A Day at Toronto Centre Island

Toronto Island Ferry

We had not been to Centre Island for years! For DD#1, not since she was 1. DD#2 had not been there at all. We arrived at the ferry terminal at around 10am and managed to catch the ferry which was just about to leave. Am not quite sure about the ferry’s capacity, but it was packed. I had visions of the news of ferries capsizing just recently in a couple of countries! So, I just focused on the beautiful views and hoped for the best. 

Anyway, we safely got to Centre Island about 10 minutes or so later and quickly realized that everyone and his uncle were on the island. Also, there was a Dragon Boat event which made for even more crowds. 

Dragon Boat Races at Centre island

The girls were getting hungry and we weren’t quite sure about the wait times at Carousel Café, so we just got some pizza. It was only later on, however, that we realized there were food booths by the Dragon Boat Festival area. Oh well. 

We grabbed one of the picnic tables by the lake to watch the Dragon Boat races while we ate. The girls had a blast running after the geese and ducks in between bites. 

After lunch and a couple of $4 popsicles (!!!), we headed over to Centreville Amusement Park. We got the girls tickets good for a couple of rides. They had such a blast at the Log Flume Ride that the Carousel was a bit anti-climactic. There were many other rides at the amusement park. However, most were for younger kids that the girls did not really care to ride on them. 

Centreville: Log Flume

We checked out the Far Enough Farm afterwards. My animal-loving girls enjoyed looking at the farm animals and got to pet some Cameroon Dwarf Goats. There was quite the variety of animals at the farm, including interesting, fluffy, white, Silkie Chickens and super cute mini-ponies.

Far Enough Farm @ Centre Island

 There are a few ways to go around the island. You can go by tram or electric boats.

Toronto Island Tram tour

Lagoon Boat Tours @ Centre Island

 We decided to rent a Quadri-cycle to go around the island. Actually, as we were moving too slowly (compared to a regular bicycle), one hour only allowed us a few kilometers (not around the island!) before we had to head back to return the cycle or pay for additional hours.  The Quadricycle was so a lot of fun (and hard work!) for the four pedallers—Hubby, Grandma, DD#1 and me. DD#2 still could not reach the pedals. Instead, she was assigned to ring the bells to alert the pedestrians we were passing. 

The girls headed next to play by the beach after we returned our quadric-cycle  A lot of people were playing volleyball or just soaking in the sun. A few brave souls were swimming. 

Centre Island beach

We stopped by Franklin Children’s Garden before heading back to the terminal. At the garden, the girls had a snack and DD#2 watered some flowers. 

Franklin Children's Garden

 Then, it was time to ride the ferry back. It was crazy! The lines were so long (the Dragon Boat festivities apparently just ended) that we only got to ride on the 3^rd ferry. It was an hour's wait and again, the ferry was packed. 

The long wait to leave the island did not dampen our spirits, though. We had a good long day with plenty of activities. One can truly spend the full day and even the evening at the island—last ferry departs at 11:45pm!

Toronto on Dwellable

Things to do at Buckhorn

In our houseboating trip, we were deciding whether to go West to Bobcaygeon or East to Buckhorn. As we chose to go to Bobcaygeon during that trip, we drove to Buckhorn instead last Father’s day.

Main Street Landing, Buckhorn

  

We had a nice lunch outside at the patio at Main St Landing. It was just right by the locks and the views were  charming. Hubby had fish and chips, perfectly crusted with corn flakes!

fish n chips

I ordered the fish tacos which was supposedly one of their specials. It was ok but not that great. 

fish tacos

The ambience totally made up for whatever awesomeness the food was lacking.  We had a wonderful lunch, though, watching the boats go by and with some nice music from a live performer.

After lunch, we walked along the park by the river and watched a couple of boats expertly lock-through! How did they do it so effortlessly?! Oh well.

