Paddling the Toronto Islands

Did you know that Toronto has a cluster of islands that you can kayak to? It does!

The Toronto Islands are a popular city escape for locals. You can access them via ferry or water taxi. Or, you can rent a couple of sea kayaks and enjoy the Toronto skyline from my favorite vantage point.

My friend Nicolyn and I met up yesterday for a day of padding. We rented two solo sea kayaks from Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre, which is conveniently located on the waterfront across from Rogers Centre. They will set you up with everything you need, like paddles, life jackets, and a cute map of the islands.

It’s about a 20-minute paddle from the harbourfront to the islands, during which you will face some chop and boat traffic to be mindful of. Once you reach the islands though, you have kilometers of calm, flat water to explore.

If you want, you can dock on the islands and explore them on foot. There are beaches, walking paths, various attractions and concession stands, and even a restaurant with a patio.

Or, you can continue exploring by kayak. My favorite part is the view of the skyline through the trees. Such a unique, gorgeous combination of city and forest.

There is also a fair bit of wildlife on the islands, like this flock of birds that Nicolyn accurately identified as cormorants.

Last year when I did this day trip with my friend Stef, I dropped James’s phone in the lake. Be warned: do not drop your phone in Lake Ontario. You will never get it back.

Enjoying a post-paddle patio pint.