Hello From Toronto A Bike Ride Through The Don Valley Past The Distillery District To The Toronto Islands
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Hello from Toronto: A Scenic Bike Adventure from the Don Valley to the Toronto Islands
Exploring Toronto by Bike
Cycling through Toronto has become one of my favorite pastimes. It's not only a fantastic way to stay fit but also a wonderful way to uncover hidden corners of this vibrant city. To share this joy, I invited my friend Mario for an evening cycling trip.
Starting at Taylor Creek Park
We met at the Taylor Creek Park system, where the city's hustle fades away. We began our ride westward towards the Don Valley, joining the main north-south bike trail nestled between the Don Valley Parkway and the gently flowing Don River.
Toronto: A Cyclist's Dream
Toronto is a cyclist's paradise, boasting about 40 km of bike lanes on city streets and approximately 125 km of paved paths. The city is uniquely crisscrossed by ravines hosting bike trails. We biked under the Leaside Bridge, crossed Pottery Road, and paused beneath the Bloor Viaduct, which connects Bloor Street and Danforth Avenue over the Don River Valley.
The Majestic Bloor Viaduct
This impressive structure spans 494 meters and soars 40 meters above the Don Valley. It carries six lanes of traffic and Toronto’s subway tracks. In 2003, the Bloor Viaduct was fitted with the Luminuous Veil, a C$5.5 million suicide barrier, effectively preventing further tragedies and shifting attention to Montreal's Jacques Cartier Bridge.
A Glimpse of Nature
Further south, we paused on a narrow bridge to admire the Don River views. It's astonishing to find such nature amidst a bustling metropolis like Toronto. We even saw Canada geese being fed by passerby?"a slice of nature right in the urban landscape.
Discovering Historic Landmarks
Due to renovations south of Queen Street, we carried our bikes up to the Queen Street Bridge and continued toward downtown. We veered south on Cherry Street to admire the vintage Canary Restaurant?"a cherished landmark?"and then headed to the Distillery District on Mill Street.
The Distillery District
Once the world’s largest distillery, this area has transformed into an entertainment hub, featuring 44 restored Victorian-era industrial buildings. This district now hosts an array of restaurants, cafes, galleries, shops, and theaters, serving as a backdrop for over 800 film and TV productions.
En Route to the Toronto Islands
We proceeded to the Toronto Ferry Terminal, ready to explore the Toronto Islands. A ferry ride, at just C$6, offers a tranquil escape from city life. Originally a narrow peninsula, the islands were reshaped by storms and now form a tranquil chain of islands, accessible via ferry.
Exploring the Islands
After a short wait, we boarded the Ongiara, a ferry catering mainly to cyclists. The retreating view of Toronto's skyline, crowned by the CN Tower, never fails to impress. We disembarked at Ward's Island, where quaint cottages, some well-kept and others rustic, provide a charming ambiance.
Capturing Scenic Views
Cycling to Ward's Island's south side revealed a wooden boardwalk with vistas of the Leslie Street Spit. We then reached Algonquin Island, another small community. Here, we relaxed, soaking in the stunning downtown skyline and the peaceful waterways enjoyed by paddlers and sailors alike.
A Race Against the Storm
Threatening dark clouds cut our island time short. We hurried back to the Ward's Island ferry dock and boarded, making a detour to Hanlan's Point. As we returned to the Bay Street Ferry Terminal, a storm unleashed, soaking us as we pedaled home.
An Unlikely Pleasure
Despite the rain, the warm water muted city sounds and added a comforting rhythm to our ride. Though soaked, the journey was exhilarating. An hour later, I was enjoying a hot shower, reflecting on how delightful discovering your own city can be?"especially by bike.
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