Then and Now Series: Around Ward's Island

The weather was so great, that it felt like the perfect timing to revisit Ward’s Island, and more specifically its sister Algonquin Island.

School’s not out yet and the tourists are busy with the FIFA so I did not need to buy my ferry ticket online. But I strongly recommend you do so on weekends and during the summer months.

Ferry access: Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at Queens Quay West and Bay Street. Good news: they’ve added a canopy to protect us from the sun as we wait to pass the entrance booths.

Old and new things along a 3.5 km circuit.

Here are my FIVE favourite new urban sights as I discovered them during my walk, complete with a few Then & Now combos and photos for the ambiance.

1. Bike Share (near Ward’s Island Ferry Dock)

If you want to start with a tour of the islands, the Bike Share system is now available near the ferry dock, with five more stations throughout Toronto islands. A $15 Day Pass allows you to explore the islands with unlimited 90-min rides. Note that these bikes must stay on the islands.

2. Runaway Café in a vintage trailer

The tiny café set in a pink silver bullet with a cute little garden is a great addition in the back of the restaurant Riviera. You can order there and eat anywhere you want on the premises.

3. Bridge Boutique on Algonquin island

Past the bridge that leads to Algonquin Island, there’s a thrifty cart where the islanders take and leave items. It has gotten more ambitious over time.

4. Mini gallery boxes

We see many art boxes peppered around Ward’s and Algonquin island. They’re remnants from an art installation movement that started during the pandemic.

5. The Island Outpost (not far from Algonquin Island bridge)

Shopping on Ward’s Island, since last year. This store is a cross between a well curated small museum gift shop and a surprising little snack counter. I noticed a Toronto Islands puzzle, Toronto Island bingo, beautiful craft activities, useful nature books, frisbees, waterproof ponchos, fancy non-alcohol drinks, chips, and frozen pops. And they rent bikes (regular, tandem and 4-seats)!

Then and Now:…

BEFORE shots from 2004. AFTER shots from 2026.

Having roamed Toronto’s streets for my walking guides since 2010, I’ve been itching to revisit some of those places and capture AFTER photos. Because really, who doesn’t like a good BEFORE & AFTER?

View over Toronto from the beach by the ferry

No wonder it’s different! I looked it up: there were about 30 buildings over 150 m in 2004. By 2026, it’s 108 high-rises (+ several under construction).

House on Algonquin Island facing Toronto

Still standing, still blue and white. It was charming in 2004, still is. Notice the tree that disappeared? And the neighbour’s house that got bigger? There are 104 house on Algonquin Island, and 150 more on Ward’s island.

Treehouse on Algonquin Island

Still standing on Omaha Avenue, the treehouse must accommodate grand-children now. It has gained windows and a roof… and a jungle all around.

The Riviera replaced the Rectory Café off the boardwalk

See how the tree has grown? Built in 1948, it was the home of the priest of St Andrew-By-The-Lake, hence the previous name Rectory Café. (The 1884 church still holds weekly Sunday Anglican services at 10:30 a.m. year-round). The Riviera replaces the Rectory in 2018, and added the funky Castaways Rum Shack a few years ago... (And I can confirm that my friend Denis still has the same silhouette, 22 years later!)

More of my best shots from 2026

The Island’s Café greets us on the way to Ward’s Beach.

The superb mosaic past the Island Café, and the threshold are all that’s left after the big fire that burned down the club house and adjacent restaurant in March 2024.

Nook of Ward’s Beach, otherwise quite long and narrow.

Ward’s Boardwalk facing the south. Feels like the ocean!

The Riviera restaurant with vast patio, right off the boardwalk.

Good advice at the bar inside the Riviera restaurant. There's another funky patio in the back: the Castaways Rum Bar.

Whimsical decorations on properties on Algonquin Island.

Property envy alert! One of the many boathouses on the island. Seems like the best place to write a book!

“Rest area” on Algonquin Island.

Cottage life on Algonquin Island.

Yes, there is one firetruck on the carless islands.

No kidding! Life is but a dream on Algonquin Island!

Yep, THIS, Near Canada's biggest city (Algonquin Island).

My favourite tree on Algonquin Island, near the bridge.

All the residents are currently fighting against Premier Doug Ford plans to take over Toronto's role in the agreement governing the airport and undertake the runway expansion to accommodate jet aircraft.

An artsy protest!

Near Ojibway Avenue, there’s a Toronto Islands map distributor.

The 3.5 km circuit I did around Ward's Island and Algonquin Island.