What the deuce? How had I never been here before today, considering the proximity to my home? Mind-boggling. The Leslie Spit and Tommy Thompson Park are wonderfully hidden landmarks at the foot of (duh) Leslie Street just south of the Canadian Tire/Loblaws complex at Lakeshore. Get here easily by the Queen streetcar and then walk south...it's about 5km each way and perfect for cycling, running, leisurely walks or hangouts by the water. Come here for uncrowded views of the city - unlike Ashbridges or Centre Island you won't have to fight hordes of people here. There's a lovely community garden as well as an art project made entirely of copper pipes and bricks - slightly voodoo-esque but pretty nonetheless.
Beware the gnat swarms (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7Jkv-GEz_s).