Toronto Island

The weather has been amazing since the first day we arrived here back in early June, but of late we have noticed that the wind chill factor has increased, there are more clouds in the skies and the days are ending earlier. We have been so lucky that the weather has allowed Mel and I to do some wonderful sightseeing and enjoy the outdoors, especially as we are about to go into a winter like we have never experienced before. So before the weather turns to ugly we have decided to do as many outdoor activities as we can before we are snowed in.

Geographically speaking Toronto sits right at the foot of Lake Ontario. It is a freshwater lake of course, being inland and all, and I think we have mentioned in earlier posts that the harbourfront down here is not nearly as spectacular as Sydney's, and as it's not an area that is heavily populated during the winter. It just lacks that vibe of entertainment and excitement that we think a harbour should have.


Having said that though, one of the biggest drawcards to the harbourfront though is to get on a ferry and travel about 10 minutes across to Toronto Island. The ferry themselves are very similar to the old blue-and-white ferries that were used to travel from Sorrento to Queenscliff, for those who have been on them and can remember them. As we got on Roxy made herself comfortable on a seat close to the window and peered out at all of the yachts and boats that were sailing around us. This is one of my favourite photos that Mel has taken of her.


Before Roxy to got too comfortable we were pulling in to the dock at the island. Or should I say islands. It is actually three islands in one with centre island being the gateway, Ward's Island to the left and Hamlyn's point to the right.

We were heading to Centre Island as it has the most activities and sights to see and if we got to the other two that would be a bonus. It was lunchtime so we decided to go for a bite to eat at the Carousel cafe. It was a beautiful walk through the open gardens and over footbridges to get to this place and we were given a seat at a table with a perfect view of one of the dividing streams. We watched many people in kayaks row past and there were people who had anchored their private boats just for the day to visit the island. Once again Roxy found a new animal she had never encountered, a Peacock! Suffice to say neither of them particularly wanted to be friends.


Centre Island has an amusement park called Centreville and as we entered it had a very carnival and show like atmosphere. It was like going back in time though, as a lot of the rides and the game booths were like something you would see at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. Most of the rides are aimed at children but I could tell Mel was itching to get on the log ride or try the bumper boats out on the lake. Oh, and Petey, we found your ride!

Also linked to the amusement park is a farm that you can stroll through called 'Far Enough Farm'. It had all the appropriate animals like cows, horses, chickens, turkeys, giant pigs and even goats, and as much as Mel and I had seen all this before we took great delight in hearing the children and their parents ooh & aah over these creatures that some had probably never seen before.

Mel also finally found a chair that was perfect for her long legs.

It was photo heaven as Mel got shutter button happy while we were walking through the gardens towards the hedge maze.

You must read this next phrase in your best David Attenborough voice ok.

"Here we are at the typical squirrel feeding spot. Oh Look, here we have one right now eating right at the base of this tree. We won't show you the next photo, as it reveals what happens when you mix an inquisitive Labrador with your garden variety rodent" ......... just kidding.

As you can see it was a flora and fauna veritable delight.

On the south side of this island is the beach set out in true California Sunset Strip style, minus the bikini clad rollerbladers and iron pumping weightlifters. In fact the beach was pretty barren, but we could imagine what it would be like in summer when the hordes of people travel over here in the hotter days.

On our way back we passed Franklins Children's Garden where I found my first wheelchair accessible set of lookout binoculars (truth be told I think they were for the kids seeing as the only thing it looked at was the Rabbit and the Turtle statue .... I think they got it wrong, as I remember it being the Tortoise and the Hare).



It had been a long day of walking around the Centre Island and there was no way we were going to be able to fit in the other two. We were given a tip off by one of my carers about a beautiful cafe called The Rectory on Wards Island which unfortunately was closed on that day so we plan to go back there again in the near future. As we were heading back over to the dock we passed another beautiful bridge. The wonderful thing about this bridge was that it was situated right where the ferry pulls in and you are forced to look back at the city across the lake. It was then we realised what a beautiful city it is and how lucky we are to be here.