View source for Toronto Island ferries

{{Short description|Canadian ferries}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=September 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{infobox water transit
| logo            = 
| image           = A Toronto Ferry -a.jpg
| caption         = A ferry preparing to dock at the [[Toronto Islands]]
| locale          = [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada
| waterway        = [[Toronto Harbour|Toronto Inner Harbour]] <br />([[Lake Ontario]])
| transit_type    = [[Ferry]]
| began_operation = 1883
| ended_operation = 
| system_length   = City Docks to Centre - 2km <br /> City Docks to Hanlan's - 2km <br /> City Docks to Ward's - 1.7 km <br /> Western Gap - 190m
| lines           = 4
| vessels         = 8
| terminals       = 6
| ridership       = 75,000{{cn|date=September 2023}}
| operator        = [[Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division]] <br /> [[PortsToronto]] ([[Toronto Port Authority]])
| price           = 
}}

The '''Toronto Island ferries''' connect the [[Toronto Islands]] in [[Lake Ontario]] to the mainland of [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada. The main city-operated ferry services carry passengers (all) and commercial vehicles (some) from the [[Jack Layton Ferry Terminal]] at the foot of Bay Street to three docks on the islands. Private motor vehicles are not carried. The ferry operated by [[PortsToronto]] carries passengers and vehicles to [[Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport]] on the island from the foot of Eireann Quay. Additional private ferries carry passengers to various island boat clubs. Ferry services to the islands began in 1833, and the Toronto Island Ferry Company began in 1883.

== Services ==
[[File:OSM-Toronto Islands with labels.png|thumb|left|Routes of the Toronto Island ferries.]]
There are four public ferry routes to the islands. Three routes run from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to the Toronto Island Park. A fourth route runs from the foot of [[Bathurst Street, Toronto|Bathurst Street]] to [[Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport]] on the island. Beside the public ferry services, several [[yacht club]]s and [[marina]]s located on the islands provide private ferry services for their members and guests.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.qcyc.ca/club/tender.html | title = tender and schedules | publisher = Queen City Yacht Club | access-date = March 18, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070804044551/http://www.qcyc.ca/club/tender.html | archive-date = August 4, 2007 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rcyc.ca/AboutRCYC/LaunchSchedule/tabid/82/Default.aspx | title = Launch Schedule | publisher = Royal Canadian Yacht Club | access-date = March 18, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080226053154/http://www.rcyc.ca/AboutRCYC/LaunchSchedule/tabid/82/Default.aspx <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = February 26, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://torontoislandmarina.com/tender_service.html | title = Water Tender Schedule | publisher = Toronto Island Marina | access-date = March 18, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080529161216/http://torontoislandmarina.com/tender_service.html | archive-date = May 29, 2008 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Private [[water taxi]] services<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://torontolife.com/city/life/toronto-water-taxi-guide/|title=A who's who of Toronto water taxis|date=August 26, 2016|website=Toronto Life|language=en-US|access-date=February 14, 2019}}</ref> are available from locations along the waterfront.

The [[Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division|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 spring and fall, the ferries operate on a 45-minute round trip. During summer months, the ferries make a round trip each half-hour. 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.<ref name=tpfrfer>{{cite web | url = http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ | title = Toronto Island Park | publisher = City of Toronto | access-date = March 13, 2008 }}</ref> {{as of|2022}}, the adult fare is $8.70 with various reduced fares for seniors (65 and over), youth (15 to 19) and junior (two to 14). Infants (under two) ride free. Monthly passes are available by age category.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/ferries-to-toronto-island-park/ |title=Ferries to Toronto Island Park |publisher=City of Toronto |access-date=November 23, 2022}}</ref>

The ferries operating from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal carry 1.4 million people each year to the islands, making 17,000 trips. There are up to five ferries available for this service. One ferry, the [[Trillium (ferry)|Trillium]], is a semi-retired heritage vessel that sees only occasional service. Only one ferry, the [[Ongiara (ferry)|Ongiara]], operates in winter, servicing the Wards Island dock; it can carry road vehicles as well as passengers.<ref name="TheStar-2022/11/23">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/11/23/throttle-failures-on-aged-toronto-island-ferries-led-to-loss-of-control-documents-show.html |title=Throttle failures on aged Toronto Island ferries led to loss of control, documents show |newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] |date=November 23, 2022}}</ref>

[[PortsToronto]] operates a vehicle and passenger ferry from Eireann Quay at the foot of Bathurst Street to the island airport every 15 minutes during airport operating hours. The ferry is free of charge for pedestrians, but {{as of|2022|lc=y}}, there is a $14 fee for vehicles. The ferry trip is {{convert|121|m}} long and takes 90 seconds.<ref name="airport-ferry">{{cite web |url=https://www.billybishopairport.com/to-from/ferry |title=Ferry Schedule |publisher=Billy Bishop Airport |accessdate=November 24, 2022 }}</ref> However, most visitors to the airport would use the pedestrian tunnel from the mainline to the airport.<ref name="airport-tunnel">{{cite web |url=https://www.billybishopairport.com/to-from/pedestrian-tunnel |title=Pedestrian Tunnel |publisher=Billy Bishop Airport |accessdate=November 24, 2022 }}</ref> There is no public access between the airport and the rest of the island chain.<ref name=airfry>{{cite web | url = http://www.torontoport.com/airport_facts.asp | title = Toronto City Centre Airport Facts | publisher = Toronto Port Authority | access-date = March 13, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100310154406/http://www.torontoport.com/airport_facts.asp | archive-date = March 10, 2010 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

