Small Town Ontario: Alqonquin Island in the Toronto Islands

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about attending our friends' wedding on Algonquin Island, which is part of the small group of Toronto Islands.

We had a little bit of time before the ceremony began, so we decided to take a little walk around the island.

The first thing you notice is that there are no cars. The group of islands are the largest urban car free community in North America, with the exception of service vehicles. People get around the islands using ferries, boats, canoes and bikes.

Aside from the lack of traffic (a welcome relief), what really caught my eye were all the amazing little houses.

Many years ago the island homes were used as cottages, but with one school, two daycares and a church now, there are people who live on the islands year round.

They have still managed to keep all the cottage charm that you would expect from an island community.

But look at how impressive their view is!

Everywhere you turn, there were lovely little details, like a hammock between two trees.

Wooden barrels overflowing with flowers.

Picket fence gates, welcoming visitors into sweet little gardens.

Daytrippers kayaking and canoeing.

Muskoka chairs just waiting for someone to take a seat and rest awhile.

Vine covered archways with winding stone pathways.

Crazy treehouses that make me want to have a sleepover (a la Now and Then)

Beautiful, lush gardens (with indigenous flowers that we coincidentally used in the centerpieces!)

There is a calm little harbour for people to park the boats they use to get to and from the mainland.

A busy sailboat/yacht marina, tucked away in a little cove.

There were houses of every size - and colour. Look at that shade of blue!

Tiny homes with spacious front yards.

Larger homes with tall trees.

Crazy sloped roof houses with a vine covered gazebo.

Cute little bungalows with bright green front doors.

And even a house with no less than 9 umbrellas (we counted). They must like shade.

Before long it was time to head back through the pathway to the community centre.

To watch this special day.

I hope we can go back across to the Toronto Islands again soon, but this time we will bring our bikes for some more exploring!