This week we have some visitors from England. While it can sometimes be stressful hosting loved ones or friends (while also trying to work) can sometimes be stressful, and very very expensive - it's also a blessing. I've been getting to experience touristy spots and activities in Toronto I normally wouldn't. All summer Ben and I had been saying to each other, we had to get out to the Island but everytime we meant to get around to it there was always some sort of excuse. So, when our guests arrived, and a trip to the island was one of their top to do's we of course obliged.
How to get there:Ā
While there are a couple of options in terms of ferries that will take you to the island, the most popular option is the ferry that leaves from Jack Layton Terminal. Located at Queens Quay and Bay street, it's pretty easy to get to. While the lineups were minimal for us, it can get pretty crazy in the height of the summer. It only costs $7.95 per adult for a round trip journey. Honestly if you're short on time I would even recommend taking the trip for the sake of taking the trip for the views of the city!
What to do:Ā
Once you're on the islands there's no short of activities no matter what the season. While my recommendation would definitely be to go in the warmer weather, for obvious reasons - and also because there will be more open, especially for kids.
Summer: There are so many things to do on the islands in the summer. Often times groups will bring a cooler with picnics and hang out on the grass or the on the beach munching the day away and playing sports on the grass. Don't worry though there are several spots to grab a bite to eat if you don't want to carry your meal over.Ā On the Eastern side of the island you'll find Toronto's very own nudest beach, Hanlan's beach. Right near the main entrance of the island you'll find Centreville. This small amusement park is home to many Toronto adults childhood memories. There are only a few rides in the park but the grounds are much bigger than you might think. Even if you don't plan on riding any rides it's still worth a walk around. If you're looking to see as much as you can of the island riding a bike around is probably your best bet. WithĀ the Royal Canadian Yacht Club Island Clubhouse on the island you can also enjoy a sail or boat ride on the waters as well. If that's a bit expensive for your taste you can always rent a canoe, kayak or paddle boat for an hour.
Fall / Spring: While there are a number of activities and stations closed on the island during the off-season months, I would still recommend a trip over during the fall or spring (more so fall). The colours on the trees were just starting to change over when we were there on the weekend. It was beautiful. Surprisingly enough there were more people on the island than I would have expected there to be. There were also a number of groups playing ultimate frisbee. While it was too cold for a swim, there were some people laying on the beaches, or by the rocks and enjoying the views.
Winter: You may be surprised to know that there are some people who are brave enough to venture over the the island in the freezing cold. Cross country skiing is an ever popular sport on the island as is snowshoeing. With so much land largely at your disposal you'll have a wonderfully peaceful trip around the island while enjoying the views of the city and the frozen Lake Ontario. Don't forget that while some animals may hibernate, a lot don't which is whyĀ Far Enough Farms is open all year round. Bring the kids and let them spend some time petting rabbits, ponies, sheep, chickens, and many other barnyard animals.
No matter what season you choose to visit there is always something to do. I cannot stress enough though how unbelievable the city looks from the water. Day or night it doesn't matter. The slow moving ferry offers plenty of opportunity to catch that perfect shot as well. Just make sure you remember when the last ferry ride is. The last thing you'll want is to get stranded on the island for the night! Although, I have heard there's a quaint B&B in case you do!
I know what it's like to have visitors! It's a lot of work bu you get to see some awesome places. I haven't been to Canada but I'd love to visif some day. These islands look like a good place to go!
I know what it's like to have visitors! It's a lot of work bu you get to see some awesome places. I haven't been to Canada but I'd love to visif some day. These islands look like a good place to go!
I know what it's like to have visitors! It truly is a lot of work. But sometimes it's worth all the trouble because you get to visit some awesome places.
I haven't been to Canada. I would love to visit someday!
I know what it's like to have visitors! It truly is a lot of work. But sometimes it's worth all the trouble because you get to visit some awesome places.
I haven't been to Canada. I would love to visit someday!
I didn't know about Toronto's islands at all- great information!
I didn't know about Toronto's islands at all- great information!
Sounds like a fab day out š Great idea!
Simone x | The Aussie Flashpacker
Sounds like a fab day out š Great idea!
Simone x | The Aussie Flashpacker
You've sold me well on this place. Any season and pretty on the water weather its day or night. Wish I could viist some day
You've sold me well on this place. Any season and pretty on the water weather its day or night. Wish I could viist some day
This reminds me so much of Minnesota for some reason! Beautiful day trip, I am sure your guests had a wonderful time! š
This reminds me so much of Minnesota for some reason! Beautiful day trip, I am sure your guests had a wonderful time! š
I love playing tourist when I have guests! I haven't been to Toronto since I was a kid, need to go back
I love playing tourist when I have guests! I haven't been to Toronto since I was a kid, need to go back
I think all to often we overlook what we have in our backyard for more "exotic" adventures, I showed someone around my city (Manchester, uk) a few months ago and it really make me realise just how much I actually love it! I never knew Toronto had a island! How cool! Looks like an awesome place to explore.
I think all to often we overlook what we have in our backyard for more "exotic" adventures, I showed someone around my city (Manchester, uk) a few months ago and it really make me realise just how much I actually love it! I never knew Toronto had a island! How cool! Looks like an awesome place to explore.
Oh didnt go to the island when I waa there... but I think it's a good excuse to do it when I get back. The skyline of the cn is beautiful from thw island
Oh didnt go to the island when I waa there... but I think it's a good excuse to do it when I get back. The skyline of the cn is beautiful from thw island
I've only recently begun to explore around my own city and find that it's full of great spots I didn't know about. I'm sure your guests had an awesome time.
I've only recently begun to explore around my own city and find that it's full of great spots I didn't know about. I'm sure your guests had an awesome time.
Surely that this place fits anytime in the year! I love your photos and can't wait to use your tips when I visit this place!
Surely that this place fits anytime in the year! I love your photos and can't wait to use your tips when I visit this place!
How beautiful! My cousin recently moved to Toronto - I hope he's going to take me there when I visit him in the future š
How beautiful! My cousin recently moved to Toronto - I hope he's going to take me there when I visit him in the future š
I like places that can offer something in every season! š The Toronto Islands sound like a fab place.
I like places that can offer something in every season! š The Toronto Islands sound like a fab place.
I didnt even know there were islands! haha this is so cool!
I didnt even know there were islands! haha this is so cool!
Canada is beautiful and the people are even better š I would recommend getting out here soon!
Canada is beautiful and the people are even better š I would recommend getting out here soon!
I totally agree! Hope you get out this way soon š
I totally agree! Hope you get out this way soon š
It's so true that we don't explore our own backyards, until we have out of town visitors. One offset to the stress of family visits.
It's so true that we don't explore our own backyards, until we have out of town visitors. One offset to the stress of family visits.
I had no idea Toronto had islands! I only visited for a day and just made it up the CN tower but would love to go back!
I had no idea Toronto had islands! I only visited for a day and just made it up the CN tower but would love to go back!
Ohh such a hidden place in Toronto. And yes, we generally travel and explore everything around the world and miss whatever is nearby until we find such an opportunity.
Ohh such a hidden place in Toronto. And yes, we generally travel and explore everything around the world and miss whatever is nearby until we find such an opportunity.