Most are linked by little bridges, and are properly known as Toronto Islands. The beach on the south shore reminds me of England with its long pier and boardwalk. With your back to the city, you could be anywhere in the world. Have a look at the map and you'll see the beach stretches from one end to the other. Part of it is not for families, at the end near the airport. Must be an interesting view
for pond hoppers. So anyway, there's plenty of sand elsewhere, with expansive views of open water, and some of the biggest trees I have ever seen, although I have never been to the west coast. Fire pits and wading pools, a hedge maze, peddle boats, bicycle rentals, ball diamonds, frisbee golf, a tiny little church, barbeques, a quaint and pretty residential community complete with school and firehall, lighthouses....
From the City of Toronto website:
Park Facilities
2 fully accessible washrooms
2 fully accessible washroom-change rooms
1 washroom and 1 washroom-change room
18 drinking fountains
10 water taps
21 picnic areas with 6 fire pits
2 First Aid stations
Food, recreation and fun
4 snack bars (seasonal operation)
Carousel Cafe and Island Paradise Restaurant, licensed (416-363-0496)
bicycle rental (416-203-0009)
boat rental (311)
Centreville Amusement Area and Far Enough Farm
Toronto Islands Marina
serviced public boat moorings (48-hour limit)
Historic Tram Tour (June-September)
1 wading pool
2 splash pads
Allan A. Lamport Regatta Course on Long Pond
The Island Church (non-denominational)
Avenue of the Islands Gardens
Franklin Children's Garden
Royal Canadian Yacht Club (private)
public phones on Centre and Ward's Island
frisbee golf course
Toronto Islands Recreation Ropes Challenge Course
Toronto Islands Natural Science School
1.11 kilometres from Island Filtration Plant to boardwalk
1.68 kilometres from boardwalk to Ward's Island Ferry Dock
0.76 kilometres from Centre Island Ferry Dock to Lookout Pier
