Islands Morning Ride

Toronto Islands Morning Bike Tour

★ 4.9 162 reviews

from $92 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Cancellation: Free cancellation
On board: Snacks included
Run by: Toronto Bicycle Tours

Overview

This half-day ride from Toronto Bicycle Tours starts at 08:30 in a downtown parking garage near the Village by the Grange and spends three and a half hours looping through Toronto's eastern islands. After a short introduction, the group cycles to the harbour and catches the ferry across the Inner Harbour. Once on the islands, the roads are flat and car-free, which is part of why bicycles are the preferred way around this community.

Along the route the guide points out the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, the oldest existing lighthouse on the Great Lakes and one of Toronto's oldest buildings, plus the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, one of the world's oldest and largest yacht clubs. There is a snack stop with a panoramic view of the city skyline across the water, and commentary covers roughly 200 years of island history, from residential community to recreation spot and transportation hub. The tour finishes back near the meeting point.

It suits most travellers: the minimum age is 12 months, infant seats are available on request, and children must ride with an accompanying adult. Groups cap at 10 people. Bottled water, snacks, bike, helmet and the ferry ticket are all covered, while gratuities are not.

What's Included

Included

Bottled water
Local guide
Use of bicycle
Use of helmet
Snacks
Ferry ticket

Not Included

Gratuities

Itinerary

Meet the guideMeet at 08:30 on the P2 level of the parking garage at 124 St Patrick Street, roughly 50m south of Dundas on the west side, section H. The guide gives a brief introduction to Toronto before the ride.
Ride to the ferryCycle from downtown through the city to the harbour and board the ferry across the Inner Harbour to the eastern Toronto Islands.
Explore the islandsRide the car-free island roads, passing Toronto Island Park and the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. The guide shares the islands' history over the past 200 years.
Snack and skyline stopStop for a snack and take in the waterfront parks, beaches and the panoramic view of the Toronto skyline.
Ferry back and finishReturn by ferry and ride back to the meeting point near the Village by the Grange, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in reviews and in the listing details.

Pace and terrain. The islands themselves are flat, and reviewers describe the ride as easy, comfortable and smooth, on flat roads and bike lanes. One stretch getting out of the downtown area is steeper, so basic bike confidence helps.
What to wear. The tour runs in all weather, so dress appropriately. One reviewer found it cooler on the islands than downtown and suggested dressing in layers, and one group caught rain, where the guide handed out waterproofs.
Meeting point. The start is inside a parking garage, and one reviewer found it a bit hard to find. Follow the yellow signs down to level P2, section H, or use the elevator through the nearby mall as an alternate way down.
Food and drink. Snacks and bottled water are included, along with the ferry ticket. Gratuities for the guide are not included. One group added a brief coffee stop when jet lag hit, and washrooms are available along the route.
Group feel. The maximum group size is 10.
Photos. The listing promises panoramic views of the city skyline from the islands. One reviewer noted the guide took photos of the group along the way.

Common issues. The meeting spot in the garage is the main friction point: one reviewer found it a bit hard to find and wished for a staff member at the garage entrance, and also noted the walk down has no real walkway, mentioning the mall elevator as an alternative. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Minimum numbers apply, so there is a chance of cancellation after confirmation if not enough passengers book, in which case an alternative or full refund is offered. Weather can turn, and the operator may cancel for poor conditions, offering a different date or a full refund.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Tour Price?

The listing includes a local guide, use of a bicycle and helmet, bottled water, snacks, and the ferry ticket. Gratuities are the noted exclusion.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

At 124 St Patrick Street in downtown Toronto, on the P2 level of the parking garage in section H, about 50m south of Dundas on the west side of the street. The tour starts at 08:30 and ends back at the same point. The listing does not state hotel pickup, so check the booking page if that matters to you.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children?

Yes. The minimum age is 12 months, children must be accompanied by an adult, and infant seats are available if requested at the time of booking.

How Fit Do I Need To Be?

Most travellers can participate, and reviewers including retirees who are not regular cyclists found the amount of biking just right. The island roads are flat, though there is a steeper section near the start and some riding in city bike lanes before the ferry.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather cancels the tour, a different date or a full refund is offered.

What Should I Bring And Wear?

Dress for the weather since the tour runs in all conditions, and consider layers for the cooler island air. Water and snacks are provided.