== History ==

The first ferry to cross [[Toronto Harbour]] to what are now the Toronto Islands was in 1833, using a boat called ''Sir John of the Peninsula''. This was a four-horse team boat, operated by Michael O'Connor, between [[York, Upper Canada|York]] and his hotel on the island (then still a peninsula),{{sfn|Filey|2010|pp=16–17}} known as the "Retreat on the Peninsula."<ref>{{cite news |work=Toronto Star |title=When The Island Was a Peninsula |date=May 7, 1960 |first=Edwin C. |last=Guillet |page=23}}</ref> At this time, persons could still access the peninsula from a road to the east of York, crossing over the Don.{{sfn|Filey|2010|p=18}} In 1835, the hotel came under new management and the first steam-powered ferry to the hotel, the ''Toronto'' was inaugurated.{{sfn|Filey|2010|p=18}} However, the steamboat was removed from service and sold and the horse boat reinstated. The popularity of the peninsula increased and in 1836, the city established a toll gate on the road, charging sixpence for every four-wheeled carriage drawn by two horses and other tolls for smaller carriages, wagons or riders.{{sfn|Filey|2010|p=18}}

[[File:Toronto's first Ferry Horse Boat.jpg|thumb|In 1843, the first ''Peninsula Packet'', was pressed into service to transport people to the islands.]]

In 1843, the ''Peninsula Packet'', a converted steamboat, which was propelled by [[paddle wheel]]s driven by horses was pressed into service for the hotel.{{sfn|Filey|2010|p=18}} The ferry operated until 1850.<ref>{{cite news |work=The Globe and Mail |title=Toronto Island is Still Pleasant Refuge |first=E. G. |last=Ramsay|date=July 23, 1955 |page=15}}</ref> In 1853, the hotel came under new management again, that of John Quinn. Quinn introduced another steam ferry, the ''Victoria''. Competition for the ferry business came the next year when Robert Moodie introduced his own the steam ferry, the ''Bob Moodie''. Quinn responded with another vessel, the ''Welland'', another steam ferry.{{sfn|Filey|2010|p=19}} In 1857, Moodie added the ''Lady Head'' steam vessel.{{sfn|Filey|2010|p=21}} A vicious storm hit the island on April 13, 1858, destroying Quinn's hotel and the Parkinson's hotel and creating a {{convert|500|yard|m|adj=on}}-wide eastern gap making the previous peninsula an island.{{sfn|Filey|2010|p=21}}

Throughout the rest of the 19th-century, the popularity of the Island increased. Competition abounded - there were 47 ferries operating in the Harbour in the 1850s.<ref name="baker"/> With no links to the mainland, ferries proliferated, with most being [[paddle steamer]]s operated by individual owners. Eventually, two competing ferry companies came into being: the Turner Ferry Company and A.J. Tymon's Island Ferry Company. The assets of the [[Turner Ferry Company]] (founded 1882) were bought by the John Doty Engine & Ferry Company, which in turn merged with A.J. Tymon's Island Ferry Company  in 1892 to form the [[Toronto Ferry Company]].<ref name="tifhbeg"/><ref name=pmglajt>{{cite web | title = Prominent Men of the Great Lakes&nbsp;— Capt. Andrew J. Tymon | url = http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/Documents/ProminentMen/default.asp?ID=c064 | publisher = The Globe, Toronto | date = January 1, 1898 |access-date = March 14, 2008 }}</ref>

[[File:Bluebell-ferry-1920-toronto.jpg|thumb|left|''Bluebell'' in 1920. Built by the Toronto Ferry Company in 1906, the ship ferried people to the islands until it was retired in 1955.]]

In 1906 and 1910, the Toronto Ferry Company built two double-decked, double-ended paddle steamers, with a capacity of 1,450 passengers. They were named ''Bluebell'' and [[PS Trillium|''Trillium'']]. They were retired in 1955 and 1957 respectively, but ''Trillium'' survived and re-entered service in 1976. It is operated by the Great Lakes Schooner Company for corporate and private functions, and for ferry runs throughout the summer. It is now {{age|1910}} years old.<ref name=trillium>{{cite web | url = http://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/CVIS/Ship_e.cfm?ShipID=126833 | title = Trillium | publisher = Canadian Transportation Agency | date = March 8, 2006 | access-date = March 18, 2008 }}</ref><ref name=trill2>{{cite news | title = Hail to the Trillium | work = Scanner | date =Summer 1976 |url=http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/Documents/Scanner/08/09/default.asp?ID=c004 | publisher = Toronto Marine Historical Society | access-date = November 21, 2008 }}</ref><ref name=trill3>{{cite web | url = http://www.greatlakesschooner.com/toronto-cruise-ship-trillium.html | title = The Elegant Paddle Steamer | publisher = The Great Lakes Schooner Company | access-date = November 21, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120223230157/http://www.greatlakesschooner.com/toronto-cruise-ship-trillium.html | archive-date = February 23, 2012 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> The hull of ''Bluebell'' is now a sunken break wall at Leslie Spit.

The Toronto Ferry Company continued to operate the ferry services until 1926, when its services and fleet was purchased by the City of Toronto for {{CA$|337,500}}{{sfn|Filey|2010|p=26}} (${{formatprice|{{Inflation|CA|337500|1926}}}} in {{Inflation-year|CA}} dollars){{inflation-fn|CA}}. The Toronto Ferry Co was in arrears on rent to the City to the amount of $6,500 and only operated in 1926 with the assurance that the City would buy the boats at the end of the season.<ref name="baker"/> In February 1927, the city transferred the eight-boat fleet to the [[Toronto Transportation Commission]] (TTC, later renamed the [[Toronto Transit Commission]]), the body that operates the city's transit system.{{sfn|Filey|2010|p=26}} Three boats included in the purchase - the ''John Hanlan'', the ''Jasmine'' and the ''Clark Bros'' were found to be in poor condition and all ended up being burned for amusement at [[Sunnyside Amusement Park]].<ref name="baker"/>

The three double-ended, [[diesel-engine]]d and [[propeller|screw-driven]] ferries that form the backbone of today's service to the islands were built for the TTC. The [[William Inglis (ferry)|''William Inglis'']] was built in 1935, the [[Sam McBride (ferry)|''Sam McBride'']] in 1939, and the ''[[Thomas Rennie]]'' in 1951.<ref name=tifmfl>{{cite web | url = https://www.angelfire.com/ca/TORONTO/history/islandmodern.html | title = Toronto Island Ferry History: The Modern Fleet: 1935 - 1960 | first = Larry | last = Partridge | date = March 1976 | access-date = March 14, 2003 }}</ref>

In 1938, the Toronto Harbour Commission began operating a ferry service to the new Toronto Island Airport, then under construction. A [[scow]] was adapted for use as a [[cable ferry]], with the intention that this ferry would operate for a five-year period. However, the scow remained in service for 25 years before being replaced by the ferry ''Maple City''. The backup ferry ''Windmill Point'' was acquired in 1985 and a new replacement ferry, ''TCCA1'', in 2006.<ref name=airhis>{{cite web | url = http://www.torontoport.com/airport_history.asp | title = Toronto City Centre Airport: A History | publisher = Toronto Port Authority | access-date = March 14, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080306075126/http://www.torontoport.com/airport_history.asp | archive-date = March 6, 2008 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> The Port Authority subsequently purchased another ferry, the ''Marilyn Bell 1.''

On January 1, 1962, the ferry services operated by the TTC were transferred to [[Metro Toronto Parks and Culture]], a department of the then municipality of [[Metropolitan Toronto]].<ref name="baker"/> In 1966, Parks Commissioner Tommy Thompson suggested buying hovercraft to replace the ferries, but failed to gain political interest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://torontoist.com/2013/04/historicist-hovercrafts-to-mimico/|title=Historicist: Hovercrafts &#91;sic&#93; to Mimico |first=Kevin |last=Plummer|website=Torontoist|date=April 20, 2013}}</ref> Other possibilities that were floated were a vehicle tunnel, a bridge over the Eastern Gap and a monorail.<ref name="baker"/> In 1997, Metro Toronto and the Metro municipalities were amalgamated into Toronto, and the park ferry services became the responsibility of the City of Toronto's Department of Parks and Recreation, today the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division. The airport ferry is the responsibility of PortsToronto.

Between 1935 and 1938, the ferries carried two million passengers per year.<ref name="baker">{{cite news |work=The Globe and Mail |first=Alden |last=Baker |title=No-profit ferries go for a million |date=July 12, 1966 |page=29}}</ref> This dropped around World War II to a low of 510,000 in 1960.<ref name="baker"/> In the 1960s, the numbers started increasing again, to one million in 1966.<ref name="baker"/> In 1970, the ferries carried 1.42 million passengers to the Islands. This declined in subsequent years, attributed to the introduction of other attractions in Toronto. In 1995, annual passenger numbers were 1.21 million passengers, with an average summer day carrying 25,000 passengers and an average winter day carrying 500 passengers. The 1995 annual budget to operate the ferries was {{CAD|4.5}} million, of which ticket revenues covered {{CAD|4}} million.<ref>{{cite news |work=Toronto Star |title=Masters of the harbor |first=Bruce |last=Campion-Smith |page=E1,E2}}</ref> The ferry service regularly runs a deficit, ranging from $647 in 1926 to $500,000 in 1954.<ref name="baker"/> The annual subsidy was once considered a scandalous waste of money.<ref name="baker"/>

