Toronto Island Marina

The Upper Deck is a hidden gem away from all the tourists on the island! Sure there are other patios on the Island but this one is by far the best. This is probably my favourite spot, not only on the Island but in the whole city. Beautiful views of the skyline, cheap food/​drinks and live music on weekends.

When we got off the ferry and arrived on Centre Island just after labor day, the island was quiet. It was a weekday and Centreville was closed so we got to enjoy the quiet side of the island which was fine by us. We asked if there were good eats on the island as a few places looked close. Someone directed us to the marina and told us we could get fresh food her. When you get of the Centre Island ferry take a right a walk through the black gate.
It’s definitely off the beaten path. It was so quiet that day, we started getting worried that we were in one of those island horror movies like The Wickerman. However, after we passed the gate we ended up a nice local boating community with a large dock, general store, gas station for boats, and The Upper Deck.
It was the hottest day of the summer and we sat out on the deck with loads of sunscreen. There were just a handful of people there. The waitress came to wipe off the table and we ordered food and drinks. I was totally excited when our food came. We ordered the the Cheeseburger with fries and the Turkey club with onion rings. Everything was amazing. The Cheeseburger was perfectly cooked, juicy, and had aged cheddar and a pickle on top. The club had just the right amount of mayo. Suprisingly the fries and rings were equally good. Definitely come here next time you visit the islands. Sure, the Carousel Café is good, but I can’t imagine their food tasting as awesome as the Upper Deck.

Apparently this place is a not well known gem on Toronto Island. We were referred here by a local while on vacation in Toronto and heading over to the islands for the afternoon. Fair warning, it’s very hard to find! We walked around the island for 20 – 30 minutes before we finally found this place. But it was well wroth it.
Toronto Island is very family friendly, and thus is filled with children and child friendly activities. Toronto Island Marina is off the beaten path and isolated from the rest of the island. It’s pretty much the hangout for the boat owners, which is likely why many people don’t know about it.
There’s a nice sized patio with tables and chairs that present an excellent view of the water and some of Toronto. We grabbed some chairs at the bar and hung there for 3 – 4 hours. The bartenders were awesome. Friendly, willing to make out of the norm drinks per our requests and extremely helpful in making suggestion for our stay in Toronto. They were definitely the highlight of the experience.
Because it’s off the beaten path, there weren’t many people there. Just some local boaters in town and even some people who live on their boats. Made for great conversation in a laid back atmosphere.
Highly recommend coming here if you go to the island for a visit. There are a few other bars on the island, but none offer the specific scene this one does. Good drinks, awesome bartenders and great scenery. Get here while it’s still warm out!

You can take the girl from the ocean but not the ocean from the girl. The serene scene here is sweetly casual and just nautical enough to make even a non sailor feel knotty. What we missing? Salt air maybe, but that’s it. The BBQ on the upper deck might make the best lamb burger this salty soul has ever enjoyed. A handful of beers on tap, and full bar. When you have had enough of the island, the tender departs a short crawl away– just enough time to polish off that last beer. Office monitors ch.68 for those sailors looking to dock for lunch. I’d like to come back and experience the special events and potluck dinners hosted here. Worth an afternoon, just don’t forget sunscreen and a jacket. It really is a magical hang.