DIVERSIONS
Toronto rises like a steel giant from the banks of Lake Ontario and its 30 miles of shoreline. Ferries (about $7) run from the downtown terminal to the Toronto Islands, a string of 15 interconnected islands just 13 minutes from the Harbourfront. (For a more active adventure, canoe rentals are available.)
Centre Island is the most popular. Rent a bike to pedal around in summer or crosscountry skis when the snow arrives, making sure to stop at Centerville Amusement Park. Hanlan’s Point is known for its beach — an ideal sunset spot — and Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, the oldest of its kind on the Great Lakes.
Back on land, Toronto boasts one of the largest ravine systems in the world, covering approximately 17 percent of the city. Ravine Days is an annual celebration of this unique landscape held every October. A planned, 50-mile loop trail will connect many of these forests — and their critical wildlife habitats — in coming years. Until then, explore them with stops at some of the many area green spaces.
With its own trail network, High Park proves especially popular in the spring when the cherry trees bloom. In 2012 the 291-acre Downsview Park opened on the former Canadian Forces Base Toronto. As a birding hot spot in the city, more than 215 species
56 flock to the area, including blue jays and owls. Free nature-based tours are available.
East of the city, Rouge National Urban Park — the largest urban park in North America — is home to apple orchards, a collection of historic buildings, ample wildlife and more than a dozen trails.
“Toronto is this fascinating place,” film commissioner Pigott said, “because it is a big city with a big city vibe and big city energy, but it is so close to nature and to an immediate feeling of getting away from it all.”