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. The modernization meant that they were no longer "grandfathered" and were then in contravention. The ferries' passenger capacity was reduced, and Transport Canada  agreed to restore the ferries' "grandfather" status.<ref name=thestar2012-07-04/><ref name=thestar2012-07-05/>

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.<ref name=thestar2012-10-01/>

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 City|Quebec]]. Of the 5 ferries serving the Toronto Islands from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, the proposal would replace the ''Ongiara'', the ''William Inglis'', the ''Sam McBride'' and the ''Thomas Rennie'' but not the ''Trillium'', a heritage vessel. All 5 vessels are between 50 and 100 years old. Vessel replacement would occur over 15 years.<ref name="Star-2022/01/07">{{cite news | url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/01/07/city-should-buy-two-new-electric-ferries-for-toronto-islands-at-a-cost-of-63-million-says-staff-report.html | title=City should buy two new electric ferries for Toronto Islands — at a cost of $63 million, says staff report | newspaper=The Toronto Star | date=January 7, 2022 }}</ref><ref name="bTO-2022-01">{{cite web |url=https://www.blogto.com/city/2022/01/toronto-electric-ferry-fleet-serving-islands/ |title=Toronto is getting a brand new ferry fleet serving the islands |work=blogTO |date=January 2022 }}</ref>

On August 20, 2022, ferry Sam McBride hit the mainland dock at the [[Jack Layton Ferry Terminal|Jack Layton Terminal]], resulting in the injury of 12 passengers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 20, 2022 |title=12 people suffered minor injuries after Toronto Island ferry collides with terminal dock |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/12-people-suffered-minor-injuries-after-toronto-island-ferry-collides-with-terminal-dock-1.6035742 |access-date=August 21, 2022 |website=CP24 |language=en}}</ref> An investigation into the crash by [[Transportation Safety Board of Canada|The Transportation Safety Board of Canada]] released in 2024 said its investigation found a number of issues, particularly around passenger safety and emergency preparedness. It discovered that Toronto had no written procedures for ferry docking speed. <ref>{{Cite web |date=August 19, 2024 |title=Toronto had no written procedures for ferry docking speed, other 'safety deficiencies' in 2022 crash: TSB report |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-had-no-written-procedures-for-ferry-docking-speed-other-safety-deficiencies-in-2022-crash-tsb-report-1.7005552 |access-date=August 19, 2024 |website=CP24 |language=en}}</ref>

== Docks ==
[[File:The Thomas Rennie, Sam McBride, Jadran, Trillium at the ferry terminal in Toronto.jpg|thumb|[[Jack Layton Ferry Terminal]] is located in [[Downtown Toronto]].]]
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.

===Jack Layton Ferry Terminal===
{{main|Jack Layton Ferry Terminal}}
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. During winter months the ferries (other than ''Trillium'') are stored here with upper decks covered with a tarp. ''Trillium'' is stored at nearby Yonge Street Slip.

The original docks were located on the east side of the [[Toronto Harbour Commission Building]] at Bay and Harbour Streets. When the infilling took place after 1918 the docks moved to Queen's Quay West between Yonge Street and Bay Street (now the site of the Harbour Square condos) before being moved to the west to the current location. The Toronto City Council voted unanimously to rename the terminal in honour of late [[New Democratic Party]] leader and former Toronto City Councillor [[Jack Layton]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-ferry-terminal-to-be-renamed-in-honour-of-jack-layton-1.1246826 |title=Toronto ferry terminal to be renamed in honour of Jack Layton |date=June 6, 2012 | work=CBC News}}</ref>

===Airport ferry docks===
[[File:MarilynBell-I3.jpg|thumb|''Marilyn Bell I'' docked at the Island Airport docks]]
The Western Gap is at the foot of Eireann Quay and consists of a single pier. Parking is available for cars not crossing to the Island. The Island Airport Dock is at the north end of the island airport and consists of a single pier and a loading ramp. These two docks are used by the Toronto Port Authority.

===Centre Island docks===
Centre Island Docks is on Island Park and consists of two piers. There are washrooms, a [[Subway (restaurant)]] and a [[Pizza Pizza]] nearby. There is no winter service from this dock. A covered area was added to provide additional shelter space. Flooding of the islands in 2017 put the dock out of commission, causing the Centreville Amusement Park to remain closed for the season. The dock was rebuilt for the 2019 season to accommodate higher lake levels and the 2019 flooding did not close the dock.

