Postcard from THE TORONTO ISLANDS

By Isabella Noble

Looking across to downtown Toronto

baked blueberry scone at Runaway Cafe – a babypink pop-up coffee truck opposite tiny Algonquin Island, near the alsopopular Riviera patio restaurant on Ward’s.

On summer evenings, my partner and I join a soothing sunset paddleboarding trip with Toronto Island SUP. Heading out from Algonquin Bridge, our

Regular 15-minute ferries run year round between Toronto’s Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and Ward’s Island

Ward’s Island

small group weave through meandering boat-lined canals, before emerging on the harbour front as the sun blazes orangey-pink over the Toronto skyline. We also cycle the entire length of the islands, from Ward’s dock to Gibraltar Point Lighthouse (a local landmark since 1808) and on past clothing-optional Hanlan’s Beach to the edge of Billy Bishop airport. A few private-rental homes on the islands now even offer the chance to wake up here and savour the serene morning atmosphere. Come September, all those lush trees will turn fiery red and by the end of the year the islands will be covered in snow – for now though, it’s easy to see why this blissful place is Toronto’s favourite summer escape.

This small but perfectly formed Greek island may look old and traditional, but its attitude and outlook couldn’t be more forward thinking if it tried

By Clare Hargreaves