How to get around: Catch the Ward's Island ferry from docks at the foot of Toronto's Bay Street. Walk or cycle but avoid pricey Bixi bike rentals in favor of those behind the Sheraton on the harbor Once at Ward's pick up a Toronto Island Grannies in Spirit bike tour pamphlet for a toonie (that's two Canadian dollars). Explore historic houses the boardwalk unique feshwater coastal dunes Toronto's oldest landmark (Gibraltar Point Lighthouse) and the nude beach at Willow Gate (among thers).
What to read before you go: A Magical Place: Toronto Island and Its People by Bill Freeman (1999) tells the islands sometimes fraught history and includes archival and currents photographs.
When to go: Summer is prime time for beaches the boardwalk and Centreville Amusement Park. Still the hush of midwinter brings brilliant skating on lagoons that link all 15 Toronto Islands.
Where to stay: Live like an islander in one of a handful of B and Bs or rental cottages on Ward's or Algonquin. The Boathouse at 5 Third Street or Ward' s Islands is a compact home away from home apartment with Kitchen washer dryer bedroom and bath minutes from the water.
Just a ten minute ferry ride and a world away from Toronto' s chrome and glass core is the boho oasis of Ward's and Algonquin Islands on the Toronto Islands archipelago cut off from the mainland during a violent storm in 1858. The communities of 262 quirky cottages on tidy treed lanes date back to confederation in 1867 when leading Toronto families summered here. There were no cars then and still none allowed today. Only owner's children and spouses can now inherit properties. I don' t think there' s anyone on the island that does n't appreciate it every day marvels second generation Ward's Island resident April Hickox a photography professor.
Tip of the day: What to buy: Local art abounds from established names to newcomers sculptor painters photographers many of whom work from affordable retreat space at Artscape Gibraltar Point. See interpretations of islands life displayed for ale at both the Rectory Gallery and the Island Cafe with the latter hosting an arts festival Labor Day weekend.
Fun fact: A popular amusement park in late 1800s at Hanlon's Point on the archipelago's east end included a professional baseball stadium where in 1914 a 19 year old Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run.
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