New Electric Ferries names unveiled: Lady of the Quays and Toronto Islander

Today, Mayor Olivia Chow and Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York) joined City of Toronto staff to announce that Lady of the Quays and Toronto Islander are the names of Toronto’s new electric ferries.  

Lady of the Quays – the first place winner with 15 per cent of the total votes – was chosen to reflect Toronto’s waterfront quays and welcoming harbour presence, and was submitted by the York Quay Neighbourhood Association. Lady of the Quays will be arriving in late 2026 and will carry both passengers and vehicles. 

Toronto Islander – with 11 per cent of the total votes – was chosen to celebrate the connection between Toronto residents, visitors and the Island, and was submitted by multiple groups from the Ferry Naming Committee including the Waterfront BIA and Hanlan’s Point Beach Working Group. The passenger-only ferry will be arriving in 2027.  

Collaborative ferry selection process 

The ferry names were selected through a collaborative process led by a committee of City staff and community partners, who developed a shortlist aligned with the City’s Property Naming Policy and Transport Canada requirements. Toronto residents were then invited to participate in a four-week public vote that attracted nearly 18,000 votes – helping to select the final names that reflect the city’s waterfront, natural environment and enduring connection to the Island. 

These boats will replace ferries that are up to 90 years old and are the first new ferries in more than 60 years and will carry more than three times as many passengers as the vessels they are replacing. The ferries will provide better boarding flow, upgraded accessibility features and modern amenities, helping meet growing demand. The ferries will also have zero emissions and support a more sustainable waterfront. 

The City, through CreateTO, has completed early infrastructure work to prepare the ferry terminal for new electric ferries, including upgrades to support future charging systems and docking, with work carried out over winter to minimize service disruptions. Final charging infrastructure will be installed by the end of 2026, followed by testing of the new ferries. 

New this summer  

• Improved passenger experience at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, with enhanced queueing, as well as new digital screens coming later this summer to provide ferry service information. 

• Major upgrades at Hanlan’s Point Beach, including improved accessibility, protected dune systems, new bike parking and an enhanced overall beach experience. 

• Enhanced accessibility at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, with designated waiting areas and priority boarding for those requiring accommodation. 

• Expanded cycling options with six Bike Share Toronto stations at ferry landings.  

• Return of the Centreville train following its removal due to 2018 flooding. 

• New attractions at Centreville include a small roller coaster and the restoration of the antique carousel. 

• Google Pay and Apple Pay is now available to make purchasing ferry tickets from mobile phones faster and more convenient.  

• A ferry and Island audio tour will be introduced this summer to enhance the visitor experience and share the stories of Toronto Island. 

• Enhanced Toronto Island and ferry webpages, to help residents and visitors plan their trips. 

Photo and videos of Toronto’s new electric ferries and the ongoing work at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal can be found online on the City’s b-roll page. 

More information on the City’s new electric ferries is available on the City’s webpage.

Quotes: 

“Toronto’s new electric ferries will carry residents and visitors from downtown to Toronto Island, including Toronto Island Park, one of the city’s most beloved destinations. These vessels represent a historic investment in Toronto’s waterfront. As the first new ferries in more than 60 years, they will modernize this essential service, significantly increase capacity, and support a fully zero-emissions fleet. The City continues to improve visitor experience and access to the Toronto Island, helping prepare for a busy summer and the FIFA World Cup.” 

– Mayor Olivia Chow 

“Toronto is welcoming two new, higher capacity, faster, all-electric ferries. These vessels will make trips to Toronto Island Park even more accessible and enjoyable. Naming boats is a long-standing tradition and I’m excited that Torontonians had the opportunity to help name these new additions. As we continue to revitalize our waterfront and welcome visitors from near and far, these ferries will make it easier for more people to visit Toronto Island and everything it has to offer.” 

– Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York) 

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.