The easiest way to reach the Toronto Islands from downtown is to go to Union Station, move south toward Bay Street and Queens Quay West, and enter Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at 9 Queens Quay W. If you are coming from Toronto Pearson Airport, take the UP Express to Union Station first, then continue south to the ferry terminal.
The important thing to understand is that Toronto Islands are reached by ferry. There is no subway station on the islands, and the final destination before the water crossing is not just “the waterfront.” It is Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
The simple route at a glance
Use this route if you want the clearest first-time plan:
Union Station → Bay Street south → Queens Quay West and Bay Street → Jack Layton Ferry Terminal → ferry to Toronto Islands
This route works because each part has a clear anchor.
Union Station is the transit anchor.
Bay Street is the walking direction.
Queens Quay West is the waterfront cross street.
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal is the ferry anchor.
Do not aim only for “the lake.” Aim for the terminal.
Why Union Station is the best starting point
Union Station is the best starting point because it connects the main ways visitors arrive downtown: TTC subway, GO Transit, VIA Rail, and UP Express from Toronto Pearson Airport.
From Union, the ferry terminal is close enough to walk. You can also use TTC waterfront service if it fits your timing, but for many first-time visitors the clearest route is simply to walk south.
The route is not difficult. The common mistake is leaving Union Station without a clear direction and drifting into downtown streets instead of moving toward the waterfront.
Your direction is:
South toward Bay Street and Queens Quay West.
From Toronto Pearson Airport
From Toronto Pearson Airport, take the UP Express to Union Station. The ride from Pearson to Union takes about 28 minutes.
The airport route is:
- Follow signs for UP Express at Pearson Airport.
- Board toward Union Station.
- Stay on until Union Station.
- Exit toward Bay Street or the main downtown exits.
- Move south toward Queens Quay West.
- Continue to Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at 9 Queens Quay W.
- Board the correct ferry for your island destination.
The UP Express portion is simple. The part that needs attention is after Union Station, when you change from train travel to waterfront walking.
Do not enter only “Toronto Islands” into a taxi or map app if you are still downtown. The practical mainland target is Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
From Union Station to the ferry terminal
From Union Station, think Bay Street south.
That is the cleanest walking logic.
You are heading toward the waterfront, but your real target is more specific: Queens Quay West and Bay Street, then the ferry terminal just south of that intersection.
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal is at 9 Queens Quay W. It is set back south of the Queens Quay West and Bay Street intersection, behind the Westin Harbour Castle.
That detail matters. The terminal may not feel like it is sitting directly on Queens Quay in front of you. You need to continue toward the ferry-terminal entrance area rather than wandering east or west along the waterfront.
Finding Jack Layton Ferry Terminal from Queens Quay
Once you reach Queens Quay West, do not stop just because you can see the lake.
The ferry terminal is a specific place.
Use these anchors:
Bay Street
Queens Quay West
Westin Harbour Castle
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal
9 Queens Quay W
From the Queens Quay West and Bay Street area, move toward the terminal set back behind the Westin Harbour Castle. Look for ferry signs, ticketing / waiting areas, and people moving toward the docks.
You are on the right track when the route begins to feel organized around ferry queues, gates, and passenger movement rather than open waterfront strolling.
If you only see lake views, sidewalks, restaurants, or general waterfront activity but no ferry signs or terminal structure, pause and re-check the address: 9 Queens Quay W.
Should you walk or take the streetcar from Union?
Both can work.
Walking from Union Station is often the clearest choice because the ferry terminal is close and the direction is simple: south toward Bay Street and Queens Quay West.
The 509 Harbourfront streetcar can also help if it is convenient and running normally for your trip. It connects Union Station with the waterfront / Queens Quay area. However, do not make the streetcar more complicated than the destination itself. You still need to reach Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
For most first-time visitors:
Walk if the weather is reasonable.
Use TTC waterfront service if you prefer less walking or need the connection.
Use taxi or rideshare if you have luggage, mobility concerns, or very little time.
Taking TTC subway to Union Station
If you are already in Toronto and using the subway, take Line 1 to Union Station.
Do not get off at a random nearby downtown station just because it looks close on a map. Union Station aligns best with the ferry route because it puts you near the direct southbound path toward Bay Street and Queens Quay West.
Once you reach Union, switch from transit thinking to walking thinking:
Bay Street south.
Queens Quay West.
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Taking GO Transit or VIA Rail
If you arrive by GO Transit or VIA Rail, you are already at Union Station.
Do not rush out through the first exit you see. Take a moment to orient yourself and look for Bay Street or waterfront direction signs.
Once you are outside or in the correct concourse direction, move south toward Queens Quay West.
The mistake to avoid is walking north into the Financial District. If streets begin to feel denser and more office-tower focused, pause and re-orient toward the lake.
Taxi or rideshare
Taxi or rideshare can take you directly to the ferry-terminal area.
Use this destination:
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W
Do not use only “Toronto Islands” as the destination. Cars do not take you onto the islands. They take you to the mainland ferry terminal.
Taxi or rideshare is useful if:
- you arrive late
- you have heavy luggage
- you are travelling with children
- the weather is poor
- you want to avoid station exits and streetcar decisions
The drop-off should leave you near the ferry entrance area. From there, follow signs and passenger flow toward ticketing, waiting areas, and the correct ferry dock.
