The island world in front of the Skyline

"changed Incredibly, how everything," says Veloguide Genny and shows on the opposite shore. You mean the Skyline vonToronto: high-rise buildings that grow in

The island world in front of the Skyline

"changed Incredibly, how everything," says Veloguide Genny and shows on the opposite shore. You mean the Skyline vonToronto: high-rise buildings that grow in the sky, the Canadian National Tower, which dominates everything, to the Rogers Centre with the back drive, and a dome-shaped roof. A spectacular sight that is in fact a maximum of 50 years old.

We are located on the Toronto Islands. And also are relatively young. In 1858 a severe storm and the raging flood waves of the Don River separated the Peninsula from the mainland. Today, more than a dozen Islands as the Centre, or Wards, which originated from the Peninsula, form an ideal recreational area in Ontario.

Especially during the summer months, the residents of Toronto to escape the city heat and enjoy the beach in front of the door. Ferries bring 1.2 million visitors each year velvet Velo half an hour over the water. Cars remain banned here. Small paths, bridges and walkways connecting the Islands, which have been enlarged through land reclamation. The many sandy beaches, including centre Island Beach and Gibraltar Point Beach are all close to each other.

Historical carousels, and a farm with a petting zoo

Veloguides like Genny, large, slim, athletic, to show the tourists the Toronto Islands. Because is gives a historical amusement Park Centreville on centre Island, families with children's railway, a 30-minute shops, the historic carousel, as well as a small farm office petting zoo, and Restaurants. "But most come to sunbathe on the beach and swim," says Genny. The Grill is fired up and the picnic basket is emptied. Also popular are Canoeing or Stand up Paddling tours on the water between the Islands.

most of The nearly 300 houses were built at the beginning of the 20th century. Century and after the Second world war, especially on Ward's or Algonquin Island. Charming little property, often made of wood, with terraces to the water. "A lot of people who live here are artists, or seniors, were always familiar with the Islands," says Genny.

"In the Winter, people come over to the ice-skating": Veloguide Genny. Photo: Brigitte Jurczyk

Earlier, 8000 people lived here, and now there are 700. The estate will remain in high demand, they are usually passed on to the offspring. It takes patience to work on the waiting list of the candidates to the top. "It sometimes takes 30 years," says the leader. Surprisingly, the cost of the houses, despite the location on the water is less than in Toronto itself.

As the administration of Canada's largest city wanted to expropriate the summer house owners and the Islands in a pure parkland turn, was the excitement high. The islanders fought back for 30 years. In 1993, the city Council gave in, and the owners of the house received a lease right of 99 years.

again and again there are small stops on the bike tour over the Islands: the venerable Royal Canadian Yacht Club swings, to the investors in the small and large yachts in the Wind. The Frisbee Golf Course on Ward's Island or in the sand dunes, Gibraltar Point Beach, which constantly change. "In the Winter people come over to skate," says Genny. "Then the lagoon and lakes between the Islands to be cold, and it blows an icy Wind." You can warm up in the Winter, only with your own, hot drinks, because the Restaurants are closed.

Still haunted by the Ghost of the lighthouse Keeper

goose bumps you get at the last stop: the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse, which cooperates with a height of 25 metres rather small and inconspicuous, is one of the oldest buildings in Toronto. It was built in 1808 and is the oldest on the Great lakes. In addition, the scene of a creepy story that knows every child in Toronto.

During the battle of York, the former Name of Toronto, laid siege to American vessels, the city. Two soldiers are said to have murdered the lighthouse Keeper, a certain J. P. Rademuller,. Basic house-brewed beer, which both were sharp. The lighthouse Keeper disappeared on the 2. January 1815, under unsolved circumstances. It is suspected that the killer dismembered the corpse, and at various Points around the tower, buried. Even today, the spirit Rademullers to haunt here. A plaque on the lighthouse wall is reminiscent of the mysterious case.

The trip was supported by Destination Canada.

Created: 03.02.2020, 12:25 PM

Date Of Update: 02 March 2020, 17:00
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