The History of the Toronto Island Ferry
Just offshore from Toronto, The Toronto Island Ferry service allows visitors to access the island and island residents to access the mainland. The history of the Toronto Island Ferry is both a unique and fascinating story.
In 1833, the first ferry boat called the Sir John of the Peninsula, was put into service to take people across the Toronto Bay. From 1835 to 1851, George Heathcotes first steam ferry called the Toronto, provided ferry service for the city. In 1843, Louis Privat, a co-owner with his brother of the Islands Peninsula Hotel, acquired guests by providing a ferry service on their horse-powered ferry called the Peninsula Packet. Horse boats were driven by a horse running on a treadmill linked to gears which turned causing the boat to move.
In 1851, James Good constructed his steam ferry the Victoria, which stayed as a chief ferry until 1855. In 1864, the steam ferry known as Watertown, was put into service. In 1865, the The Princess of Wales, made its debut and served as a ferry until 1883. In 1870, Thomas Lundy’s, Perry came into operation. In 1882, The Luella was put into service and became widely known as the “fastest little steamer on Toronto Bay.” It held 122-passengers and was eventually retired in 1934.
In 1892, Turner Ferry Company was purchased by the John Doty Engine & Ferry Company. The company merged with A.J. Tymon’s Island Ferry Company to create the Toronto Ferry Company. Over the years, many ferries were constructed and used for the Toronto Island Ferry Service.
Many ferries continued to be built all the way through the remainder of the 19th century with most boats being paddle steamers that were built by private owners. In 1910, The Trillium was put into operation and provided service until 1957. This ferry had side paddle-wheels and observation decks. The Trillium received her name from the flower which is the symbol of the province of Ontario. Until 1926, The Toronto Ferry Company continued to operate the ferry services. Their services and boats were purchased by the City of Toronto and transferred to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), the group that runs the city’s transit system.
By 1952, several new diesel-powered ferries had been introduced into the fleet which provided a quicker passage across the bay. In 1967, the Trillium was retired and was to be used only in an emergency.
In 1961, the ferry services operated by the TTC were transferred to Metro Toronto Parks and Culture. In 1974, Mike Filey and Alan Howard embarked on plans to restore the “Trillium” which was eventually achieved. The ferry was modified to use diesel fuel and it was restored to its original 1910 appearance.
In 1997, the metropolitan municipality and their member municipalities merged, and the ferry services became the responsibility of the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation. In 2005, the ferry services were conveyed to Torontos Parks, Forestry and Recreation Department.
The history of The Toronto Island Ferry is a remarkable tale. It is no wonder millions of people enjoy taking a historical ride on Toronto Islands Ferry and Toronto boat cruises.
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