East of Eden: Toronto Islands

It appears some people do actually visit this Blog as I've heard some recent complaints that I should be posting something a little more often. So mea culpa - I will strive to do better.

So this weekend a trip was made out to the Toronto Islands taking advantage of the sunny spring weather that has been absent for so long (it's been mostly cold and damp these past few weeks). The Toronto Islands are a special place and thankfully at this time of year at least remain a bit of a secret getaway. It is amazing that after a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto you are transported to what feels like a combination of park and small town.

Willows and water, Centre island near Centreville

A stop for lunch was made once getting off of the ferry at Centre Island. After that it was off walking south to the pier on the south shore of Centre Island.

The Centre island pier

Directions, Centre island

On the boardwalk to Ward's island

Walking east from Centre Island towards Ward’s island you follow a path that soon leads to a boardwalk. The boardwalk extends to Ward’s island and hugs the shore with a breakwater along the one side. Strolling along the boardwalk it’s hard to imagine that you are only minutes away from downtown Toronto. It’s enchanting with the water lapping at the shore, birds chirping in the background and the occasional visit by ducks or swans.

A view of The Rectory cafe from the boardwalk

Once on Ward’s Island the boardwalk passes several buildings including a former residence that has been converted into a restaurant. The Rectory as it is known is beside the boardwalk and has a large patio outdoors facing the boardwalk and Lake Ontario. It is shaded by a large stand of trees and is an ideal place to stop, have a meal or glass of wine, relax and people watch.

A view looking south from the patio of The Rectory cafe


The boardwalk on Ward's Island

Swans viewed from the boardwalk

View of the way to the beach on Ward's island

After a few glasses of wine it was off to the residences of Ward’s Island (yes there is a small community of people that still live on Ward’s island full time). At one time there were permanent homes on all of the Toronto Islands however most were removed in the late 50’s and early 60’s to convert the space into parkland. There is definitely a small town feel to the Ward’s Island community. Many of the residents have gone to great lengths to decorate their homes and there is a whimsical playful feel to it as you’ll see in some of the photos.