Island getaway

Every summer I look forward to so many things to do in and around the city, one of which is to go to the Toronto Islands.  How many other cities can boast about having an escape like the Toronto Islands just minutes from the downtown core, with the choice of three ferries taking you there-each of which having a different travelling experience on the way, and the end destination being equally as individual as the other.

 As a child I spent several summers on the islands attending day camp from the end of June to the end of August primarily at Hanlans point, with the odd overnighter on snake island at the other end of the 570 acre stretch of land. Not much has changed on the islands since I first stepped foot there in 1979, The island airport still remains, a clothing optional beach still attracts many- (only gaining an official designation a few years ago), and the grounds littered with goose poop is a natural occurance many take in stride in exchange for the calm surroundings and breathtaking view of the city.  The one thing that I can always count on changing is the view of the skyline from the islands.  Beginning as you leave the ferry docks at the foot of Bay, it doesn't matter what vessel you take, with cameras in hand and the breeze off the lake, nothing beats the view of the city as you approach the islands.  Living in the city for years, or a tourist here for a week, you always seem to find a new angle or different appreciation for the breathtaking skyline we scurry through in the winter months, but can look at from a distance in the warmer weather.  This summer will be no exception to that rule.  With the amount of development in the city over the past 12 months, one can only imagine how many cranes will be visible from the islands this summer.  I look forward to seeing the new additions every year and feel a sense of pride watching the little city that once was, filling into a bigger version of itself building by building.

There are so many things to enjoy on the islands that one trip a year just doesn't suffice.  With so many festivals and other events now taking place over there, it really gives people something to look forward to -not only to get away from the insanity of the streets, but also to enjoy events without the worries of dealing with traffic.  Many who venture over to the islands rarely explore it from one end to the other. Many hear about the 262 homes on Wards island, but never actually discover it for themselves. This jewel of a community, is truly a unique look at what island life in the big city is like.  With narrow lanes wide enough to accommodate bikes and pedestrians dividing every couple of homes from the others, walking through this community you forget that you are only minutes away from downtown.  Cafes, restaurants, a fire station,  amusement park and a public school are only some of the amenities the residents here can take advantage of.  Beginning a day on the islands at Hanlans point and wrapping it up at Wards complete with sunburn and sand in your toes, is truly the perfect summer day in the city.  I write this blog after a warm 4 day preview of weather soon to come, with hopes of many sunny days spent on the islands this summer.

The newest additions to the skyline will be compliments of the new Concord Cityplace development just west of the CN Tower.  I was lucky enough to spend a day taking some great photos and exploring the new community there a few days ago, and will be doing an article about the history, and what the end result for this neighbourhood will be in a weeks time.