Originally a cottage community, one of the first settlers there were was John Hanlan, after whom the island is named, and his family in 1862.

[6] In its heyday the amusement park was one of Toronto's major attractions and included a roller coaster, a miniature train, midway, grandstand, a vaudeville theatre, dancing pavilion, shooting gallery, tea garden and various rides and games.

It is best remembered for having a 40 foot high platform from which diving horses would leap into Lake Ontario.

Hanlan's Point Stadium was built next to the amusement park and was the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team, both of which were also owned by the ferry company.

[7] A fire on August 10, 1909, destroyed the hotel, the wooden stadium and all but five concession stands of the amusement park and did $200,000 in damage.