Toronto Islands

• The Toronto Islands are a chain of small islands just offshore the Toronto city center. It is no surprise they are a popular recreational destination. They are also home to a small residential community and to the Toronto City Airport. Not counting service vehicles, the islands comprise the largest urban car-free community in North America:
  

  

  On a Sunday with near-perfect weather, we ferried to Ward’s Island (far left above):
  

  

  While walking to the bike rental in the center of that island, we enjoyed some peaceful views of downtown Toronto:
  

  

  Claiming our tandem at 11 am, we pedaled to Hanlan’s Point at the far end of Ward’s Island. There, we learned a bit about local hero Edward Hanlan, who was a world champion rower in the 19th century --- as every school kid in Toronto could have told us:
  

  

  On our return, we stopped briefly at the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. Built in 1808, this is the oldest stone building in Toronto and the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Great Lakes:
  

  

  After more exploration on wheels, we ambled through Centreville Amusement Park. It was abuzz with activity, as might be expected on such a fine Sunday afternoon:
  

  

  

  Eventually, we called it a day and boarded the ferry at Centre Island for the short hop back to Toronto. Shopsy’s Bar and Grill was setting up for an entertainment special we were destined to miss: