The Toronto Island: A Little Slice of Heaven

The Toronto Island Park (key word is Park, or else you'll end up at the airport) is a quick and fairly cheap ferry ride away from downtown. There are no cars allowed on the island itself except for the little army of maintenance vehicles that are there, but I would highly suggest bringing your bike along or renting one when you get there. There are a lot of different trails you can take in order to see the whole island or simply just peddle from beach to beach, stopping on your way at the various vendors to have a quick bite to eat and drink.

Bicycling on the Island. (May 2013). bikingtoronto.com

If you feel like getting a paddle wet, but of course don't want to be carrying a canoe or kayak on the ferry, there are several locations you can rent one from Paddle Toronto for a couple of hours so you can explore the waters edge. If you have never been in a canoe or kayak, the staff that rent it to you will give you a quick run down of what to do and some tips on how to make your experience a little bit better!

Canoeing Around the Island. (July 2012). fashweekly.com

For the little ones, a highlight of the Island is the Centreville Amusement Park located in the middle of the island with rides and games to keep them entertained for hours. The amusement park opens a few hours after the first ferry and closes several hours before the last, ensuring that you have plenty of time to get back to the mainland.

Centreville Train. www.travel-images.com

Of course, you can't forget about the beaches that are on the south side of the island! Be careful, there is a nude beach on Toronto Island, so if this makes you uncomfortable, be sure to avoid that area. There is plenty of traditional beaches on the Toronto Island, filled with locals and tourists, boaters who are anchored just off shore. Many people come prepared for the entire day, bringing picnic lunches and plenty of beach games and sunscreen. If you're there on a nice clear day, the sunset off of the west beach is one you will happily sit and watch, just be prepared for there to be a crowd at the ferry afterwards.

Megan Green. Toes in the Sand. August 2014. 

For such a small island, there is an abundance of things to do for every age group and several festivals throughout the year. So when the weather is supposed to be really nice or there is an event on that particular weekend, be sure to arrive at the ferry earlier so you can beat the crowds (a mistake I will make only once) and allow yourself to pick out a great spot on the grass or on the sand. Escape the city within city limits!

Under the Sea, In the Middle of the City

Constructed only a few years ago, the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is located in the heart of Toronto. There is so much to do in the city on those gorgeous sunny days, since we are blessed to have some amazing parks and tonnes of festivals throughout the year. It always comes to question what one should do on those rainy days and you just want to get out and about. Both the young and old will enjoy the aquarium and it is definitely a great 'date night' idea. Although the kiddies may have to enjoy the fish during the day, Ripley's aquarium has initiated a great program for those late night visitors. From 7:00pm-11:00pm tickets are cheaper (with the added bonus of a lot less people from my experience)! The much publicized jellyfish tank, that has the almost transparent sea creatures glowing with the colours of the lighting is something that you can't get anywhere close to during the day or on incredibly busy weekends, but after 7:00pm seems to be the time to catch a glimpse! 

It also means that when the kids are gone (or at least very sparse) the big kids come out to play. There are a few spots you can crawl into and experience the colourful fish all around you, or just get that bit closer to the amazing sharks the aquarium houses. For the big kids, its a great way to spend a girls night, birthday, or slow down a day hopping from patio to patio.

For the little ones, it will always be a great couple of hours, as they run around naming all of the fish they can find in relation to the Finding Nemo movie. It is always a time of excitement when they finally spot Nemo and Dori, (don't worry, its near the end, so they won't be distracted right at the beginning) and can't wait to stand in the middle of the tank and gaze at the little fish swimming in and out of the coral.

                     

To get to the aquarium from Union Station, it is an easy walk away which is an added bonus. There are also many different restaurants in the area as well as the Rogers Centre, which in the summer houses all of the Blue Jays games, a great addition to a morning at the aquarium! Whether you're trying to fill a whole day with fun things to do, or just want a unique experience on a rainy day, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is a great choice! City escapes within city limits!

Photo's Courtesy of:

Megan Green, May 10, 2015.

East End Treasure: Scarborough Bluffs

As much fun as all of those patio bars are and the hussle and bussle of the city life, there are times we just want to escape it all. The Scarborough bluffs, on the eastern limits of Toronto, give you just that opportunity. Stretching for approximately 14 km from the cities Beaches neighbourhood in the west to West Hill in the east, at its highest point the bluffs stretch about 65 meters above the water, allowing for sensational views both during the day and in the evening when the sun is setting.

You can hike it all, or just take a glimpse. Stay for an hour, or lounge around all day by the waters edge. Although the bluffs may look daunting, there is a short pathway down to the waters edge, so it is a park visitors of every age and ability may enjoy.

Windsurfing at Scarborough Bluffs. www.thishouse.ca

This is the perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of Lake Ontario with the convenience of still being on the "mainland" close to amenities and your car for those days you just want a quick escape. Although this park is a little out of the way for transit users from downtown, it's worth the hassle once you get out there.

Scarborough Bluffs. October 15, 2005. www.birchcliffnews.com  

It may be a little bit of a cool trip to make during the winter, but in late spring, summer and fall there are views you wouldn't even know could exist in the city. After growing up north of Toronto, it has been the discovery of these types of parks that have made the city feel a little more like home. For nature lovers, the Scarborough bluffs are home to some spectacular critters and birds who are always fun to photograph. So pack a lunch, bring a book and invite some friends out to the cities east end to explore one of Toronto's great wonders! City escapes within city limits!

A Cities Castle: Casa Loma

You don't always think of large spacious castles when you think of a Canadian city. In many areas within Toronto, condo buildings and office towers crowd every inch of free space and what is left is covered in concrete and streetcar tracks. Just outside the downtown core, there is an exception. Complete with manicured lawns, traditional gardens, fountains, horse stables and a castle like architecture is Casa Loma. This beautiful site was built in 1911 by a Toronto elite by the name of Henry Pellatt and his wife for the small price of $3.5 million. 

Although it is no longer a private residence, millions of people have continued to enjoy its grand ambiance since its transition into a tourist attraction in 1937. Today it is not only a museum, but also a venue used for special events and weddings. Its romantic interior allows for visitors to immerse themselves in what was Sir Henry Pellatt's life.

This indoor garden allows you to enjoy the sweet smell of flowers twelve months of the year, a welcomed experience in the dead of a Canadian winter. As you aimlessly wander through the home, you can listen to recordings available in a variety of languages to hear about the history of certain rooms and artifacts.

As you gaze at the splendour of each room that has been furnished to mimic what would have been present when the Pellatt's were living there, you begin to feel a sense of calm and elegance take over your body.

This peaceful outing is easily accessible by transit from downtown, and one that would not be forgotten. 'Casa Loma' means 'house on the hill' which is easily understood when taking in the views from the tower (or trying to hike up the hill when trying to get to the front door).

With many special events being accessible to the public, be sure to look up when they are happening so you can either decide to participate or adventure up the hill on another day. So when you're looking for something to do when you're just trying to escape the city buzz, look no further than the castle on the hill. City escapes within city limits!