Visiting the Toronto Islands During the Pandemic - What You Need to Know

Now that spring is in the air, we are craving ways to get outside, safely. And if you live in the Toronto-area, a visit to the Toronto Islands may be on your list. But how has visiting the Islands changed during the pandemic? Read on to learn what you need to know about visiting the Toronto Islands during the pandemic.

Back at the beginning March, we decided we were in need of an outdoor adventure. With the weather in our favour, we booked tickets to visit the Toronto Islands. Complete with a picnic lunch on Ward's Island Beach, it was a pretty special day - and just what our mental and physical health needed after months of isolation. 

If you have never heard of the Toronto Islands, you're missing out. They are truly a hidden gem of the city. 

But what exactly are they? And where are they located?

The Toronto Islands are a chain of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario, south of mainland Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Comprising the only group of islands in the western part of Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands are located just offshore from the city's downtown area and provide shelter for Toronto Harbour.

FUN FACT for all you baseball fans - in the 1890s-1910 a baseball stadium with capacity for 10,000 spectators was built on the west side of the Islands. Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run here.

As the weather continues to get nicer and nicer, no doubt the Islands will get busier and busier, bringing up concerns for visitors' safety during the current state. 

From the IG stories I shared about our day on the Islands, I had a few questions regarding how visiting has changed during the global pandemic and under currently provincial health and safety measures. Here is what you need to know, as stated on the City of Toronto website AND based on our own personal experience. 

What You Need to Know About Visiting the Toronto Islands During the Pandemic 

From the City of Toronto Website

Under current provincial lockdown measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, physical distancing is required when using City of Toronto parks and squares. At the time date of post publication, these are some of the COVID health and safety protocols in place when visiting the Toronto Islands via ferry.

• The ferry service is operating at half capacity and on a reduced winter schedule.
• Passengers are required to wear masks or face coverings.
• Washrooms on the ferry are closed. Washrooms are open at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (downtown Toronto side) and on Toronto Island Park
• Before using the ferry, every visitor must do the Ontario Ministry of Health self-assessment for COVID-19. If they do not pass the assessment, they should not board the ferry.

Please note, some attractions and areas on the Islands are not operating until further notice, including Centreville, Far Enough Farm and Toronto Island Camps. The Boat House and Tram Tours are also closed until further notice. Permitted activity is currently not allowed on the Island.

Ferries leave the city from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, located at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay. During the winter schedule (late-October/early November until mid-April), the ferry goes to Ward’s Island only. Some facilities may be closed. 

The current schedule can be found here. 

From Our Experience

• Tickets must be booked online in advance and are only good for the day on the ticket. Limited number of tickets sold per day to reduce crowding on the islands.
• Self-screening is in place prior to boarding.
• No clear social distancing markers in the boarding area. (If you've tried to board the ferry on a normal day, it's a cluster, like herding cattle into a squeeze. Despite knowing you should keep 6 feet apart, people were still crowding to get on.)
• Masks are mandatory on board the ferry. (And frankly, that shouldn't be a surprise.)
• The ferry schedule is modified. Only the open-air vehicle ferry is currently running to and from Ward's Island (the residential, east side). (We were on the winter schedule at the time of visiting, so this could change come mid-April.)
• The ferry service is operating at half capacity. 
• *This was our biggest complaint of the whole trip. While staff did take time to sanitize the ferry before disembarking (we watched them do this with a sprayer prior to heading back to "mainland"), we felt that it was still too crowded to possibly be at half capacity. Additionally, people tend to crowd on the outside of the boat to take photos of the Toronto skyline (guilty). 
• While I cannot comment on the washrooms onboard, the two small indoor seating areas on the open air ferries were open. Windows were cracked for ventilation. 
• Washrooms were open on the Island. Other facilities, such as food, were limited. Attractions were all closed.

