Toronto Islands Voyageur Canoe Tour: Is It Worth It? (Review)

The Toronto Islands, just a short ferry ride from the downtown area, present this charming getaway. The islands offer you a mix of outdoor fun, awesome views of the Toronto skyline, and a peaceful break from the urban area. If you’re thinking about fun ways to discover this island chain, the Voyageur Canoe Tour, too it’s almost like something out of a history book, could be very what you’re looking for. I went to try this trip myself, and here’s my breakdown of what you might want to think of before you hop in the canoe.

What to Expect from the Voyageur Canoe Experience

Think of it basically, as joining a big canoe along with a team of other explorers, so you explore the calm lagoons and waterways of the Toronto Islands. The canoes used are basically replicas of those used by early Canadian voyagers, which basically gives the whole thing some history to it. The tour is always directed by guides, and they’ll, naturally tell stories of the area, some cool history info, and will, very basically point out some cool stuff. This tour is usually around two to three hours, that’s enough time, in some respects to paddle at a relaxed pace and see the Islands from a really great view point.

Now, here’s what you kind of can anticipate, very frankly: paddling. So be ready to actually put some work in. It’s usually not super tiring, that’s always depending, naturally, on the wind and weather, but it’s basically more fun if you take part in rowing. You’re often provided a paddle and a spot in the canoe, and very then everyone usually paddles in unison to keep on moving smoothly. Often it gets so your guides know all about the local wildlife and any cool spots, so expect to learn things that aren’t always available if you walked on your own. And very besides the exercise and learning things, so the feeling of being out on the water, basically, with a group is, naturally awesome. It tends to be social and active – just a little perfect mix for most people!

Highlight of the Tour

For me, anyway it comes down to certain spots. Gliding through the quieter lagoons where trees droop right to the water is particularly awesome. Often you get to see lots of bird life, from swans to herons, depending of course, very on the time of year. That feeling, is that seeing Toronto’s skyline from the water as the sun goes down has always felt kind of special; the city basically lights up, providing this super cool view, too it’s almost peaceful. Plus, so there’s something special basically, about the group aspect. Every group I experienced was really full of different people, and sharing the rowing effort as people shared a ton of stories was basically its own sort of memory.

But here’s a breakdown, just a little to sum things up:

• Awesome views of the Toronto skyline.
• Up-close views of birds and the wildlife.
• Cool guide commentary that offers this historical context and fun fact stuff.
• Basically a workout to do, yet not overly strenuous.
• It is basically an adventure basically, that can connect you to other participants.

Things to Consider Before you Book

Think very carefully: It’s really more fun in warm weather. Often the tour operates only through certain months, more or less from spring through fall, just because of how the weather is. Next what to use: You are going to be paddling, you, so dress comfortably in clothes that may just get a splash. And, very definitely don’t forget sunblock, a hat, plus water; often you get really thirsty from sunshine and paddling. Be pretty certain to check what the tour has given: Often life jackets are there, naturally, and all safety stuff. Plus note, anyway it is beneficial that the tour might be called off given bad weather, so basically look at their policy in case of bad conditions. Lastly know this; are the Toronto Islands, that being only reached via a ferry. So what that ends up doing is add basically an extra travel plan as to where to catch a ferry.

So here is a super quick checklist:

• Check weather for tour window of operations (usually it is between spring & fall).
• Wear some clothing suitable to get splashes, and/or any type of perspiration from physical exertion.
• Put sunscreen and grab hats for awesome sun blockage.
• Always, hydrate or die-drate
• Inquire or get ready about the what-ifs regarding possible tour cancellations or ferry schedules!

Who is this Voyageur Canoe Tour Good For?

Basically these trips, you know, would work amazingly with people who wanna see a little adventure mixed along with a lot of the sightseeing they desire in the Toronto Islands. A group of friends, that wanting some memories and shared enjoyment out in nature may want to grab each other and participate together. Very like your family might even wanna bond on an activity that almost guarantees some special uniqueness during the trip (But often, verify age and any guidelines about younger people, often, with the tour provider!).

Often people that seek the outdoors who kinda want a break coming, clearly, from busy city days, may feel at peace that there can almost become a nature reconnection when participating in some good ‘ol physical activity! Otherwise, any person or even traveller wishing some exploration during the calm waters along the archipelago surrounding Toronto’s island will always be able to discover it for sure during some part of any journey.

Is It Worth the Time and Money?

If a unique vantage to Toronto Island’s surroundings is actually an objective, this may then deliver just that! So just knowing that you are now voyaging within canoes from previous Canadian exploration makes it quite appealing. Then when adding some components as fitness mixed alongside group-communion creates like a balanced opportunity of a ton of enjoyment! Though, actually before booking verify its alignment for requirements on activity amount required, potential travel timeline flexibility coming to islands through the ferry schedules, that could match almost how the voyage trip needs adjusting so. Anyway overall, because the whole excursion balances adventure while some skyline background scenery does, really I would recommend it if those criteria tend being quite up anyone’s preference!

So really to keep it totally honest? Depending then upon travel style together along financial capacities versus almost a time to participate through, maybe. This adventure tour is good; really it may, basically fit very nicely inside someone requiring exploration mixed together in nature away from how that downtown might otherwise seem though… very seriously. Because that value depends ultimately just about personal priorities/ preferences which do, or don’t almost seem important!