===Hanlan's Point docks===
[[File:About to dock at Ward's Island (11741126244).jpg|thumb|The docks on Ward's Island are located on the east.]]
Hanlan's Point Dock is located to the west next to the island airport; open boarding area consists of three piers. There are washrooms and a snack bar nearby. The tugboat [[Ned Hanlan (tugboat)|''Ned Hanlan'']] is located nearby. Hanlan's Point used to be called Gibraltar Point, and from 1794 to 1813 it was home to a British Army fortification or battery (storehouses and guardhouse), then a blockhouse from 1814 to 1823.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://torontoplaques.com/Pages/Gibraltar_Point.html |title=Gibraltar Point Historical Plaque |publisher=Torontoplaques.com |date=January 1, 2016 |access-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref>

===Ward's Island docks===
Ward's Island Docks is on Ward's Island to the east; an open boarding area consists of a single pier.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ward's Island |url=https://www.torontoisland.com/wards.php |website=torontoisland.com |access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
Allan Moak’s children’s book ''A Big City ABC'' prominently displays an illustration of the Toronto Island Ferry, ''Sam McBride'' on its cover.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toronto.ca/culture/fineart/part8.htm |title=Arts and Culture - Living In Toronto &#124; City of Toronto |publisher=Toronto.ca |access-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref>
It was also featured as "Flo and Merriweather" in [[Mighty Machines]]. The band [[Great Lake Swimmers]] named their album ''[[Ongiara]]'' after the ferry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/great-lake-swimmers-ongiara/ |title=Great Lake Swimmers, Ongiara |first=Matthew |last=Fiander |date=June 4, 2007 |work=Reviews |publisher=PopMatters |quote=Well, as it turns out, Ongiara is the name of a boat that would ferry the band to where they first recorded. |access-date=March 15, 2016}}</ref>

