Originally a peninsula, the islands were formed when
the rushing waters of the Don River separated a spit from the mainland
during a ferocious storm in 1858. There are more than a dozen islets and
mid-sized islands in this urban archipelago, some of them connected by
bridges, others accessible only by boat. A thriving residential
community of creative characters calls Ward’s and Algonquin islands
home, while Centre Island is a popular destination for its amusement
park. No cars are allowed on the islands, adding enormously to their
tranquil charm. Along with exploration on foot, two great ways to get
the most out of the island experience are to rent a boat or a bicycle
and paddle your way through the extensive lagoon system or cycle to a
secluded picnic spot. It is easy to forget that you are right beside one
of the busiest ports in Canada.
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The heyday of Hanlan
Point began in the 1880s as city dwellers flocked to its vaudeville
theater, dance hall, hotels, and amusement park. Two decades later,
thousands of fans cheered on baseball great Babe Ruth as he hit his
first professional home run, on September 5, 1914, at the Point’s new
stadium. By 1937, however, the declining resort had been torn down to
make way for the Island Airport.
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Numerous fast-food spots and snack bars ensure you won’t go hungry on the islands. Or bring a picnic lunch.
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Ferries depart from the
terminal at the foot of Bay Street. Centre Island ferries operate in
summer only; Ward’s Island and Hanlan’s Point ferries, year-round.
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The ferry ride ($6.50
round-trip) takes about 10 minutes. Bicycles are permitted on board,
except on the Centre Island boat during weekends and holidays, when it
can be very busy. Boat rentalsBicycle rentals
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Top 10 FeaturesFerry Enjoy
one of the best views to be had of the Toronto skyline
aboard a ferry dating back to the 1950s – some in the fleet even
to the 1930s – as it chugs across the lake to the Toronto Islands.
Boardwalk The 1.5-mile (2.5-km) boardwalk runs from Ward’s Island to Centre Island and is great for a lakeside stroll.
Ward’s Island Over
700 people now live here in what began, in the 1880s, as a tiny tent
settlement. Stroll along the pathways and marvel at the creative ways
the cottages have been ornamented to reflect their owners’ tastes. As on
neighboring Algonquin Island, the gardens of Ward’s Island are in
delightful bloom in the warmer months.
Cottage, Ward’s Island
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse Toronto’s
oldest lighthouse has served as a shipping beacon since the early 19th
century. The historic limestone landmark is rumored to be haunted by the
ghost of its first keeper, who disappeared without a trace in 1815.
Centreville Amusement Park This small amusement park on Centre Island has more than 30 rides, including swan boats and a colorful 1890s carousel.
Far Enough Farm Kids will love feeding and petting the lambs, goats, cows, geese, pigs, and other farm animals at this small petting zoo. Algonquin Island Island
residents’ creativity is most exuberantly expressed in their quirky,
colorful gardens. The green thumb enthusiasts of Algonquin Island are
often happy to share their tips with passersby. Hanlan’s Point Two
sandy beaches, popular with sunbathers, are the big draw here. In 1999,
one of the beaches reclaimed its clothing-optional status, which it
enjoyed when it first opened in 1894.
The Rectory This
cozy restaurant also functions as Ward’s Island informal social center.
Main course soups, salads, and sandwiches are healthy and hearty, and
the desserts are delicious. Bicycling The
best way to tour the islands is on wheels along the pedestrian-bicycle
trails stretching the 4-mile (6.5-km) archipelago. Rent a one-person or
tandem bike or quadracycle.
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