Take a day off in the middle of the city

Looking for a quick escape into the nature? Whether you live in Toronto, or just happen to be visiting, you don't have to look too far. Just jump on a ferry and within less than half an hour you will find yourself on the pollution-free, green Toronto Islands, which are full of attractions for both adults and kids.

Toronto skyline

The Toronto Islands are a chain of small islands located just offshore the city centre. They are the largest urban car-free community in North America, what makes the island relaxed and cyclist-friendly. You can take your bicycle on a ferry with you for free or rent it on the island. There are long, well-maintained paths for bikes which will take you through all of the islands.

Apart from bicycles and quadracycles, also canoes can be rented on the islands. Moreover, the place is absolutely perfect for families. The children will be delighted with the Centreville, a kid's amusement park which was built in the middle of previous century. It has a 1900s-style turn-of-the-century theme and includes a minature railway and antique carousel. There are also playgrounds and splash pads, Franklin's Garden - children's garden and The Far Enough Farm with live animals. On the western side of Ward's Island there is a frisbee golf course. You can also visit Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, the oldest landmark in Toronto, with a mysterious history built around it.

Ward's Island Beach

There are several swimming beaches on the islands, including Centre Island Beach, Manitou Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, Hanlan's Point Beach with a clothing optional section and Ward's Island Beach. The Ward's Island Beach is the most secluded, with beautiful views and crystal-clear water. All of the beaches are well-kept and guarded.

Pretty, colourful houses are another attraction of the Toronto Islands. There are 262 of them in total, some of which are only of seasonal use and others constitute full-time homes to the few residents of the islands. 

One of the typical houses on the Toronto Islands

The views both from the ferry and from the islands' viewpoints are simply breathtaking. You can have a look at the famous Toronto skyline with CN tower in the middle, on the Ontario lake or on the little marinas, which in the summer are full of yachts. 

Thinking of visiting Toronto? You can swap your home and stay there for free! Just go here.

text & photography Natalia Wisniewska

Escape into the wild

 Are you tired of traffic jams, car fumes, crowded streets and shops, not to mention the stressful work? If yes, maybe it's time to go into the wild?

Algonquin Park

If you happen to be staying in Canada, in the Ontario province, there is a place worth recommending. Only 2,5 hrs drive from Toronto, Algonquin Park is a great spot to unwind. With more than 7.500 square kilometers of  pure, untouched nature, the park is a home to chipmunks, deers, mosses, grey squirrels, porcupines and many more species.

You can go there for a day trip or stay overnight. There is over a thousand well-equipped campsites, as well as lodges to rent. Sport lovers can bring their mountain bikes (or rent them) and go on one of the nineteen designated trails across the park. You can also try hiking, fishing, horseback riding, canoeing or swimming in the crystal clear water. In the winter time one can also enjoy cross country skiing.

The landscapes are breathtaking all year round - full of flowers in the spring time, green in the summer, and purely white in the winter. Some people say that the best time to visit the park is autumn, when the upper branches of  trees burst into thousands of colours, ranging from red to gold. Whichever time of the year you choose, it is a great place to escape from the daily routine. 

Places you never forget

It might be something small, like amazing food or interesting local custom. It doesn't matter what it is in your case, as long as it makes your trip special. Here are the 3 places which I found unforgettable.

Barcelona

There is a saying “what happens in Barcelona, stays in Barcelona”. With its numerous restaurants and night clubs, it is true - the city never sleeps. However, there is so much more to this. Gaudi buildings, lots of artists and well-dressed people, laughter and Catalan language make the city truly magical. It is even more magical if you allow yourself to get lost in the labyrinth of little old streets. Once I was wandering around, when I looked down and saw an entrance of a dwarf height. It looked like the doors to somebody’s basement, but since they were open, I didn’t resist the temptation and went inside. The walls of the basement were made of old yellow bricks. It looked elegant, but also very spiritual.  I thought it was a museum, as there were many vases and archaeological objects exposed. But then a handsome tall man explained to me the story of the building. It turned out to be a 500-years old Jewish synagogue! A sacred, hidden place in the middle of loud, busy town,  isn’t it magical?

Taormina

One of the most beautiful places on Sicily. No wonder why this inspirational spot became a popular destination among artists and writers, including Truman Capote. Since the sixties the Taormina Film Festival had been taking place, what made the place even more glamorous. It hosted movie legends like Audrey Hepburn, Marlena Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor and modern celebrities like Tom Cruise and Antonio Banderas. When you walk down the main street in the old part of town, you will immediately understand why it was Taormina they chose to create the festival. Tempting, posh shops with fashionable clothes, outdoor vibrant ristorantes and breathtaking views over the island – what more can you ask for? Well, beautiful food! Try the Sicilian ice cream in Taormina served in a sweet bun or Sicilian cannoli (little tubes of fried pastry filled with fresh ricotta), and you will never want to leave!

Sicilian cannoli

Gozo

Santa Marija festa in Victoria, Gozo

Imagine a clear dark blue sky lit up with thousands of colourful fireworks, confetti falling on your head and hundreds of people celebrating on the streets. Even though it is already after sunset, it is hot  outside, so you drink light, refreshing Cisk lager and eat the unpronounceable, but delicious "Gateau bil-ħelwa tat-tork u liker tal-lewż" (nougat and amaretto gateau). You can experience this only in one place -Victoria, the capital city of  a Maltese island Gozo. On the 15th of August each year the Maltese celebrate a Santa Marija day. The whole population of this catholic country has a day off and either parties in their home villages or travel to Gozo, which according to the Maltese, is the best place to experience a real Santa Marija festa. Highly recommended!

text & photography Natalia Wisniewska