== Fleet ==
<gallery class="center" caption="Active ferries in the Toronto Harbour">
File:Tcca.maple.city.id.jpg|''Maple City''
File:Porter Ferry.JPG|''Marilyn Bell I''
File:The Ongiara, a vehicle ferry in Toronto -a.jpg|''[[Ongiara (ferry)|Ongiara]]''
File:Toronto ferry.jpg|''[[Sam McBride (ferry)|Sam McBride]]''
File:Toronto ferry Thomas Rennie, at dusk, 2013 (11446940076).jpg|''[[Thomas Rennie (ferry, 1951)|Thomas Rennie]]''
File:Toronto ferry William Inglis approaches the Jack Layton terminal, 2016 07 01 (2).JPG - panoramio.jpg|''[[William Inglis (ferry)|William Inglis]]''
File:Ferry Windmill Point, in the Keating Channel -a.jpg|''Windmill Point''
</gallery>
{| class="wikitable"
|+ List of ferries<ref name=tifhlist>{{cite web | url = https://www.angelfire.com/ca/TORONTO/history/islandfleet.html | title = Toronto Island Ferry History: Fleet List | first = Larry | last = Partridge |date = March 1976| access-date = March 14, 2003 }}</ref>
|-
! Vessel
! Builder<sup>A</sup>
! Operator<sup>B</sup>
! Acquired
! Retired
! Capacity
! Type<sup>C</sup>
! Notes
|-
| ''Luella''
| WAC, JDE
| TuF, TFC, TTC
| 1882
| 1934
| 122 passengers
| SESD paddle steamer
| Accidentally burned 1934.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.angelfire.com/ca/TORONTO/history/islandmunicipal.html|title=Toronto Island Ferry History|website=[[Angelfire]]|access-date=March 31, 2020}}</ref>
|-
| ''Canadian''
| Alexander Clindinning
| TuF, TFC
| 1882
| ??
| 
| 
| 
|-
| ''Prouvette Beyer''
| 
| TuF, TFC
| 1882
| ??
| 
| 
| 
|-
| ''Sadie''
| James Andrew's of Oakville
| TuF
| 1882
| ??
| 
| Originally Ste Jean Baptiste
| 
|-
| ''Mayflower''
| BSW
| JDE, TFC, TTC
| 1890
| 1938
| 900–1,000 passengers
| DEDD paddle steamer
| Built 1890.<ref name="ts-purchase"/> After retirement converted into a barge. Sister ship to ''Primrose''.
|-
| ''Primrose''
| BSW
| JDE, TFC, TTC
| 1890
| 1938
| 900–1,000 passengers
| DEDD paddle steamer
| Built 1890.<ref name="ts-purchase"/> After retirement converted into a barge. Sister ship to ''Mayflower''.
|-
| ''[[Ned Hanlan (tugboat)|Ned Hanlan]]''
| TDC
| TFC, TTC, MPR
| 1932
| 1966
|
| Harbour tug
| Launched in 1932. Used to provide winter ferry service for island residents. Named for local rowing legend [[Ned Hanlan]], brother-in-law of [[Lol Solman|Lawrence Solman]], owner of the Toronto Ferry Company. Now displayed at Hanlan's Point.
|-
| ''Bluebell''
| PIW
| TFC, TTC
| 1906
| 1955
| 1,450 passengers
| DEDD paddle steamer
| Built 1906.<ref name="ts-purchase"/> Retired 1955 and stripped down and used by Metro Toronto Works Department as a garbage scow (barge). After conversion, it sank twice and required a flotation tank.<ref>{{cite news |work=Toronto Star |title=In Town & Out |first=Gerry |last=Barker |date=June 6, 1963 |page=35}}</ref> Its hull is part of the breakwall at Tommy Thompson Park near the Eastern Gap. Sister ship of ''Trillium''.
|-
| ''[[PS Trillium|Trillium]]''
| PIW
| TFC, TTC, MPC, TPR
| 1910
| (1957), active
| Originally 1,450; reduced to 955
| DEDD paddle steamer
| Built 1910.<ref name="ts-purchase"/> Retired in 1957 and stored next to Island Water Filtration Plant, but re-entered service in 1976 after being refurbished.<ref name="trillium"/> Sister ship of ''Bluebell''.
|-
| ''Miss York''
|
| TFC, TTC
| 1918
| 1929
|
|
| Burned 1929?
|-
| ''Miss Simcoe''
|
| TFC, TTC
| 1918
| 1929
|
|
| Possibly named for [[Elizabeth Simcoe]], the wife of [[John Graves Simcoe]]. Burned 1929.
|-
| ''Clark Bros.''
|
| TFC, TTC
| 1890
| 1927
|
|
| Built 1890.<ref name="ts-purchase"/> Clark Bros. 2 built in 1906.<ref name="ts-purchase"/> Named for Tom (T.J.) Clark; burned in 1930 at [[Sunnyside Amusement Park]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Clark Bros. burning off Sunnyside Park |url=http://images.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/113095/data?n=7 | website = [[Maritime History of the Great Lakes]] |publisher=Walter Lewis |access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref>
|-
| ''John Hanlan''
| Abbey
| TFC, TTC
| 1918
| 1927
|
|
| Built 1884 in [[Dalhousie, Ontario]].<ref name="ts-purchase"/> Named for Toronto Island hotel keeper [[Hanlan's Point|John Hanlan]], father of [[Ned Hanlan]] and father-in-law of [[Lol Solman|Lawrence Solman]], owner of the Toronto Ferry Company; burned 1929.
|-
| [[T.J. Clark (fireboat)|''T.J. Clark'']]
| CL & PIW
| TFC, TTC, MPR
| 1911
| 1930
|
| Wooden screw ferry
| Named for Tom "T.J." Clark, co-operator of wooden screw ferry that began service in 1890. Operated as ferry from 1911 to 1927; sold to City of Toronto and operated by the TTC. Decommissioned 1959 and sold to Toronto Drydock Company Ltd.; scrapped by 1961.
|-
| ''Aylmer''
|
| TFC, TTC
| 1918
| 1929
|
|
|
|-
| ''Buttercup''
|
| TFC, TTC
| 1918
| 1929
|
|
|
|-
| ''Jasmine 2''
|
| TFC, TTC
| 1918
| 1929
|
|
| Built 1906.<ref name="ts-purchase"/> Renamed ''Ojiboway''. Burned 1929.
|-
| [[William Inglis (ferry)|''William Inglis'']]
| TDC & JIC
| TTC, MPC, TPR
| 1935
| active
| 400 passengers
| DEDD diesel screw
| Originally launched as the ''Shamrock,'' it was renamed after the death of William Inglis, head of local appliance manufacturer [[John Inglis and Sons]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Filey | first = Mike | author-link = Mike Filey | title = Discover and Explore Toronto's Waterfront | publisher = Dundurn Press Ltd. | year = 1998 | isbn = 1-55002-304-7| page = 123 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/CVIS/Ship_e.cfm?ShipID=158663 | title = William Inglis | publisher = Canadian Transportation Agency | date = March 8, 2006 | access-date = March 18, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20110706181918/http://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/CVIS/Ship_e.cfm?ShipID=158663 | archive-date = July 6, 2011 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
|-
| [[Sam McBride (ferry)|''Sam McBride'']]
| TDC & JIC
| TTC, MPC, TPR
| 1939
| active
| 1,000 passengers - reduced to 524 and then to 736 due to upgrades to bulkhead and engines in 2011;<ref name=thestar2012-07-05/> 915 as of 2022<ref name="TheStar-2022/08/22">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/08/22/canadas-transportation-safety-watchdog-to-probe-toronto-island-ferry-crash.html |title='I've been in car crashes, but it was worse than that': Toronto Island ferry crash rattles injured passengers |newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] |date=August 22, 2022}}</ref>
| DEDD diesel screw
| Named after former Toronto Mayor and alderman [[Sam McBride]].<ref name="tifmfl"/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/CVIS/Ship_e.cfm?ShipID=171709 | title = Sam McBride | publisher = Canadian Transportation Agency | date = March 8, 2006 | access-date = March 18, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20110706181930/http://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/CVIS/Ship_e.cfm?ShipID=171709 | archive-date = July 6, 2011 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Thomas Rennie]]''
| TDC & JIC
| TTC, MPC, TPR
| 1951
| active
| 1,000 passengers - reduced to 524 and then to 736 due to upgrades to bulkhead and engines in 2011<ref name=thestar2012-07-05/>
| DEDD diesel screw
| Named after former Toronto Harbour Commissioner Thomas Rennie.<ref name="tifmfl"/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/CVIS/Ship_e.cfm?ShipID=193649 | title = Thomas Rennie | publisher = Canadian Transportation Agency | date = March 8, 2006 | access-date = March 18, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706181947/https://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/sins-cvis/navire-ship_eng.cfm?ShipID=193649 | archive-date = July 6, 2011 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Ongiara (ferry)|Ongiara]]''
| RB
| TTC, MPC, TPR
| 1963
| active
| 220 passengers, 10 cars or 8 trucks
| DESD diesel screw
| Name based on Mohawk word for ''for point of land cut''. Used to provide winter service and to carry service vehicles. Repowered in November 2006.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/CVIS/Ship_e.cfm?ShipID=318766 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20110706182001/http://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/CVIS/Ship_e.cfm?ShipID=318766 | url-status = dead | archive-date = July 6, 2011 | title = Ongiara | publisher = Canadian Transportation Agency | date = March 8, 2006 | access-date = March 18, 2008 }}</ref>
|-
| ''Maple City''
|
| TPA/PT
| 1964
| active
| 40 passengers and 6 cars
| DESD diesel screw
| Operates to the island airport. Built 1951 by Muir Brothers Dock Yard <ref>{{cite web|url=http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/4/vrqs-srib/eng/vessel-registrations/details/176000 |title=Details for registered vessel MAPLE CITY (O.N. 176000) |publisher=Pps.tc.gc.ca |access-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref> for Prescott-Ogdensburg ferry service.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/CVIS/Ship_e.cfm?ShipID=176000 | title = Maple City | publisher = Canadian Transportation Agency | date = March 8, 2006 | access-date = March 18, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20110706182030/http://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/CVIS/Ship_e.cfm?ShipID=176000 | archive-date = July 6, 2011 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
|-
| ''Windmill Point''
| KS
| TPA/PT
| 1954
| active
| 207 passengers
| DESD diesel
| She operates to the island airport when Maple City is out of service.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/CVIS/Ship_e.cfm?ShipID=198041 | title = Windmill Point | publisher = Canadian Transportation Agency | date = March 8, 2006 | access-date = March 18, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20110706182128/http://forms.cta-otc.gc.ca/CVIS/Ship_e.cfm?ShipID=198041 | archive-date = July 6, 2011 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Purchased by the [[Toronto Harbour Commission]] in 1985 and stored at Keating Channel when not in service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/4/vrqs-srib/d.aspx?lang=e&shipid=198041 |title=Vessel Registration Query System |publisher=Pps.tc.gc.ca |date=December 16, 2009 |access-date=July 29, 2011}}</ref>