Then, we drove to The Gallery on the Lake which featured a huge collection by Canadian artists. Exhibits change and they have a featured artist at a given time. The paintings were beautiful and quite expensive, as originals normally were. They also had a nice exhibit on silk embroidery which amazed DD#1 to no end! The building was set amidst trees and was lakefront--such a beautiful setting for a collection of beautiful paintings.  Inside, there was a small gift shop and café as well.

Gallery on the Lake, Buckhorn

Before heading home we drove to Kawartha Country Wines. It was a wonderful surprise. They had a wide variety of fruit wines (apart from the traditional grapes) among which were Mango Peach, Gooseberry and Raspberry. The wines were not just dessert wines as they had dry and off-dry varieties as well. The social wines were lovely, perfect for summer dining with friends at the patio.

Apart from the free wine-tasting, you can also explore the gift shop where they sell a variety of items related to wine and dining. They sell cheese and wine jellies as well.

Kawartha Country Wines, Buckhorn

 So, if you manage to find yourself in Buckhorn, now you know there are at least 3 places you can check out. Enjoy!

Dining at Bobcaygeon: Just for the Halibut

Just for the Halibut, Bobcaygeon

The night before we headed home from Bobcaygeon, we had dinner at Just for the Halibut. As if the girls did not get enough from all the fishing, we had to have some more—fish and chips this time. 

They had a take-out section over by the waiting area. We waited a few minutes for the host to get our table ready, but it wasn’t too long. The place was quite spacious and yet it was almost full. It would have been faster if we had reservations.

The menu was extensive and offered something for everyone, not just fish. They had steak, sausages, pasta, chicken and kids’ meals. Grandma got Popcorn shrimp (breaded with Panko) and DD#2 got some chicken nuggets.

 The rest of the gang had fish and chips. The batter was crisp and not oily. The fish was fresh. The chips were good, too.

They offered several different kinds of poutine as well. We couldn’t resist so Hubby and I tried the Chilli Poutine. Fresh cut fries were topped with hearty chilli, curds and cheese. Y.U.M.

Chilli Poutine

Service was friendly and fast and the ambience was homey. Just for the Halibut is a must try if you are in the area.

Discovering bakeries in the Kawarthas: Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls

When we went houseboating, we had sufficient meals (along with the fish we caught) to last us through our trip. So, when we went exploring the towns of Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls, what we checked out were bakeries for our snacks and dessert.

We absolutely loved the quaint community of Bobcaygeon. The shops were so delightful, offering goodies and merchandise we do not typically see in the malls over in Toronto. Several Bigley’s stores were located near the locks, selling great (albeit pricey) shoes and clothing. We also spent hours checking out the many stores selling stuff for the home—mostly cottage décor and quite lovely.

We had coffee at the Kawartha Coffee Co and checked out the local Foodland grocery. 

Kawartha Coffee Co.

We then went to Bobcaygeon Bread Co/Bakery and had the Best.Toffee Bar.Ever. 

Bobcaygeon Bread Co

 

I only got one bar as I was getting hungry and needed a snack. Hubby, Grandma and the girls liked it so much as well that we had to go back (after walking over a block) to buy some more! They also had good Date Squares which Grandma and Hubby like. The girls also enjoyed a couple of cookies. We tried some Butter Tarts but found they were okay but nothing to call home about.

 Over at Fenelon Falls, the vibe was much different. It was busier and the stores offered more vintage goods/antiques. We had some ice cream (Kawartha Dairy, of course!) before we walked around. 

After all that walking we needed another snack. We checked out the Little Pie Shack, a cute pink store selling freshly-baked goodies. 

The Little Pie Shack, Fenelon Falls

 We got a 6 for $12 assortment of tarts and bars. The girls liked the blueberry tart over all the other bars and tarts. I wasn’t too wowed but I would go back, should there be a chance, to try out all the other goodies. 

 

Sugar-happy, we definitely enjoyed our baked delights over at these quaint towns.