Travel | Hanlan's Point Beach

As a Toronto regular it somewhat surprises me that I've never been to any of the Toronto Islands. This past week I decided to take a trip down to visit a friend and take advantage of the nice weather that Ontario has been having as of late. Since the Ferry's over to the islands are not far from her house we decided to walk - subway - walk - ferry and more walk to Hanlan's Point Beach. As you may or may not be aware, Hanlan's Point Beach is known mostly for its "clothing optional" half (the other half is far more family oriented and clothing mandatory).

My view before heading back from the Island to the city

11:00 AM  -  After two Mimosa's and a considerably longer than anticipated time packing the cooler, we were on our way to the Young and Eglinton TTC stop.

11:20 AM -  The cooler bag seemed to be gaining weight by the minute and the walk to the TTC station was finally over. We took the subway down to Union and proceeded to walk the remainder of the way to the Ferry Docks.

Somewhere between 12:00-1:30 - We managed to purchase our tickets for the Ferry over. What I didn't understand is that you purchase your ticket and then literally two steps later you hand it over to someone who rips it up. That is the entire job description of that second person. There is no ticket required for your return. Why have that second person in the first place? Just rip it up when I give you the money.

The walk from the Ferry docks to the beach was less than pleasant. The cooler bag was killing our shoulders and walking through heaps of blazing hot sand, it felt like like we were in the Warrior Dash. Burnt feet and sore shoulders aside, it ended up being a marvellous day at Hanlan's Point. The beach wasn't packed and the weather was perfect. One suggestion if you decide to check it out for yourself: Bring your own umbrella. You can rent them when you get to the beach, but for an astounding $12. If you forget one though - it's still worth it to get the minimal amount of shade that they provide. Following our trip to the beach we decided to head downtown to King St. to find a place to have drinks. We stumbled upon Hey Lucy Cafe. Sadly, we didn't have the opportunity to try any of the food as it was about 1:30 AM, but we did manage to crush a couple of martinis as seen at left. If you're in the neighbourhood I highly recommend you stop by and try the Chocolate Martini as there really isn't a better combination than vodka and melted chocolate at 1:30 AM. 

- Lyss