Toronto Islands
Just a quick ferry jaunt from downtown, the Toronto Islands are a chain of small isles packed with parkland. The sandy lakeside beaches with gorgeous views of the city skyline make for an easy getaway, and cycling, canoeing, and kayaking are popular too. Also on offer are playgrounds, gardens, picnicking, a landmark lighthouse, children’s garden at Toronto Island Park, and a petting zoo-type farm plus amusement park on Centre Island.
Many of us tend to flock towards the Toronto Islands during the warmer months but if you want to experience true winter beauty, plan a romantic trip during the colder months. Frost laden bridges and snowy beaches bring on the amorous feels, that’s for sure. Be sure to check the ferry schedule prior to planning your trip and then get ready to spend your time exploring the ice- and snow-covered waters and paths.
The Hanlan family was among the first year-round inhabitants on Toronto Islands, settling at Gibraltar Point in 1862. After the islands were transferred from the federal government to the City of Toronto in 1867, Plan D-141 divided the land into lots and allowed cottages, amusement areas and resort hotels to be built. The west side of the island, commonly known as West Point, rapidly became a resort destination for the citizens of Toronto. The first summer cottage community was founded here. In 1878, a hotel was built by John Hanlan at the north-west tip of the island and soon after the area became known as Hanlan’s Point. Toronto Islands
B C G Toronto Guide © Simon Newbound
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