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Canada & USAOff The Beaten Path

Toronto’s Ward’s Island Homes in Pictures

by Daniel Nikulin August 30, 2016
written by Daniel Nikulin August 30, 2016
Toronto’s Ward’s Island Homes in Pictures

While thousands take the short ferry ride over to Toronto’s Centre Island for a day of fun every summer, few know about its eastern end, commonly called Ward’s Island, as a thriving residential area housing a generations-old community.

Away from the carnival games and rides of Centreville, the clothing optional beach at Hanlan’s Point and the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, about 300 all-season homes remain on the Toronto Islands. The Ward’s Island residents occupy roughly 12 acres or 150 homes with the remainder on adjacent Algonquin Island.

Centre Island directions Ward's Island

As it has been since 1915, most of the streets are named in sequence, as First, Second, Third and so on. The island has two daycare centres, a school and a church. Grocery shopping and just about everything else is still done on the mainland.

Ward's Island house 7

The highly sought-after homes here are generally passed down in the family as there are strict rules under provincial law governing buying and selling, although a couple are now available for rent through airbnb.

Ward's Island house 4

The islands have been a draw for Canadian artists for years for their easy escape from Toronto’s bustle. Today, government subsidized Artscape has almost 20 artist work studios here used by painters, sculptors, writers and musicians. There’s even a theatre company here as well as a recording studio.

Ward's Island house 8

While most houses here are humble, cottage-style abodes, a couple with recent structural upgrades offer a more contemporary feel. What they all have in common though, new or old, is undeniable charm and character. They are kitschy, quirky and loved – even the somewhat dilapidated ones.

Ward's Island house 10

Earlier this summer, a friend and I took our bikes out to explore the island and its seldom seen community. The following pictures demonstrate the variety and warmth of some of the houses we came across. All were photogenic and beautiful in their own way and an absolute treat to admire. Here’s a quick peek. Enjoy!

Ward's Island house 5

Ward's Island house 3

Ward's Island house 1

Ward's Island house 2

Ward's Island house 9

Ward's Island house 12

Ward's Island house 13

Whether you are taking the city operated ferry or one of the private water-taxi companies between Toronto harbour and the islands, bicycles are free to transport and offer the perfect way to get around. Toronto’s magic is in its neighbourhoods and the Toronto Islands offer yet another perfect example.

 

Planning a visit to the Big Smoke? We’ve got the lowest airfares to Toronto from across Canada on all your favourite airlines. Enquire online, call our Airfare Experts at 1877 967 5302 or visit your nearest Flight Centre store location today.

ArtscapeCentre IslandTorontoWard's Island
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