Ward's Island Beach is where to go in Toronto for a secluded day by the water Stay in the loop Sign up for our free email newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime or contact us for details. Ward's Island Beach offers a quieter experience of Toronto Island, part of the small residential neighbourhood east of Centre Island where fewer tourists venture. The sandy beach co-exists with over 250 homes on the island, which is named after one of the earlier residents, a fisherman and his family who settled on Toronto Island in 1830. Ward's Island Beach shares the island with over 250 homes. Although the eastern shores are far from deserted, even the busiest days don't come close to the crowds found at Centre or even Hanlan's.