Feb 9, 2025

Toronto Islands: Algonquin Toronto

Picnic ready

"Algonquin of the Toronto Islands is one of my favourite places in the city to enjoy a picnic! It has one of the best view over the city for sure..."

The Toronto Islands is an easy find in most travel books as a place to visit while in Toronto and there are plenty of reasons why. Most likely due to its bike trails, water sports, amusement park, large campgrounds and beaches, even an airport but wait... there is more!

Originally a peninsula, the Toronto Islands separated from the mainland as recently as 1852 thanks to a powerful storm. Since then the islands have had enough history to match that of a small town, which ironically it was for over a hundred years, in fact three hundred homes still exist to this day.

One of the islands, Algonquin, near the Ward Island ferry stop is by far one of my favourites, albeit with little known spots to enjoy a picnic. This spot only has a few tables, which are not necessary if you decide to sit on the grass and once there, you will be presented with one of the best views of the city. Better yet, wait for sunset and enjoy as the sun glides down into the horizon with Toronto as your foreground.

Not only is it a place most visitors will not find as it is a bit off the beaten path but you might get to chit chat with the locals who are both friendly and quite proud of their quiet vacation spot only 20 minutes away from North America's 5th most populous city.

Just remember, bring your camera and plenty of sandwiches.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Seneca Avenue

Ferry (Adult):

C$

7

Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Toronto guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Toronto

The Green Jar

A sweet sustainable shop

The store offers containers for specialty recycling which would otherwise be tossed in the trash, and they even help with the hosting of recycling events.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Cassandra

Della Mora

Mar 14, 2025

Allan Gardens Conservatory

Ready for some green?

"Allan Gardens Conservatory", strangely advertised as a major Toronto landmark, remains a well-kept secret. Have a picnic in 100s of flowers and old trees!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Mauricio

Alas

Mar 11, 2025

Arcadia Earth

An inspiring, immersive experience

Throughout the experience, you’ll visit several different rooms, each with its own focus on threats to our precious planet, such as electronic waste.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Cassandra

Della Mora

Mar 10, 2025

Arts Market

Great selection of artisanal gifts

From beautiful jewelry to handmade or vintage home decor, amazing artwork, and candles scented with classic Canadian smells, it’s a gift-givers heaven!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Cassandra

Della Mora

Mar 10, 2025

The Latest Scoop

Treasure trove for trend seekers

Each visit to The Latest Scoop is a like a little treasure hunt, with regularly updated inventory to keep up with the latest trends.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Cassandra

Della Mora

Mar 10, 2025

A Different Booklist

A bookstore for better

A couple of great finds I’ve gotten from this store are Braiding Sweetgrass, my favourite book of all time and The Intersectional Environmentalist...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Cassandra

Della Mora

Mar 10, 2025

Karma Co-op

A co-op for the conscious consumer

Somewhat tucked away in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, this sweet shop welcomes you with a selection of locally made baked goods you can take to-go.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Cassandra

Della Mora

Mar 10, 2025

Ecotique

Great for eco-friendly goods and gifts

I’ve bought a bunch here, from seed bombs to sustainable swaps like planet-friendly nail polish, and a pair of mittens made from old sweaters!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Cassandra

Della Mora

Mar 10, 2025

Pretty Clean Shop

A sustainable & stunning shop

There is so much to see in this stunning space, and they have such a wide selection, you could spend hours inside and still not see it all!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Cassandra

Della Mora

Mar 10, 2025

Coal Miner's Daughter

Canadian clothing and more

Their guiding principles are rooted in the slow fashion movement of quality over quantity, meaning sustainably and ethically produced pieces!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Cassandra

Della Mora

Mar 10, 2025

Brodawka & Friends

Sweet store for grabbing gifts

I’ve bought plenty here from a beautiful, sustainably-made beach towel to a gorgeous gold-dipped necklace - both were gifts for myself!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Cassandra

Della Mora

Mar 10, 2025

Broadview Espresso

Comfy coffee corner

"Broadview Espresso" in Toronto makes cappuccino just the way I like it -- almost scalding hot! I love sitting at the patio in the wooden seats...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Jeffrey

Wood

Feb 26, 2025

Heading to Toronto?

145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Toronto this weekend?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

145 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Toronto

Get to know our other Spotters from Toronto

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
cached_response not present
7300
Filters