Recommendations Based on Our Experience

• Bring a cooler and blanket for a picnic lunch. Before heading to the ferry terminal, we highly recommend stopping off at the St Lawrence Market to pick up your picnic supplies. (Please keep in mind, St Lawrence Market also has their own set of protocols in place, and there will likely be a lineup to get in.)
• Bring your own hand sanitizer. You will be outside majority of the time, but it is not widely available on the Islands. 
• Go early to avoid peak times. 
• Once disembarking on Ward's Island, head straight to Ward's Beach (follow the signs, a few minutes walk). Public washrooms are located near the beach. (It was also significantly warmer on this side of the island than the north, city side).
• Dogs are welcome to take the ferry and explore the Island, as long as they remain on a leash. 
• Have fun! 
• Oh, and don't forget your masks. 

Sometimes its easy to forget that isolation doesn't mean you have to stay indoors. The outdoors is good for your immune system and even better for your mental health.

Take the dog for a walk. Dust off the bikes. Turn on your favourite podcast and take a stroll around the block. Or, plan your visit to the Toronto Islands.

As the weather gets nicer, there's not excuses - just GET OUTSIDE.

You may also like:

Toronto Islands Pt 1

Toronto Islands Pt II

5 Ways to Get Outdoors in Toronto

I'd love to hear - - What are the outdoor "hidden gems" where you call home? Have you visited the Toronto Islands, or do you have plans to this spring/summer?

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5 Ways to Get Outdoors in Toronto

Despite being referred to as the ‘concrete jungle’, the opportunities to get outside in the City of Toronto are unlimited. When you take the chance, it is surprisingly easy to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of big city life and let nature take over.  Here are 5 of my favourites ways to get outdoors in the city of Toronto. 

Go back in time at Evergreen Brick Works  //  Evergreen Brick Words is a former quarry and industrial site located in the Don River Valley of Toronto. Prior to becoming a tourist attraction and natural area, Don Valley Brick Words operated for nearly 100 years and provided bricks used to construct many well-known Toronto landmarks including Casa Loma and the Ontario Legislature. Since the closure of the original factory, the quarry has been converted into a city park which includes a series of naturalized ponds, while the buildings have been restored and opened as an environmentally focused community and cultural centre by Evergreen, a national charity dedicated to restoring nature in urban environments. 

Take the ferry to the Toronto Islands  //  The Toronto Islands are a chain of small islands located just off the downtown waterfront in Lake Ontario. They are home to parkland, the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, a small residential community, several boat clubs, an amusement park and several sand beaches (including a clothing-optional). The island is a popular recreation destination, with access by ferry, by private boat or water taxi.

Take a stroll through High Park  //  With over one million visitors annually, High Park is the jewel of Toronto’s park system.  Located just west of the downtown core, the park is situated on 400 acres, and is a mixed recreational and natural park, with sporting, cultural and educational facilities, gardens, playgrounds and a small zoo. Over one-third remains in a natural state, which means it is home to many species of wildlife. High Park opened to the public in 1876, and is considered the largest park entirely within the city limits. 

Walk, bike or run the Don  //  The Don River valley winds its way through Toronto parks and conservation areas and provides an interesting glimpse into the history of the City of Toronto. Stretching 32 kilometres from the Oak Ridges Moraine down to Lake Ontario, the watershed encompassing the Don River is extremely important for the city and surrounding area. The Don offers many opportunities for long and short walks, runs or bike rides away from the city traffic, with numerous trails that branch off the multi-use paved trail, taking cyclists to city street access points or other adjacent parks.

Say hello to the animals at the Toronto Zoo  //  The City-owned Toronto Zoo opened its doors in August 1974. Situated on 710 acres, the Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada - home to over 5000 animals, representing over 450 species.  Divided into 7 regions, animals representing the Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Australasia, Eurasia, and of course, Canada, call the Toronto Zoo home. 

For more things to see and do in Toronto, start here:
5 Free Things to Do in Toronto
10 Things to Do in Toronto This Summer
Art Gallery of Ontario
Betty Sutherland Trail

What is your favourite outdoor place, space or activity in your town? Grab the button and link up below!