Choosing the right ferry
Toronto Islands are not one single landing point.
Depending on season and schedule, ferries may run to Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward’s Island. Before you line up, check which ferry you need for your plan.
For many first-time visitors, Centre Island is the familiar choice. Hanlan’s Point and Ward’s Island serve different parts of the island group.
Do not enter the first ferry line automatically. Read the destination signs and match the ferry to the area you want to visit.
Ticket and waiting-time reality
The ferry is part of the route, not an afterthought.
During busy periods, especially weekends, holidays, summer days, and good-weather afternoons, the ferry area can become crowded. Build in extra time for tickets, queues, and boarding.
Buying tickets online before arrival can reduce one source of friction, but you still need to find the right terminal area and line.
If your schedule is tight, avoid arriving just before the ferry you hope to take. Give yourself a buffer.
Common mistake: aiming for “the waterfront” instead of the terminal
This is the most common first-time mistake.
The waterfront is broad. The ferry terminal is specific.
If you simply walk toward the lake, you may end up near open water but not at the correct entrance.
Use the actual terminal anchor:
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W
That is the place you need before the ferry.
Common mistake: walking east or west along Queens Quay
Once you reach Queens Quay, do not start wandering east or west without checking the terminal location.
The ferry terminal is tied to the Bay Street and Queens Quay West area. It is set back south of the intersection, behind the Westin Harbour Castle.
If you find yourself walking along Queens Quay with no ferry signs, no waiting area, and no dock movement, stop and reset to Bay Street / Queens Quay West.
Common mistake: resetting at Bloor–Yonge
Do not reset at Bloor–Yonge for this route.
Bloor–Yonge is a major subway interchange, but it is too far away and does not solve the actual problem. The problem is not the subway network. The problem is finding the ferry terminal from Union and the waterfront.
Use these reset points instead:
Union Station
Bay Street
Queens Quay West and Bay Street
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W
If the route feels wrong
If you are still inside Union Station, reset to Bay Street and move south.
If you are already outside, reset to Bay Street and Queens Quay West.
If you are near the waterfront but cannot find the terminal, reset to Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W.
Remember that the terminal is set back south of the Queens Quay West and Bay Street intersection, behind the Westin Harbour Castle. If you are only walking along the waterfront without seeing ferry signs, you are probably solving the wrong problem.
Route comparison
| Route | Best for | Transfers | Main challenge | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UP Express to Union + walk to ferry terminal | Pearson Airport arrivals | 0 | Finding terminal after Union | High |
| Subway Line 1 to Union + walk | Visitors already in Toronto | 0–1 | Moving south from Union | High |
| Union + 509 Harbourfront | Less walking when service fits | 0–1 | Streetcar connection and terminal approach | Medium |
| GO / VIA to Union + walk | Regional or intercity arrivals | 0 | Choosing correct Union exit | High |
| Taxi or rideshare | Luggage, late arrival, poor weather | 0 | Correct destination name | Very high |
FAQ
Where do I catch the ferry to Toronto Islands?
Catch the ferry at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W. It is near Queens Quay West and Bay Street, set back south of the intersection behind the Westin Harbour Castle.
What is the best station for Toronto Islands?
Use Union Station. From there, move south toward Bay Street and Queens Quay West, then continue to Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
How do I get to Toronto Islands from Pearson Airport?
Take the UP Express from Pearson Airport to Union Station. From Union, walk south toward Bay Street and Queens Quay West, then enter Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Is there a subway to Toronto Islands?
No. The subway does not go to the islands. Use the subway to reach Union Station, then walk or use TTC waterfront service to reach the ferry terminal.
Should I walk from Union Station or take the streetcar?
Walking is usually clear and manageable if the weather is fine. The 509 Harbourfront streetcar can help if you prefer less walking, but you still need to reach Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
What should I enter in a taxi app?
Enter Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W. Do not enter only “Toronto Islands.”
Which ferry should I take?
Check your island destination before lining up. Depending on season and schedule, ferries may serve Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward’s Island.
What if I get lost near the waterfront?
Reset to Bay Street and Queens Quay West, then look for Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at 9 Queens Quay W. Do not walk randomly along the waterfront.
Quick checklist
- Use Union Station as the main transit anchor.
- From Union, think Bay Street south.
- Aim for Queens Quay West and Bay Street.
- The ferry terminal is Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
- The address is 9 Queens Quay W.
- The terminal is set back behind the Westin Harbour Castle.
- Do not aim only for “the lake.”
- Do not reset at Bloor–Yonge.
- Check the ferry destination before joining a line.
- Give yourself extra time during busy periods.
Sources checked
City of Toronto – confirmed Toronto Island ferries depart from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, located at 9 Queens Quay W, at Queens Quay West and Bay Street, set back 100 metres south of the intersection behind the Westin Harbour Castle – https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/toronto-island-ferries/ferry-ticket-passenger-information/
City of Toronto – confirmed Toronto Island ferries run year-round from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, and summer service runs to Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward’s Island – https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/toronto-island-ferries/ferry-routes-schedules/
UP Express – confirmed Pearson Airport to Union Station service and 28-minute travel time – https://www.upexpress.com/en/up-express-stations/pearson-station/departures-and-schedules
TTC – confirmed 509 Harbourfront route context between Union Station and the waterfront / Queens Quay area – https://www.ttc.ca/routes-and-schedules/509/0
