. Joseph is the second-largest island on Lake Huron and is located just off the shore of Sault Ste. Marie in Algoma Country.

Getting to St. Joseph Island

Cross the Bernt Gilbertson Bridge to access St. Joseph Island by car from the mainland for a weekend adventure.

Hilton Beach Marina provides services for boaters like dockage, gas, power, pump-out and more.

Popular activities on St. Joseph Island

The two main villages, Hilton Beach and Richard’s Landing, offer key amenities from restaurants to shops. Opportunities abound for anglers of northern pike, trout, bass and salmon.

Country roads wind their way over diverse terrain, making the island a popular destination for touring by motorcycle or bicycle.

Fort St. Joseph, a National Historic Site of Canada, is worth a visit. Once a thriving British outpost, the site features fort ruins, a visitor centre, a museum and nature trails.

Where to stay

Book one of the three charming cabins at Maria’s Cabins, a welcoming lakeside cottage resort. 

Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay National Park

Beausoleil Island is the largest of over 60 islands in Georgian Bay National Park.

This protected area is located within the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, the 30,000 Islands.

Visit Parks Canada to make bookings, reservations and pay mooring and docking fees.

Getting to Beausoleil Island

Take a scenic, 15-minute boat ferry ride to the island on the DayTripper for a half-day visit of hiking and swimming.

Overnight guests will need to get to the islands by private boat (docking is available), kayak or hire a water taxi from the mainland.

Activities on Beausoleil Island

Enjoy scenic shorelines, mixed forests and wetlands along the network of hiking and biking trails. Keep watch for wildlife sightings. Stop for a swim or a picnic at sheltered bays and beaches.

Download the Parks Canada app to access self-guided tours and information provided by Anishinaabe First Nation knowledge holders.

Island accommodations

Accommodation options range from rustic cabins and oTENTiks to designated camping sites. Make reservations well in advance.

Plan your next getaway to one of Ontario’s enchanting islands and create memories that will last a lifetime.