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An InLinkz Link-up

Toronto Zoo in the Fall

Growing up three hours west of Toronto, a visit to the Toronto Zoo as a kid was always a special treat. Now that we call the big city home, I can't wait to make visiting with my little family an annual tradition.

During my sister's recent visit back to Ontario, we decided to take an afternoon and visit the Toronto Zoo. Neither my sister, husband or I had been in years, and it was Morley's first visit. We were excited to see what was new, but also to see what baby girl thought of all of the animals. 

Set in the beautiful Rouge Valley in the east end of the city, the Toronto Zoo first opened its doors in August 1974. The Zoo is made up of 710 acres of land, which is divided into seven zoogeographic regions - Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas (North & South America), Eurasia Wilds, the Tundra Trek, Australasia and Canadian Domain - and home to over 5,000 animals representing 450 species. Since opening its gates, it has been a leader in saving and protecting species and their habitats, both locally and globally. 

The fall really is the best time to visit the Toronto Zoo - the summer crowds are gone, the weather is a comfortable temperature and the fall colours are stunning. And I mean stunning. Against the vibrant yellows, oranges, reds and browns of the leaves, the animals popped. Take a look for yourself.

Our visit started at the giant pandas. The pair arrived at the Zoo in spring of 2013 on loan from China as part of a long-term conservation partnership between China and Canada. Due to the fact that they are endangered in the wild, successful breeding in zoos is extremely important in order to keep these animals around for future generations. In October 2015, the pair welcomed two cubs - the first in Canadian history. While we were visiting, the cubs were sleeping peacefully inside with mom, while dad was outside happily munching on his bamboo.

Did you know? A panda's daily diet consists almost entirely of the leaves, stems and shoots of bamboo. Since is contains very little nutritional value, pandas must eat 26 - 84 lbs every day to meet their energy needs.

Aside from the panda cubs, there were a number of other babies born at the Zoo in the past year -  four rare white lion cubs, a polar bear cub, a rhinoceros calf and Bactrian (two-humped) camel calf. While they are no longer baby-sized and growing quick, it was still cute to watch them play, or sleep in the case of the bears, and feel good about the successful work zoos do breeding animals in captivity, especially those of concern in the wild.

Naturally, my favourite part of the Zoo is Tundra Trek, home to the wolves, reindeer, snowy owl and polar bears. I could have spent all day watching the big white bears, even though they were sleeping. However, time is of the essence when you have a 7 month old, so we had to move on.

Did you know? You can tell a male snowy owl from a female by the colouring of their feathers. The above picture is a male because his feathers are all white, whereas females would have black markings on their feathers. So, for all of you Harry Potter fans out there, think back to the movies - was Hedwig a male, or female?

While we knew we were taking our chances on the weather before we walked through the front gates, it only started raining about half way through our journey. Luckily, we could escape the drizzle by popping in to one of the many animal pavilions to warm up. Visiting the gorillas, lemurs, orangutans and more was like a trip to the tropics.

I pity those that visit any zoo or aquarium with me. Without fail, it will always be filled with random (and I mean really random) animal facts and the phrase "Oh, these are my favourite" said to about every animal we come across. This visit was no exception. Luckily, my husband and sister know what they've signed up for well in advance - they patiently listen to everything that spews out of my mouth, or they've just gotten really good at tuning me out. Poor Morley, on the other hand, is really in for one when she gets older. 

Despite the bit of rain, it was the perfect fall day at the Toronto Zoo, and we can't wait to go back!

Things to know if you visit the Toronto Zoo in the fall:

• Location: 361A Old Finch Avenue Toronto, ON
• Hours: The Zoo is open 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day), but hours vary depending on the season. Give yourself at minimum 2-3 hours to visit. Last admission is one hour before close.  Check the website before you go.
• Admission & parking: Cost of admission varies by season. Check the website in advance. There is also a fee for parking.
• Several portions of the Zoo are closed during the winter season, including Splash Island, Kids Zoo and several gift shop and food kiosks. 
• Plan your route in advance by taking a look at the map and daily animal keeper schedule. 

