What I love about Toronto is its diversity. The city center has high and modern buildings, but the surrounding neighborhoods are green and have a wide set up. The fact that it is located near a huge lake makes the city very attractive. The islands in front of Toronto are worth a visit on their own.
Bike Share Toronto
I rented one of the many, orange-shared bicycles of Bike Share in Toronto. There are many locations in the city where you can get a bike and cycle to your next location. You can rent the bike per minute or what I did bought a day pass for 15 CAD $ for 90 minutes. Easy with an app which you need to download and off you go!! The bikes are good and I had no problems with locations or empty or full stations. So from my Airbnb I cycled to the Toronto Harbourfront where the ferries leave to the island. Lovely ride passing the Exhibition Place and National Yacht Club. Putting my rental bike in the station at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Easy by Ferry
At the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal you can buy your return ticket (adult CAD $9.11) to the Toronto Islands. You can take three ferries; to Ward’s Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point. I took the ferry to Ward’s Island which will take you about 30 minutes. On land you can walk around that part of the island. This part of the island has the best panoramic view of the skyline of Toronto.
What do you think? Nice view of the skyline from here?
I love the quiet neighborhood and cute houses in this green area. There is a stunning beach nearby called Ward’s Island Beach including bay watch. Perfect to chill and swim and spend some time here, especially on a hot and sunny day!
Time for coffee! I walked to a very nice coffee place The Riviera + Runaway Café. The pink caravan and the surroundings are very cute, perfect for a cookie and coffee and soak up some sun.
What is so perfect, the Bike Share Toronto has stations here on the islands as well!! So at the ferry locations you can find the bike stations but also on other parts of the island. Got myself a bike and cycled onward over the island. There is a main road with some small bridges to the other islands, like Snake and North and South Chippewa Island. I made several stops including one at the Centre Island Pier close to the next beach on the island. This part of the island has an huge amusement park. Perfect for visiting with children! After walking and cycling back I took the ferry back to the mainland of Toronto.
Did you know that the old ferries will be replaced by brand new ones somewhere in 2025!
The last part of the island is less interesting because an airport is located there, I heard less beautiful but with a large beach as well.
Lovely to spend a day on the island; on the beach, cycling and sightseeing, sailing around the islands or join the amusement parks. The islands have to offer a lot for everybody; perfect getaway from the busier city of Toronto!
Have you done the Bike Tour trough Toronto yet?
