The Toronto Islands are a chain of small islands, located a mere 15-minutes ferry ride from the city centre.
I love taking the ferry over on a hot summer day; the wind blowing in my face; the gentle rocking motion of the waves, the sounds of the birds, and the view of the islands in the distance, all offer a wonderful respite form the city. The islands are a great getaway.
The main island is home to the Centreville Amusement Park and a petting zoo. With over 600 acres of parkland, there are various rides and attractions for families with children. Also on Centre Island is the Franklin Children’s Garden, based on stories by Franklin the Turtle, it is an interactive garden where kids can participate in gardening and storytelling.
I like to head over to Ward’s and Algonquin Islands, where there are about 250 residential homes, all very different from each other. From the Victorian to the eclectic, with sizes ranging from estates to toolsheds, some of the homes are conservative, while others boast pink shutters with purple trim, brightly coloured doors, one even has flowers sprouting out of a toilet bowl on the front lawn.
And there’s Hanlan’s Point Beach, well-known to nudists in Toronto, where clothing is optional.
All of these islands are connected to the mainland by several ferry services.
Once on the islands, you can rent a bicycle or a canoe, take a leisurely walk through the
gardens, or even have a picnic.

www.toronto.ca/parks/island/index.htm
Via Ferrydocks at 9 Queen’s Quay West
+ 1 416 397 2626
Google map: bit.ly/oT2iiI

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The Conservatory and park were established in the downtown core over 100 years ago. The Conservatory consists of six Victorian-style greenhouses containing flowers and plants from all over the world, ranging from seasonal to exotic tropical plants. In December, you can see over 40 different types of poinsettias; in spring, tulips, hyacinths, hydrangeas and Easter lilies; and in the summer, roses, and orchids, to name a few. The grounds are open every day of the year, from 10 AM until 5 PM.

www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/tours/allangardens.htm
777 Lawrence Avenue East Toronto, Ontario M3C 1P2
+1 416 397 1340
Google map: bit.ly/klhR0r

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