The Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands hold a special place in our hearts. Since the early days of our relationship it has played host to impromptu get-aways from the hustle and bustle of city life for bike rides, concerts, picnics with friends and lazy summer days spent on the beach (with Nick sitting in the shade).
Fun Fact 1: The Islands comprise the largest urban car-free community in North America
Fun Fact 2: The Islands used to be a 9 km peninsula extending from the mainland until violent storms in 1852 and 1858 flooded it, creating a permanent channel which left the Islands as we know them today. Learn more about the history of the Islands.
Artscape Gibraltar Point
Originally built as a schoolhouse in 1909, today Artscape Gibraltar Point is a peaceful beachfront arts centre on the Toronto Islands, just a 10-minute ferry ride away from downtown. The facility is brimming with creative energy—home to artist work studios, a busy artist residency program and exciting arts and cultural events. The building is surrounded by over 46 acres of parkland and is steps way from a beautiful sandy beach with stunning views of Lake Ontario. Nearby is the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. Built in 1808, it’s one of Toronto’s oldest landmarks. (The lighthouse is also rumoured to be haunted!)
Getting There
The Toronto Islands are only accessible by boat. We have arranged for our very own ferry to whisk you away to our island oasis of a venue!
There will be one ferry leaving from 235 Queens Quay West Downtown at 3:00pm sharp, so don’t be late! (We recommend being on the dock no later than 2:30-2:45 pm)
If you miss the ferry, you’ll have to take the City of Toronto Ferries from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to either Centre Island or Hanlan’s.
The charter ferry dock is accessible by the 509 or 510 Streetcar or by 20-minute walk from Union Station. It’s also a short cab ride from either of our hotels. There are also several pay parking lots at the Harbourfront Centre (though for your own sanity we’d advise against driving downtown).
The return ferry will have you back downtown at around 12:30pm. If you need to be back downtown sooner you can take a return trip on the City of Toronto ferries for free!
We will be arranging for a water taxi to depart from our venue at around 10pm. Please let us know if you think you will need to head home early.
About Artscape
Artscape is a not-for-profit urban development organization that makes space for creativity and transforms communities. Since its beginning in 1986, Artscape has become recognized as an international leader in creative placemaking, a practice that leverages the power of art, culture and creativity to catalyze change, growth and transformation in communities. Our decision to host our wedding at an Artscape venues means we’ll be contributing to their mission to provide places for artists and designers to thrive. Learn more about Artscape.