|-
| ''Shiawassie''
| Gormley
| TPA/PT
| 1962
| 1977
| 68
| Two 180&nbsp;hp diesel engines
| Name based on [[Chippewan]] word for ''river straight ahead''.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Han |first1=Lila |last2=Society |first2=Shiawassee County Historical |date=May 15, 1987 |title=Echoes of Yesteryears: Bennington and Shiawassee Townships |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5zwXAQAAMAAJ&q=Shiawassee+Rolling+or+%E2%80%9CSparkling+Waters |publisher=Crest |via=Google Books}}</ref> The ''Shiawassie'' was purchased in 1962 by the Parks Department for {{CAD|41,000}}.<ref>{{cite news |work=the Globe and Mail |title=54-Foot Ferry To Join Service On Island Run |date=September 8, 1962 |page=5}}</ref> It was sold in 1977.<ref>{{cite news |work=The Globe and Mail |title=Display Ad: Tenders For Sale Of Ferry Vessel "Shiawassie" |date=March 21, 1977 |page=33}}</ref>

|-
| nowrap | ''David Hornell '', formerly ''TCCA1''
| HMP
| TPA/PT
| 2006
| active
|
| DEDD diesel
| Operates to the island airport. Original name was an acronym of ''Toronto City Centre Airport 1''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.torontoport.com/PortAuthority/airport_news_report_content.asp?id=253 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061110085657/http://www.torontoport.com/PortAuthority/airport_news_report_content.asp?id=253 | url-status = dead | archive-date = November 10, 2006 | title = Improved Access to the TCCA | publisher = Toronto Port Authority | date = January 12, 2007 | access-date = March 27, 2008 }}</ref> Now named for Toronto-born [[RCAF]] pilot and World War II ace Flt-Lt. [[David Ernest Hornell|David Hornell]] (1910-1944).
|-
| nowrap | ''Marilyn Bell 1'', formerly ''TCCA2''
| HMP
| TPA/PT
| 2009
| active
|
|
| Operates to the island airport. Original name was an acronym of ''Toronto City Centre Airport 2''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://torontoport.com/notices/BBTCAferry%20vessels%20fact%20sheet.pdf |title=Background: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport ferry vessels |access-date=August 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201080526/http://torontoport.com/notices/BBTCAferry%20vessels%20fact%20sheet.pdf |archive-date=December 1, 2010 |url-status=dead |publisher=[[Toronto Port Authority]] }}</ref> Renamed for Toronto-born long distant swimmer [[Marilyn Bell]].
|}

