Island feeling

Hot again, and, today pure sun and dark blue skies. By streetcar we went to The Ontario Legislative Building first, seat of the province's parlimanent. Opened newly in 1909 in Richardsonian Romanesque style, it was the meeting place of Ontario's Legislature since 1893. Just this morning, they were hoisting a huge Canada Flag at the front fassade for Canada Day on July 1, celebrating the anniversary of Canadian Confederation which occurred on July 1, 1867.

The campus of the University of Toronto "U of T" is closeby, connected by Queen's Park. The university is considered a global leader in research and teaching. The main campus, the St. George campus, is conveniently located in downtown Toronto. Other buildings and more campuses are spread out all over Greater Toronto, attended by over 68,400 students.

 

 

What a luxury: lunch (salmon) in the air-conditioned restaurant of the Chelsea Hotel with an old friend of us. We have stayed here several times before. The Chelsea is the largest hotel in Canada with 1,590 rooms, located in downtown. Photo on the right, below, shows more fantastic modern architecture there.

On to Jack Layton Ferry Terminal by subway to catch a ferry to the  Toronto Islands - also called the Island, or Toronto Island Park. Located in Lake Ontario it's only a 13-minute, inexpensive ferry ride from downtown Toronto. And, it was a first for us, too!  

 

 

The Island is actually a group of 15 islands inter-connected by pathways and bridges. There are swimming beaches, sports facilities, bike, canoe and kayak rentals, a marina, an amusement park, a historic church, a trout pond, a lighthouse and much more.

 

There are three routes, we took the ferry to Ward's Island, which was a good decision. It is the  most residential of the Toronto Islands, with a small beach and a beautiful, shady, green boardwalk along the lakefront. From there we walked approximately 5 kms to Hanlan's Point. 

 

Centre Island with the Centreville amusement park is located about half-way, and more of a hub for families and fun. There are gardens, a family farm, a pier and family beaches as well. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next stop: Gibraltar Point Beach and Lighthouse, the best beach in our opinion! Wish we would have had more time and a bathing suit.

 

 

Hanlan's Point is located west of Centre Island - closest to the Bishop airport - and officially recognized as "Clothing Optional". Also, Hanlan's Point is the oldest surviving queer space in Canada, with nearly a  century of queer history.  

Departure from Hanlan's Point:

 

We spent a wonderful couple of hours on the islands, and, though we were sweaty and exhausted at the end, it was a great day which ended in ,,, another brewery: Left Field. We had a tasting and tour there at 6 pm and enjoyed the rest of the evening on our patio. Last evening in Toronto!