If you liked this post, you may also like:
Diving with Sharks at Ripley's Aquarium
Assiniboine Park Zoo's Journey to Churchill
Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia, SC

Have you visited a Zoo lately? What is your favourite animal? I'd love to hear about it!

10 things To Do in Toronto This Holiday Season

Christmas is just 31 days away, and chances are in your neck of the woods, its beginning to flock and feel a lot like Christmas. If you haven't begun to already, its time to start getting in the holiday spirit. One of my favourite things to do during the holiday season is to take in some of the many festivals, events and experiences the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has to offer. At over 7000 square km and with a population of over 6 million and growing, this list of things to do this holiday season is pretty long. 

Do you live in the GTA, or perhaps are just passing through for the holidays? While this list is just the tip of the iceberg, I've compiled my top 10 things to do in Toronto this holiday season.

10 Things To Do in Toronto This Holiday Season

1// Stroll through the Toronto Christmas Market

Inspired by the European tradition that originated in Germany in the 1400s, the Toronto Christmas Market celebrates all of the sounds, sights and scents of Christmas. Taking place in the Victorian-era, cobblestone-lined Distillery Historic District, this annual festive event brings local craft-makers, carollers, musicians and artisanal food-makers together for a truly magical experience. Sip on mulled wine, European Christmas cocktails and hot chocolate as you peruse the selection of Christmas merchandise including hand-made ornaments, wood carvings, candles and crafts. 

Location: 55 Mill Street Toronto, ON

Hours: November 20 - December 20; hours vary by day of week

Cost: Free admission Tuesday to Friday and $5.00 admission (incl. tax) Saturday and Sunday.

More information here.

2// Shop at the Toronto Eaton Centre

With 1,722,000 square feet of retail space — that’s nearly 30 football fields — there’s nowhere better to check off wish lists while admiring glittery decorations. The shopping mall is Toronto's top tourist attraction, with around one million visitors per week. The mall contains a wide selection of 330 stores and restaurants.

Location: 220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON

Hours: Holiday hours Nov 30 to Dec 27: Monday to Saturday 9:00-9:30pm, Sunday 10-7pm (some exceptions)

Cost: Free to admire. 

More information here. 

3// Browse the Hudson Bay window displays

For the most iconic holiday window display in the city, take the subway down to Queen station where the flagship Hudson’s Bay store location rivals Macy’s in New York with functioning train sets, mechanical mice and moving Santas.

Location: 176 Yonge Street Toronto, ON

Hours: Approximately November 1 to the first week of 2016

Cost: Free

More information here.

4// Take in the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square 

Mark the official start of the holiday season at the 49th annual Cavalcade of Lights, taking place on November 28. This holiday tradition at Nathan Phillips Square, home of City Hall, features the first illumination of Toronto’s official Christmas Tree, performances by some of Canada’s top musical talent, a spectacular fireworks show and skating parties. While the Cavalcade takes place one night only, the tree remains on display throughout the holiday season.

Location: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON

Hours: Saturday, November 28 6-10pm

Cost: Free

More information here.

5// Skate amongst the skyscrapers

There are several outdoor public skating rinks located around the city. For an iconic urban skating experience, glide around Nathan Phillips Square amidst the tall buildings, the sparkly lights and massive Christmas tree. Skating at the rink continues all season long, and skate rentals are available on-site.

Location: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON

Hours: Open November 28 - March 20 (weather permitting)

Cost: Free

More information here.

6// Lace up your skates at the Harbourfront Centre

For a waterfront experience, make your way down to Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Centre, set against the beautiful shoreline of Lake Ontario. The centre hosts Saturday skating nights on its outdoor rink complete with a DJ spinning groove-worthy tracks.

Location: 235 Queens Quay West Toronto, ON

Hours: Open November 28  (weather permitting)

Cost: Free

More information here.

