Who knew there was something like this?!? A cool island, a short distance away from the busy city center.
On Labour Day weekend, my friend and I were visiting Toronto. We decide to visit Toronto Island, as we were staying in downtown anyways, and wanted something to do for the rest of the afternoon.
Upon reaching the ferry dock, there was a massive line up. We were about to turn around, and do some shopping in Yorkville instead, when right by the Second Cup, we see these small raft style boats. There seemed to be a much smaller line up for these, so we inquire. We believe they're private companies that also go to the Toronto Island. They would charge us $10 per person, which would take us to Hanlan's point, and then we can take the free regular ferry back to the mainland. Given there were only a few people in the line up, we joined in. The ride there was kind of fun; a small raft, driven by a young teenager..lunch in one hand.
To me, the island felt like a little escape from the tall towers in the Toronto City Center. We walk along a path, which evenutally leads us to the Amusement Park. Lots and lots of kids and families were present. This park was huge!!
There were many cool rides, and food stalls reminded me of the carnivals in the 70s. Cotton candy, hot dogs...and a new found love-funnel cake!! We got one with the 'works', sugar, whipped cream....yummy!!
Many of the rides were targeted to younger kids though. You can purchase single tickets for the rides, mulitiple tickets, or a day pass. We did go one one ride where we sit in gondolas and it goes through the park. It was relaxing.
We walked around the island a bit more. It's pretty cool; like a large park, but surrounded by water. I would like to come back to do a day of bike riding. We had no problem getting back to the mainland from the ferry on Center Island.
There's a great view of the city skyline from the island. A great little getaway from the city. We had a very fun filled afternoon!