The ferry operated by PortsToronto carries passengers and vehicles to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on the island from the foot of Eireann Quay.

Three routes run from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to the Toronto Island Park.

A fourth route runs from the foot of Bathurst Street to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on the island.

The Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division of the City of Toronto government operates three public ferry routes to Hanlan's Point, Centre Island Park and Ward's Island from Jack Layton Terminal at the foot of Bay Street on the central Toronto waterfront.

During the winter months, ferries serve Ward's Island at longer intervals, and Hanlan's Point only as needed to deliver or pick up vehicles.

Only one ferry, the Ongiara, operates in winter, servicing the Wards Island dock; it can carry road vehicles as well as passengers.

"[12] At this time, persons could still access the peninsula from a road to the east of York, crossing over the Don.

[13] In 1843, the Peninsula Packet, a converted steamboat, which was propelled by paddle wheels driven by horses was pressed into service for the hotel.

[18][19] In 1906 and 1910, the Toronto Ferry Company built two double-decked, double-ended paddle steamers, with a capacity of 1,450 passengers.

It is operated by the Great Lakes Schooner Company for corporate and private functions, and for ferry runs throughout the summer.

[17] The three double-ended, diesel-engined and screw-driven ferries that form the backbone of today's service to the islands were built for the TTC.

[17] In 1966, Parks Commissioner Tommy Thompson suggested buying hovercraft to replace the ferries, but failed to gain political interest.

[17] Safety standards have been updated over the years, and the ferries were allowed to continue to operate under a "grandfather" clause.

In 2012, Thomas Rennie, William Inglis and Sam McBride engines and bulkheads were updated.

[29][30] In October 2012, Toronto City Council decided that funds should be set aside to replace Thomas Rennie and her two fleet-mates with new vessels.

[31] In January 2022, the city proposed that the new ferries be all electric and recommended the build be awarded to Concept Naval Experts Maritimes Inc. of Quebec.

[32][33] On August 20, 2022, ferry Sam McBride hit the mainland dock at the Jack Layton Terminal, resulting in the injury of 12 passengers.

[35] With the exception of the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, no other docks are enclosed and consist merely of a series of metal fences and ramps.

The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal is located at the foot of Bay Street on the mainland and consists of four piers.

They are located in the enclosed main docks, and the last pier is an open area to the east for the larger Trillium ferry boat.

Flooding of the islands in 2017 put the dock out of commission, causing the Centreville Amusement Park to remain closed for the season.

Hanlan's Point Dock is located to the west next to the island airport; open boarding area consists of three piers.

[38] Allan Moak’s children’s book A Big City ABC prominently displays an illustration of the Toronto Island Ferry, Sam McBride on its cover.