Toronto

 

 

On the 26th we decided to take the kids and grandkid down to Toronto and then go over to the islands just off the coast to the south. We had never been and being Sunday and the weather at 75ish and clear we said, "let's go."

 

As we got there the ferry line contained about 1000 people so we opted for a water taxi for about $3 more and no one in line ... cool. 

 

Below is the Toronto skyline from the boat as we approached the island. There are three islands just to the south of Toronto; one has the city airport, the other has a yacht club and marina, and the center island, our destination, has an amusement park, beach, pirate venture, and many walking paths and picnic areas.



 

Once into the amusement park we let Ev pick his choice of rides. His real fascination is with trains and this one was a long ride through some older weeping willows and other mature trees through the island. This park has been here since the 1800's and is a favorite for the folks in Toronto to escape some summer heat.

And old Grandpa acting like he is 5. Actually it was a pretty good log ride and Ev was really unhappy at this point by the amount of water that his Gramps had splashed on him in addition to what washed over the front of the log. Good fun on a warm day in some really neat shade trees.

Ev in his little boy glory driving the car and clanging the bell ... this ride probably not changed much in over 100 years.

And then in a more somber moment looking at the swans and their new young ones ... he doesn't pause much, but this was a cool moment.

On the way back to the city waiting for the ferry to the left of the picture you can see the relationship to the city. About a 15-20 minute ride on the ferry but you get the iconic views of Toronto that you just can't get while matching bumpers with the 3 million residents over there.

Center Island is a must do location for a weekend if you are in Toronto, especially with kids. Even without the young ones it was a really neat location for a day in the park with wildlife and picnics and we were glad Ev had talked us into this one ... especially when you feel that you are in this oasis so far ... but so close to so many people.