Nature, beaches and modern infrastructure are the first things that pleasantly surprise tourists in Toronto. Not far from the city center, there are 15 islands, which the locals call Island Park. This is a paradise where you can relax from the active rhythm of city life, have fun and admire the views and sights of the metropolis. Learn more at toronto-name.

History of the Toronto Islands

At the end of the eighteenth century, there was a peninsula near Toronto called Menecing. Native American tribes lived there until 1787. Then the British came. They built buildings and placed their garrison there, but after the British-American War, everything was destroyed.

In 1852, a violent storm separated the peninsula from the mainland. As a result, several separate islands appeared in the Ontario River. In 1867, the federal government and a new city called Toronto appeared here. After that, it was allowed to build new houses and develop the area around it.

In 1899, a small town appeared on the island. People from other cities came here and paid $10 a season to relax by the water. It was rebuilt in 1937. On the island were built several entertainment zones, a stadium for basketball and football, as well as an airport. It was put into operation in 1939. During the First World War, pilots were trained there, and since 1984 it has been used for flights to other cities.

According to the decision of the Toronto city authorities, the territory of the nearby islands continued to be developed with new structures. In the 1950s, there were about 630 houses with comfortable living conditions: cinemas, bowling alleys, shops, dance floors and more. Later, the construction of a highway along the waterfront began. In 1967, the Centerville amusement park and a new marina were built. Since then, the islands have become part of a large metropolis and a popular summer vacation destination. As a result, many Canadians have moved here. In 1969, the Toronto Islands’ Residents Association was founded.

Why visit the Toronto Islands?

At the end of the 20th century, the islands around the metropolis turned into a large area of entertainment and outdoor recreation. In the course of several decades, several beaches, promenades and places for walking along the water with beautiful views of the city have appeared here. Also, many different buildings appeared on the islands: churches, schools and attractions.

In 1965, a yacht club and a canoe club were opened on Algonquin Island. Since then, water sports have been very popular here. Locals and tourists come here to ride boats, yachts, kayaks…

In 1988, an international boating festival began to be held annually on the Toronto Islands. A golf course and tennis courts have also been built near downtown. There are marinas and many places to walk on the islands. There are benches, tourist cabins and picnic areas along the shores.

The islands can be reached by any type of water transportation, such as ferry or yacht. The most popular and cheapest is the water taxi, which regularly brings tourists and locals here. It has been running from downtown Toronto to the islands since the early 20th century. 

It is interesting for both children and adults. Anyone can visit any of the islands as they are connected by bridges. On the islands in Toronto, there are carousels, a small farm, a children’s train and sports grounds. During the walks you can have a snack in a café or restaurant or have a picnic on the shore and if you want you can go to another island.