TORONTO - Two large wooden chairs sitting on a dock over looking the pristine waters of the Muskokas is a sought-after status symbol. In fact, celebrities and tycoons such as actress Kate Hudson and the Westons (owners of Loblaws, Holt Renfrew and Selfridges) own vacation property in the region. The Muskokas are beautiful and make for a fantastic getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. But what happens if you don’t have a fancy schmancy cottage to go to? Surely, you can enjoy the pleasures of cottage country without the 90-minute drive or need for a second mortgage? Enter the Toronto Islands Day-Cation.

Getting to the Islands

The islands of Toronto are a series of small sandy and tree-covered islands located inside Lake Ontario. Getting there from the city is easy. You can board a ferry that departs every 15 minutes from the Harbour Square Ferry Docks or catch a water taxi at Queen’s Quay terminal. Personally, I like the water taxi because it leaves when I want it to leave. Either mode of transportation is inexpensive and fast. The ferry ride costs $6.50 per person (rtn) and a water taxi costs $10 per person (one-way but you can catch the ferry back to the city for free). Word to the wise: Don’t miss the last ferry or taxi, unless, of course, you fancy swimming across Lake Ontario.

What’s there?

There are three main islands to visit: Hanlan’s Point, which is named after a celebrated oarsman, Centre Island and Wards Island. I decided to venture first to Hanlan’s Point because it is the least visited Island and also boasts a clothing optional beach. With my purse at my side, I fearlessly boarded the 12-seat yellow water taxi. As I sat, I took in the summer rays and breath taking view of the city skyline. When we docked, a fellow passenger carefully removed his bike and kitesurf from the taxi. Hmm…who’d of thought that Toronto would have a surfing culture.

Time to chillax

The tourist information clerk claimed that there wasn’t much to do on Hanlan’s Point but look at beautiful scenery. I hardly think that’s a bad thing. Vast green spaces, gardens and tree-lined pathways are a perfect vacation from the concrete jungle of the city. It’s also a perfect place for day-cation camping, BBQ’s and picnics. Earlier I mentioned that Hanlan’s Point boasted a clothing optional beach. Yes, it does. And it’s…um…mostly populated by men.

Feeling rather energetic, I decided to walk across all three islands. It apparently takes two hours to do it, but I’m on my day-cation so I’m not worried about the time.

Here are my top 10 tips for making the most of your day-cation at the Toronto Islands:

1. Arrive early. There are many activities at your disposal so take advantage by coming earlier in the day.
2. Bring a bike or rent one.
3. Visit the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse.
4. Go kayaking, paddle boating or canoeing.
5. If you have the right connections, party at the Island Yacht Club or cheer on a dragon boat regatta at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club and/or at the annual Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival.
6. Visit Centreville. Centreville —a small-scale amusement park for kids—is a popular island destination for families.
7. Don’t bring your car. The Toronto Islands is mainly a car-free zone.
8. Visit the charming homes of Wards Island.
9. Take a guided tour.
10. Relax and enjoy!