Toronto Islands
| Toronto Islands | |
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| Waters | Lake Ontario |
| Geographical location | 43 ° 37 ′ N , 79 ° 23 ′ W |
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| Number of islands | 8th |
| Main island | Toronto Island |
| Total land area | 2.3 km² |
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The Toronto Islands are a group of islands in Lake Ontario in front of the center of Toronto , Canada . They are mostly laid out as parkland and administratively belong to the district of Old Toronto (Downtown Core). Originally it was a peninsula that was separated from the mainland by the tidal waves of the Don River during a severe storm in 1858. The islands have been enlarged significantly in the past decades through land reclamation. The area enclosed by the islands forms the port of Toronto with the redesigned harbor front on the mainland side. On the northwest corner of the islands is Toronto's city (regional) airport ( Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport ).
As early as the early 19th century, the great importance of the Toronto Islands for both migratory birds and city dwellers in need of relaxation was recorded. Over 1.2 million people visit the Toronto Islands annually. On the Gibraltar Point is the oldest attraction in Toronto, built in 1832, the lighthouse Gibraltar Point Lighthouse .
Archipelago facilities
The archipelago is primarily used for recreation and tourist attractions. There are several facilities on the island:
Recreation park
In the center of the island there is an amusement park (Centerville) for children. It opened in 1967 and has a small children's train and other rides and restaurants. The park is open every day during the summer months.
beaches
There are several beaches on the island including Center Island Beach, Manitou Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, Hanlan's Point Beach and Ward's Island Beach.
Yacht clubs
There are four yacht clubs on the island: the Harbor City Yacht Club, Island Yacht Club, Queen City Yacht Club and the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. In addition, several smaller clubs such as the Toronto Island Sailing Club, the Sunfish Cut Boat Club and the Toronto Island Canoe Club. The Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival is held annually.
residential area
On the island there is a small residential area with around 260 houses, mainly concentrated in the eastern area, at Ward's Island and Algonquin Island. The Toronto Islands Residential Community Stewardship Act has strict legal requirements governing the buying and selling of these homes. There is also a school and a church as well as other smaller supply facilities on the islands.
Ferries
The islands can only be reached by ferries and water taxis; there are three ferry connections. Hanlan's Point, Center Island Park and Ward's Island are served from the central pier on the Harbourfront. There is also a ferry service for the airfield on Bathurst Street; it is to be replaced by a tunnel connection for pedestrians. There is no direct access to the airport within the island. Furthermore, several yacht clubs operate their own transport service for members and tourists.
Transport infrastructure
The islands are closed to private motorized traffic. The roads on the island are largely paved and bicycles can be borrowed. There is a bus network.
Personalities
- Matthew Ferguson (born 1973), Canadian actor
See also
Web links
- Toronto Island Community Website , official website of the community (English)
- Centerville Amusement Park , official park website
- Friends of Toronto Islands website - the island's fan base
- Toronto Island Video - a nice video about Toronto Island