|
Post by Dane on Oct 31, 2010 14:06:29 GMT -8
I see on Wikipedia there are four ferry routes from downtown Toronto, but I can only find schedules and info for the airport & Ward Island routes. Are the other two only seasonal?
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Oct 31, 2010 21:13:19 GMT -8
I checked their site... it seems that after October 12th, they just operate to Ward's Island route from Downtown (and the Airport route which is a seperate operation). During the summer, the Downtown ferries also go to Hanlan's Point and Centre Island Park. We went there in 2006. Took the ferry to Centre Island Park and walked to Ward's Island. Quite a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the big city - and I don't think a lot of people know about the islands. Here's a map from the city that shows the ferry routes: www.toronto.ca/parks/pdf/island/toronto_island_map.pdfSome small pics I have online: Ferry from Centre Island Park Ferry approaching Ward's Island terminal Downtown terminal
|
|
|
Post by Northern Exploration on Nov 1, 2010 8:10:12 GMT -8
Correct Dane, the schedules are all seasonal and vary considerably. The route to Centre Island is the main tourist/seasonal ferry. Once Centreville Amusement Park closes for the season I believe the ferry schedule gets cut way back to something like once an hour. They wrap the upper outer deck of the ferry with the thick plastic windbreaks. Once winter sets in fully the ferry is parked for the season as trips on this route are almost nil.
The airport ferry obviously operates continually throughout the year and doesn't vary. The Wards Island route is for the few residents that still live on the Island - a contentious issue that comes up time to time. Except for the airport all areas of the Islands are accessible from any ferry as they are linked by bridges. A popular winter outing when we have snow is to take the Wards Island Ferry and snow shoe or cross country ski around the Islands. But the concession stands are closed so you have to bring your own hot chocolate.
When we actually have ice in the harbour (not the last two years), the little ferries do an ok job but occasionally a tug has to plow a route for them once or twice a day.
John, as far as people knowing about the Island it really depends when you go as to crowds. Wakestock (wakeboard/waterski/bands), Virgin Festival (rock/alternative bands) and the massive Carribana Festival Picnic, is held on the Islands. Centreville has a huge amount of competition with amusement type attractions, and has become somewhere to take really young kids. The lineups with school kids going in late spring and early fall, and people going for picnics on weekends can be quite long. I would venture to say though that there are many easier to get to places with just the same escape from the city mojo and Centre Island has a bit of a feel of being "dated".
Only two of the ferries btw can accomodate cars. The Airport Ferry and Wards Island Ferry. Few people on Wards Island take their cars off and on the Island though, bikes seems to be the mode of transport. The volume routes of Wards Island and Hanlan Point are foot and bike only.
|
|