Summary
9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3, Canada
Phone +1 416-203-0405
Situated across the harbor from the city of Toronto on Centre Island and surrounded by 600 acres of parkland, Centreville Amusement Park offers more than 30 rides and attractions along with 14 food outlets for the ultimate family outing. The fun here is geared towards younger kids (up to 12), so teens might not find as much to do. However, there’s plenty to see and do around Centreville that the whole family can enjoy. Before you go, check out this complete guide to make the most of your experience.
How to Get There
Getting to Centreville is a fun outing in its own right because it involves a short but very scenic ferry ride from downtown Toronto to the Toronto Islands. Ferry boats go to three different Islands: Centre Island, Hanlan’s Island, and Ward’s Island. You’ll want to catch one to Centre Island; however, since the islands are all connected, you can walk from one to another.
Your best option to get to the ferry terminal is to take the TTC or a GO Train to Union Station. From Union Station, you can take the 509 Harbourfront or 510 Spadina streetcar south, or Bay Bus #6 southbound from Front Street and Bay Street to the Bay Street and Queens Quay stop. The entrance to the ferry docks is on the south side of the street, west of Westin Harbour Castle hotel. The ferry ride will take about 10 minutes, and once you disembark, follow signs to Centreville.
If you choose to drive to the ferry terminal, park in one of the several public lots nearby. Daily rates are around $20.
What to Do at Centreville Amusement Park
Upon arrival at Centreville, you can choose from more than 30 rides and attractions specifically designed for guests 12 and under. The park’s website categorizes these attractions into three levels: smooth, moderate, and extreme, to assist parents in picking the best rides for their children. Importantly, nothing here is frightening; even the rides deemed “extreme” are relatively tame. Highlights include bumper cars, miniature golf, an antique carousel from 1907, a twirling teacup ride, windmill-style Ferris wheel, a log flume ride (where you might get wet), swan boats, scrambler ride, a variety of small roller coasters, and a scenic cable car ride that offers picturesque views of the island and the city skyline.
Centreville also features a playground, a wading pool (open in July and August), the Centreville train that takes visitors on an eight-minute loop around the park, and bumper boats.
What to Eat
With 14 food outlets to choose from, you won’t go hungry at Centreville. Whether you need a quick bite to eat between rides, crave something sweet, or prefer a more casual sit-down meal, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find Pizza Pizza and Subway locations in the park and at the Centre Island ferry dock. For snacks and sweet treats, visit Scoops Ice Cream Wagon, Mr. Fipp’s Popcorn Wagon, Candy Floss Factory, Funnel Cake Shop, Sister Sara’s Cake Shop, and O’Bumbles Ice Cream Parlour. For a more traditional dining experience, try Uncle Al’s Smokehouse, Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co., and Carousel Café.
Many visitors to the Toronto Islands also opt to bring a picnic, finding shady areas to enjoy their DIY lunch or snacks.
What to Do Nearby
Centreville Amusement Park isn’t the only attraction on Centre Island. In fact, there’s plenty to explore either before or after enjoying rides or games. Far Enough Farm is a complimentary, small petting zoo adjacent to the amusement park, home to over 40 different species of farmyard animals and exotic birds. Franklin Children’s Gardens is a themed garden based on characters from the “Franklin the Turtle” stories. Here, visitors can find seven sections for gardening, storytelling, and exploring wildlife, along with seven kid-friendly sculptures from the Franklin series.
If you’re looking for more outdoor fun, Centre Island Beach is perfect. The calm water makes it ideal for children, while there’s plenty of space to play in the sand or sunbathe. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards from Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre.
Admission and Hours
Centreville Amusement Park offers free admission. However, to access the rides, you’ll need to purchase pay-as-you-go tickets or an all-day ride pass. All games are pay-to-play, with prices varying by game. Individual all-day ride passes for guests under 4 feet tall cost $28.98, while those over 4 feet tall pay $38.05. A family of four can purchase a family pass for $122.12, and individual ride tickets are available for $24.34 for a sheet of 25 or $57.53 for a sheet of 65. Keep in mind that some rides may require multiple tickets. A discount may apply if you buy passes (not individual tickets) online, and the online pickup line at the park is generally shorter.
Centreville Amusement Park operates seasonally during the summer—weekends in May and September, and daily from June to Labor Day. Hours may vary, so be sure to check the website before you go, but the park typically opens at 10:30 a.m.
