Lake

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A Toronto Islands Kind of Adventure

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As one of Toronto's top attractions, Toronto Islands is a great escape from the city life. Spend the summer day taking part in one of the many activities that the islands offer.

Let's Get Started

To get to Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, you can either take the TTC or walk there. It's located at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay. 

TTC: From Union Station, take the 509 Harbourfront or 510 Spadina streetcar south to the Bay and Queen Quay stop. Head south down the street to reach the ferry terminal. 

Walk: From Union Station, walk south down Bay Street. You'll eventually reach the park entrance via the walkway between Westin Harbour Castle hotel and Harbour Castle condominiums. It only takes 10 minutes. 

Toronto Islands: You'll need to take the ferry to get to the island. Depending on what activities you want to do, you can choose which section of island to visit. Enjoy the ride over and spend the day out in the sun exploring.

Notes: 

  • Ferry rides: $7.25/adult; $4.75/student(19 and under) or senior; $3.50/junior (14 and under). The price is for round-trip. The ferry comes about every half hour. It's a 15 minute ride. Peak hours are from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m, so try to avoid those times if you can. 
  • Bike Rentals: You'll need an identification card to rent. It's cash only and there's a deposit fee as well that varies depending on which bike you're renting. The minimum rental is 1 hour and you're only given 5 minute leeway before you're charged for another half hour, so be punctual! You can choose between a single bike, tandem bike, two-seater or 4-seater quadricycle. Rental is on Centre Island, but feel free to explore both ends of the islands. 
  • The island has Centreville, beaches, canoeing and kayaking, bike rentals, festivals (depending on the day), restaurants and picnic areas. 

Happy Adventuring!

8 Steps on How To Canoe: Killarney Provincial Park Edition

Ever wanted to try canoeing? It's a pretty fun outdoor activity where you can experience the water, feel the breeze in your hair and increase your aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. Paddling allows you to travel and see sights only accessible by water.

Let's get started! Below is a list of steps on how to canoe:
 

Step 1: Buy or rent a canoe
If you can afford it, buying a canoe is ideal since you can use it on multiple trips. But it can get pretty expensive and you will need a place store it after. So, if you're on a budget like us, opt for renting a canoe at a park. It's pretty affordable and will range between $30-50 depending on whether you're renting for a half day or full day. 

Step 2: Acquire canine companion (optional)
Now this is dependent on your canine companion.

Is your dog well-trained? Will your dog listen? Is your dog calm? If the answer is yes, then you can bring your dog and have an enjoyable time.

If the answer is no, then you could still bring your dog. Just note that you'll have an interesting time. And by interesting, I mean difficult. 

Step 3: Use insect spray
Use the insect spray before starting this activity because large bodies of water are a great mating ground for insects.

Step 4: Gear up! 
Life jacket? 
Paddle?
Canoe?
Swimsuit?
Water shoes?
Sunscreen? 
Hat?
Whistle?
Dry bag?
Emergency bag?

Step 5: Get into the canoe
Position the canoe so it's perpendicular to the shore. It should be half in and half out of the water. The person at the front and middle get in first and the last person pushes the canoe into the water. Once it's in, jump in.

Step 6: Start paddling
Start paddling forward. Sit upright, lean forward and place one hand at the paddle's grip and the other hand in the centre of the shaft. Pull through the water alongside the boat. Remember to paddle on opposite sides of each other. When you're tired, let your canoe mates know so they can switch sides. 

If your sitting at the back, you have the special job of steering the canoe. The canoe will often veer to the left or right. To correct this, paddle on the same side. 

Step 7: Start exploring! 
Are there islands to visit?
Rock formations to see?
Vegetation you want to check out?
Is there a beaver dam?
Is there a waterfall?
Are there more lakes to see?

Step 7: DON'T TIP THE CANOE! 
Make sure all your weight isn't positioned onto one side of the canoe. Our lovely canine companion decided to lean over to the same side as us. This was while we were paddling on the same side. We had to deal with a scared dog while trying to flip the canoe over. 

 If you can, avoid it, especially in deep water. 

Step 8: Landing the canoe
Position the canoe perpendicular to the shore. Slow the speed down because you don't want to damage the canoe. Once it hits the shoreline, get out and pull it further inwards. 

Happy Adventuring!