The Islands

The Toronto Islands were originally a peninsula. But a raging storm in 1858 separated them from the mainland. European settlement of the Islands began in the 1830s, when they were used as a fishing base. In the 1920s the wealthier citizens of the city started retreating there in the summer. Soon the Islands became a popular weekend destination. Crowds flocked to a baseball stadium – Babe Ruth hit his first professional homer there – and an amusement park.

Today, Wards and Algonquin islands are the only ones with full-time residents. The Centreville amusement park is still popular and the city’s citizens still retreat to the Islands.

Ideal Destination
Hanlan’s Point Beach offers everyone the chance to get that full-body tan they’ve been wanting. Clothing is optional on this stretch of sand.

Interesting Fact
The Royal Norwegian Air Force used Toronto’s Island airport as a training centre during World War II.

The Waterfront

Every Toronto beach has its own fans when it comes time to beat the heat. Ashbridges Bay Beach is a volleyball mecca. Sunnyside Beach has its historical Bathing Pavilion. And Centre Island Beach is popular with picnickers. Ontario Place is also on the lake. The triodetic-dome that houses the cinesphere, the world’s first permanent IMAX theatre, makes it easy to spot.

Major Event
Every Simcoe Day, Fort York explodes in celebration. There are platoons of red-coated grenadiers marching, war re-enactments and cannon-firing demonstrations.

Ideal Destination
Waterworks aren’t often on the list of a city’s tourist draws. But Toronto takes a great deal of pride in the R.C. Harris Filtration Plant. Located at the east end of The Beaches neighbourhood, it is an Art Deco masterpiece. Here the city’s water is tested every four hours. Tours are offered, but call ahead.