19 Things on a Toronto Islands Day Trip. Explore Toronto.

Today, we are going to tour you around Toronto Islands by bike and show you 19 fun, mostly free, activities you can squeeze into one day. But first! Let's celebrate the fact that our islands now have the City Bike Share program which makes touring Ward's Island, Centre Island and Hanlan's Point very possible in one day. With 250 bikes and 4 docking stations, there are plenty to go around. An all-day pass for $15 is the best deal. Just swap out a new bike every 90 minutes.  We're starting our day from Ward's Island. You can either take the ferry for $9 (adult) or one of the many water taxis cruising through the Toronto Harbour for $14.  There are approximately 15 kilometres of  bike trails connecting Ward's Island, Centre Island and Hanlan's Point. The ride is mostly flat and paved, making it a casual way to see all points of these three main islands.  First on the list: Views of the City. The islands offer a great way to see the CN Tower. Perfect Photo ops.  Number Two: The Island Cafe. This establishment took a hit last here from a fire, but are now up and running offering restaurant, take away and cafe service. Number 3: All the islands have blue flag beaches, which means they reach high quality water standards. There are definite highlights to Ward's Island we'll share near the end. But Let's continue to number 4: The Pier on Centre Island. Benches and fun signage depicting distances to Canadian cities are enjoyed by its visitors. The Pier is known as a great lookout spot over Lake Ontario.  It's also central to some great restaurants, bathroom facilities and snack bars.  Number 5 on our list: The many fountains and garden spaces around Centre Island. Number 6: Get lost in the William Meany Hedge Maze with its dense, 1,200 black cedar trees. Number 7: The amusement park on Centre Island. Comprised of over 30 rides and family attractions, it takes visitors through its western town setting. It has 14 food outlets, picnic areas, haunted house, wading pool, splash pad, mini roller coasters, the popular Log Flume ride, pony rides, aerial skyride and petting farm. Stop in at the Toronto Island BBQ and Beer Company for a frosty bevvie on the patio near the main ferry terminal. Number 8. Number 9: Gibraltar Point Beach. Again, this is a blue flag beach, the international symbol for excellence in environmental management, which means clean water and clean beaches. From here we head to Number 10 if we keep heading west toward the Gibraltar Lighthouse, where Toronto's first murder occurred back in 1815. From the lighthouse, we head up to Hanlan's Point which has deep historical roots with the LGBTQ+ community since the very first Pride event was held right here in 1971. Hey! Congratulations! You've biked over 5km so far! And you've reached  Number 11 on our list: The longest rainbow road in the world at 600 metres.  Number 12: Hanlan's Point Beach. Warning, clothing is optional! Another prideful blue flag beach. We're heading back to Ward's Island, but we'll stop at Snake Island along the way...just in case you want to check out number 13 on our list. Some off-the-beaten-path trails leading to quiet exploration and some great views of the city. Back from Snake Island? Try out Number 14: An 18-hole frisbee golf course among lush parklands. If you're looking for some action on the water before we highlight more of Ward's Island, check out number 15: Toronto Island SUP where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards and cruise the islands from the water.  As you cycle back to Ward's Island, check for signs leading you to the beach. You may want to park your bike near the ferry dock before hitting Number 16: The trailhead for the boardwalk. If not, you can just hop off and walk since no bikes are allowed here. This 1.5 km trail has breathtaking views of the lake and wraps around the southern piece of Ward's Island. It's  incredible! Since you may not want to trek the entire way leading back to centre island, we suggest you stop at one of our favourite spots. Either through the gate from the boardwalk itself, or the front entrance on the northern side. We're talking about the Riviera Kitchen. Number 17. Definitely a great oasis after exploring the island. Under the canopies of breezy trees along Lake Ontario's shore, you'll find a welcoming spot that offers drinks and food and friendly company.  Once you're back on the boardwalk, be sure to tour around the quaint streets of the Ward Island community, where no cars are allowed. Yes, people live here year round, so please be respectful of the neighbourhood. These cottages and homes have been living the peaceful, island life for decades and the architecture of some of these homes is worth appreciating. Enjoy touring Number 18. And lastly, Number 19! The free ferry ride back to the mainland. Yep, free! Even if you arrive to the islands by water taxi,  City of Toronto's Island Ferry's return trip is free.  F3LK8M8WALFLR4IF 4YPQUJLN6GLULI3Q