== See also ==

* [[Bay Ferries Great Lakes Limited]]
* [[Hiawatha (ship, 1895)]]
* [[Kwasind]]
* [[Toronto Ferry Company]]
* [[Toronto water taxi]]s
* [[R. C. Harris Water Treatment Plant#Colonial Site history|Victoria Park]] - an amusement park in Toronto that operated ferry serviceHumbery Bay from 1878 until 1895 - used palace steamer ''Canadian'' and ''Gertude'' in 1887<ref>{{cite news
 | title =NAVIGATION
 | newspaper =Toronto Globe | location =Toronto
 | page =15  | date=April 30, 1887
}}</ref>
* [[Annie Craig#Humber Steam Ferry|Humber Steam Ferry or Humber River Ferry Company Limited]] - a ferry service using the screw steamer ''Annie Craig'' from mouth of [[Humber River (Ontario)|Humber River]] to Toronto operating from 1882 to 1886
** Service was replaced by Doty Brothers ferries ''Queen City'' and ''Canadian'' in 1886<ref>{{cite news
 | title =LOCAL NEWS
 | newspaper =Toronto Globe | location =Toronto
 | page =8  | date=May 20, 1886
}}</ref>

== References ==
===Bibliography===
* {{cite book | author-link = Mike Filey | first=Mike |last=Filey |year=2010 |title=Trillium and Toronto Island: the centennial edition |publisher=Dundurn Press |isbn=978-1-55488-737-8}}

===Notes===
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name=thestar2012-07-04>
{{cite news
| url         = https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2012/07/04/new_federal_marine_safety_standards_force_toronto_ferries_to_carry_fewer_people.html
| title       = New federal marine safety standards force Toronto ferries to carry fewer people
| publisher   = [[Toronto Star]]
| author      = Niamh Scallan 
| date        = July 4, 2012
| location    = [[Toronto]] 
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131223114749/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2012/07/04/new_federal_marine_safety_standards_force_toronto_ferries_to_carry_fewer_people.html
| archive-date = December 23, 2013
| access-date  = April 30, 2015
| url-status     = live 
| quote       = Earlier this year, the federal agency reportedly told the city the three aging ferries were considered “new” as a result of the upgrades and ordered them to comply with current international marine safety standards.
}}
</ref>
<ref name=thestar2012-07-05>
{{cite news
| url         = https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1222303--toronto-islands-ferry-passenger-limits-eased
| title       = Toronto Islands ferry passenger limits eased
| publisher   = [[Toronto Star]]
| author      = Niamh Scallan 
| date        = July 5, 2012
| location    = [[Toronto]] 
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120709082901/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1222303--toronto-islands-ferry-passenger-limits-eased
| archive-date = July 9, 2012
| access-date  = April 30, 2015
| url-status     = live 
| quote       = Although the new passenger limits kicked in this spring, the trouble with Toronto’s aging ferry fleet began in 2008 when Transport Canada ordered the city to upgrade three boats — the William Inglis and Sam McBride, both built in the 1930s, and the Thomas Rennie, built in 1951. ... But what Transport Canada failed to tell parks staff, he said, was that the upgrades could cause the boats to lose their grandfathered status, which exempts the aging vessels from current marine safety standards.  
}}
</ref>
<ref name=thestar2012-10-01>
{{cite news
| url         = https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2012/10/01/torontos_aging_island_ferries_headed_for_retirement.html
| title       = Toronto's aging island ferries headed for retirement
| publisher   = [[Toronto Star]]
| author      = Niamh Scallan 
| date        = October 1, 2012
| location    = [[Toronto]] 
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20130202233632/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2012/10/01/torontos_aging_island_ferries_headed_for_retirement.html
| archive-date = February 2, 2013
| access-date  = April 30, 2015
| url-status     = live 
| quote       = After spending $5 million for ferry upgrades that had unintended negative consequences, Toronto’s cash-strapped parks department is now planning to put aside money to replace the aging fleet altogether.
}}
</ref>
<ref name=tifhbeg>{{cite web | url = https://www.angelfire.com/ca/TORONTO/history/islandbegin.html | title = Toronto Island Ferry History: the Beginning | first = Larry | last = Partridge | date = March 1976 | access-date = March 14, 2003 }}
</ref>
<ref name="ts-purchase">{{cite news |work=Toronto Star |title=John Hanlan Veteran of the Island Fleet |date=April 16, 1926 |page=27}}</ref>
}}

{{Toronto}}

[[Category:Toronto Transit Commission]]
[[Category:Water transport in Toronto]]
[[Category:Ferries of Ontario]]
[[Category:1911 ships]]
[[Category:Toronto Islands]]