If you feel like a day out the city without having to go too far away, then a ferry ride to Toronto’s Centre Island might be just what you need.
What to do when you get there is entirely up to you. The island features 21 picnic areas with six fire pits, so bring your backyard and hamburgers over for a birthday, family or “just because it’s Saturday” barbecue.
If sport is what relaxes you, ground it out at one of three volleyball courts or score runs at one of two baseball diamonds.
Or just take it easy at one of the five wading pools.
Entertaining an out-of-town or out-of-country guest? Bring them, camera in hand, to some of the tourist attractions, beginning with a little history at the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, the oldest landmark in Toronto.
Then head on over to the Franklin Children’s Garden where kids can enjoy storytelling and even a little gardening if they please. Open daily, for the ‘adrenaline junkies’ is the Centreville Amusement Park with over 30 rides and attractions. Followed by the Far Enough Farm featuring a variety of barnyard animals available for petting. Horses, donkeys, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, peacocks and geese will make you say “emu!”
The island also hosts small-scale events and beach parties. Perhaps one of the more anticipated this summer is the Corona Sunsets Music Festival happening in August.
But if all you really want to do is get away, find a nice spot to read a book, or take a walk out in the open air, then simply do so while enjoying the view of Lake Ontario on one side and the city skyline on the other side.
It really is a refreshing escape from downtown.