//via//

7// Spend time with nature at Evergreen Brick Works

Celebrate the start of winter with a day of shopping, ice-skating, eating and mulled-wine drinking at Evergreen Brick Works. Visit on Saturday and check out the Farmers Market, the largest in Toronto, where you'll find a wide selection of local, farm-fresh food farmers, producers and chefs. 

Location: 550 Bayview Ave Toronto, ON 

Hours: Vary by day. Saturday Farmers Market runs 9-1pm from November 14 - April 30.

Cost: Free entrance. Check website for cost of various activities, such as skating. 

More information here.

8// Go on a culinary Christmas tour through Kensington Market

Located in the heart of Toronto, Kensington Market is one of Toronto's most vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods. This 3-hour holiday food tour aims to provide guests with the chance to sample the range of delectable offerings available throughout the market, while learning interesting information about the area and its history. Enjoy artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, gourmet sandwiches, mulled wine and lots more.

Location: Just west of downtown, bordered by Spadina Ave, Dundas St, Bathurst St and College St

Hours: Check the website. 

Cost: $60 + tax

More information here.

9// Celebrate old & new at Black Creek Pioneer Village

Tour the historic houses and discover the origins of Christmas traditions popular today. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride around the historic Village and meet with Santa in Santa's Cottage.

Location: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, ON M3J 2P3

Hours: November 21 - December 23

Cost: $11.00 (Child 3+) to $15.00 (Adult 15-59)

More information here.

10// Cut your own tree

Take a short drive north of the City to one of the many Christmas tree farms. Whether it’s a family holiday tradition or a new experience, there’s nothing quite like the real thing.

Location: Several locations throughout the GTA.

Hours: Varies by location.

Cost: Varies by location. 

More information on local farms here.

Looking for a little something extra special this holiday season? Why not start with 10 traditions to start with your special someone.

What are your favourite things to do in your area during the holidays?

A Family Day at the Toronto Zoo

Oh hey there. It's me. I'm back from a much needed social media break/some much needed time spent with my little family. I'm back, and ready to dive right into what we've been up to so far this spring.

Did I mention how excited I was that spring is finally here?

Spring is by far my favourite season, because it means that we can finally start spending more and more time outdoors.

This past Easter long weekend, we took advantage of the nice weather with a little family trip to the Toronto Zoo. With Morley becoming more and more active and observant every single day, we figured she would love the Zoo just as much as we do. It's safe to say, we have a little animal lover on our hands.

Seeing as it was Good Friday, the Zoo was pretty busy. A stat holiday plus amazing spring weather? I don't blame people for wanting some quality outdoors time with their families. That is exactly what we were looking for.

Check out what we got up to during our family day at the Toronto Zoo...

Can you spot the little red hat?

Exactly as we predicted, this trip to the Zoo was much different than our visit during the fall at only six months old.  A short seven months later, Morley is now at the age that she notices even the smallest things in front of her, including animals.

Her favourite of the day were the brown bears, who had just woken up from hibernation. The large male was playing with a giant ball in the water in front of us. There were many delighted squeals and her newest word, "ball", coming from her little mouth and she pointed and bounced in my arms.

There was a permanent smile on her little face all day.

And of course, no Zoo visit would be complete without visiting mom's favourite animal, the polar bear. Morley even had the chance to feel real polar bear fur. No fear, I tell ya.

Toronto Zoo
361A Old Finch Avenue Toronto, ON
www.torontozoo.com

Things to know before you go:

• The Zoo is open 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day), but hours vary depending on the season and day of the week. Give yourself at minimum 2-3 hours to visit. Last admission is one hour before close.  Check the website before you go.
• Cost of admission varies by season. Check the website in advance. There is also a fee for parking, paid upon exit.
• Several portions of the Zoo are closed during the "off season", including Splash Island, Kids Zoo and several gift shop and food kiosks. Check the website for details. 
• Plan your route in advance by taking a look at the map and daily animal keeper schedule. 

How do you spend time with your family? I'd love to hear!