If you are exploring the Toronto Islands, you will be stepping into rich Canadian history at Hanlan's Point. Located on the most westerly of the Toronto Islands, this historic site was named in 1862 after John Hanlan, who converted his cottage into a hotel in 1878.
Developed into an attraction by the Hanlan family in the 1880s and sold to the Toronto Ferry Company in 1892, this famous park was once regarded as "Canada's answer to Coney Island." During its heyday, you would have seen a roller coaster, miniature train, midway, grandstand, vaudeville theatre, dancing pavilion, shooting gallery, tea garden, and the famous 40-foot platform where diving horses leaped into Lake Ontario. Rebuilt in concrete following a major 1909 fire, it operated alongside the Hanlan's Point Stadium, home to the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team.
After facing competition from the mainland and selling to the City of Toronto in 1927, the park was demolished in 1937 for the Toronto Island airport. Today, the non-airport area offers a public recreation space where you can see Hanlan's Point Beach, parkland, a baseball diamond, bicycle and hiking trails, tennis and volleyball courts, picnic areas, fire pits, and the nearby Gibraltar Point Lighthouse.
What to see at Hanlan's Point Amusement Park
- Discover the historic site once called "Canada's answer to Coney Island."
- Learn about the famous 40-foot platform used for horse diving into Lake Ontario.
- Explore former grounds of the historic 1910 concrete stadium and early hotel.
- Enjoy modern recreation including Hanlan's Point Beach and hiking trails.
- Visit nearby parkland landmarks like the historic Gibraltar Point Lighthouse.
Visiting tips
Keep in mind that access to Hanlan's Point requires taking a ferry ride across from the mainland, as there is no direct automobile or streetcar access.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Hanlan's Point Amusement Park is easy to reach on Toronto’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Toronto Zoo and Allan Gardens. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Toronto travel guide.
See the full Toronto travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.