Did you know Ontario has a quarter of a million lakes? Jennifer Merrick dives into why this freshwater wonderland is such an extraordinary experience for families.
Kayaking, 1000 Islands, Ontario © Jennifer Merrick
If I asked you to close your eyes and imagine an island, I bet that you’d picture a palm-treed tropical locale with white sandy beaches. Though you might conjure up a forest-clad coastal island. But either way, it would probably be surrounded by salt water seas and oceans.
But did you know that right in the middle of Canada, thousands of kilometers from the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans, there are countless island paradises? Ontario has a mind-boggling quarter of a million lakes containing one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. The province also boasts the largest freshwater island in the world (Manitoulin Island) at 2,766 square kilometres. Incredibly, there are 108 freshwater lakes on Manitoulin Island, and many of which have islands themselves.
So your family could vacation on an island on an island or just choose one of these top family-friendly island getaways in Ontario.
Boldt Castle, Ontario © Jennifer Merrick
1000 Islands in southeast Ontario
Located in southeastern Ontario, where Lake Ontario meets the mighty Saint Lawrence River, this archipelago has 1,864 islands that straddle the Canadian/US border. The UNESCO-recognized, glacially sculpted landscape combines hardwood and pine forests, rocky outcrops and cliffs –all surrounded by glittering waterways.
What to do in 1000 Islands?
- Take the free ferry from Kingston to Wolfe Island. Once you arrive at the largest of the 1864 islands, enjoy its laidback atmosphere and natural beauty by hiking, biking or swimming at Big Sandy Bay, a stunning secluded beach.
- Kayak to McDonald Island. The pretty town of Gananoque is an ideal base for outdoor activities with outfitters like 1000 Island Kayaking, providing rental equipment or guided excursions. McDonald Island is one of 20 run by Parks Canada with docks, camping sites, picnic tables and trails to enjoy.
- Cruise to Boldt Castle. Many boat tour operators are also based in Ganonoque and offer excursions of varying duration to explore the islands’ attractions. One of the most extraordinary is the opulent Bolt Castle built in 1904. Note: its location on the US side requires a valid passport.
Goblin’s Bay lookout © Jennifer Merrick
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
If you think 1,864 islands are a lot, try over 30,000 here in the world’s largest archipelago. Parks Canada stewards just a fraction of them, 63 to be exact, at Canada’s smallest national park. The 14-square-kilometre conservation area makes up for its size in grandeur with granite rocks of the Canadian shield, deep blue waters and windswept pines.
What to do in Georgian Bay Islands?
- Day trip to Beausoleil Island. Parks Canada offers a free ferry that brings visitors from Honey Harbour in Muskoka to the main island in the park. Note: be sure to reserve in advance.
- Camp with a view. Many of the Beausoliel’s 120 sites have views of the expansive waters of Georgian Bay. For glampers, there are also oTENTiks equipped with comfortable beds, camp stove, fire pit and a picnic table. And for adventurous families, there are more primitive sites on other parts of the island.
- Hike the Fairy Trail. This enchanted trail that passes Goblin and Fairy lakes inspired a folk story that you’ll find out about when you visit. Other trails on the island include the 1.5-kilometre Look Out Trail, which lives up to its name with its panoramic view. Cycling is another option to hit the trails and bikes can be rented at the visitor’s centre.
Fish Point Nature Reserve, Pelee Island, Ontario © Jennifer Merrick
Pelee Island in southern Ontario
Located on the 42nd parallel, the same latitude as Rome and Barcelona, you simply can’t go any farther south in Canada than this beautiful Ontario island. Its southern climate not only means the longest frost-free season in the province, but also unique flora and fauna, like the prickly pear cactus, native coffee trees and the rare blue racer snake.
What to do in Pelee Island?
- Bike the scenic shorelines of Lake Erie. An extensive trail system on the island not only takes you along the shallowest and warmest of the great lakes, but through the Carolinian Forest with its remarkable biodiversity. Rentals are available at the Pelee Shop or Pelee Island Adventures.
- Hike to the southernmost point in Canada at Fish Point Nature Reserves. This conservation area showcases many of the island’s botanical riches and is so far south that it lines up with Northern California.
- Sip vino at a family-friendly winery. With massive oak barrels made into playhouses, picnic tables and apple juice tastings for kids, the whole family can enjoy the day at Pelee Island Winery.
Centreville, Toronto Islands, Ontario © Jennifer Merrick
Toronto Islands, southern Ontario
Two hundred years ago, a storm blew apart an Ontario peninsula, creating 15 small islands. Today Torontonians and visitors alike take refuge in this 600-acre pedestrian-only recreational site to enjoy its beaches, trails and attractions.
What to do in Toronto Islands?
- Ride a vintage Ferris wheel and carousel. Centreville is an old-fashioned amusement park with classic rides, splash pads, a small farm and a laid-back island vibe.
- Step inside a children’s book. The Franklin Children’s Gardens is a park based on characters from Franklin the Turtle stories. Designed for storytelling and exploring wildlife, it’s divided into seven sections, including a Hide and Seek Garden and a Turtle Pond.
- Capture the money shot of the Toronto skyline. Though the ferry is only a 15-minute ride, it’s the best vantage point for a view of the city, especially if you time it with the sunset.
Manitoulin Island, Ontario © Jennifer Merrick
Manitoulin Island, southwest Ontario
The world’s largest freshwater island is in Ontario and its name means ‘Spirit Island’ in the Anishinaabe language. Located on Lake Huron, it truly casts a spell on those who visit with its escarpment landscape of sculpted limestone cliffs and waterfalls, wildflowers and a rich cultural heritage.
What to do in Manitoulin Island?
- Cross the Little Current Swing Bridge. Built in 1913 and now designated a heritage site, the bridge still provides the only land access to the island. Every hour the bridge opens up for 15 minutes to allow larger boats to go through, which many kids (and adults) enjoy watching. Another fun way to get to the island is the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory.
- Hunt for fossils at Bridal Veil Falls. Not only is the 35-foot chute a site to behold, but there are also countless fossils kids can hunt for around the falls.
- Marvel at the Milky Way. With very little light pollution, Manitoulin’s night sky shows off its celestial wonders in all their shining glory. Astronomy events are often held at Manitoulin Eco Park, the first private site to be designated a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
- And if still craving more island time, you can visit Lake Mindemoya, which boasts the world’s largest natural island (Treasure Island) in a lake on an island in a lake.