Make a Day of it...
www.bayehunter.com
Descriptions of a previous tour appeared in StyleNorth and The Toronto Star. These will give you an idea of what you will experience on this year's Tour. ...Don't Forget
Wear comfortable shoes that you can remove easily. Some householders like visitors to take off their shoes in the house and there is a lot of walking.
Bring a sweater if the day is cool. It is always cooler over here than on the mainland. And don't forget your ticket! ...Purchase Some Island "Souvenirs"
This year we will be featuring an Art Show with an Island theme by Island artists. All pieces will be available for sale. For details please see the Art Show page. |
...Have Lunch on the Island
There are a number of interesting restaurants on this end of the island where you can have lunch, a cup of coffee, or a glass of beer or wine later in the afternoon. Or bring your own picnic and pull up a bit of park!
The Island Cafe, located on the north side of the Ward's Island Association clubhouse, serves sandwiches and wraps, burgers and salads. Seating is al fresco with a view of the Ward's Island ferry dock. The Rectory Cafe is a little more upscale. Situated on the boardwalk just across from the bridge to Algonquin Island, it serves a fresh and eclectic menu and has a magical outside eating area. Queen City Yacht Club has kindly invited tour participants to lunch in their dining room. As a private club, access for the public is generally restricted so this is a special opportunity to enjoy a stellar view of the Toronto skyline and visit the clubhouse which is more than 90 years old. QCYC overlooks the entrance to the lagoon on the east end of Algonquin Island. |
...Soak up a bit of Island History
On the day of the tour, Toronto Island residents will welcome the public into their homes and share the history of the Island community. Participants will tour 6 island houses (some original, others renovated or new). Many house owners will have old photos and stories about their houses.
Enjoy our historical presentations and witness-accounts such as: “The Story of William Ward", one of the original residents of Ward’s Island, by Shadowland Theatre; “The Day the Sheriff Came” in 1980 to throw residents out of their homes; “How Houses were Floated from the Island airport to Algonquin Island" in 1937; “The History of Paddling on the Island”, stories from The Toronto Island Canoe Club’s rich and lengthy history; “Living in 'Tent City' in the 1920s and 30s” by someone who did; and “What it’s like to live on the Island - summer and winter!”. These presentations will be scattered in the community to experience as you go between the houses on your tour. |