Hello and welcome to Weekend Coffee Share #44! I’m glad you’re here. Please come on in, help yourself to a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at my coffee station and let’s chat.
The first week of November was cool with a mix of sun, clouds and brilliant Fall colours. Before jumping into November, I wanted to reflect on October and what a wonderful month it was. I had a beautiful Thanksgiving with my family, I stayed healthy, I enjoyed time with my niece, friends and neighbour, and I had plenty of fun from my leisure pursuits.
I chose to write about one event that combined three elements that I value: family, fitness and fun. After a wonderful visit to Ward’s Island in September, I planned another trip with my family to Hanlan’s Point on Thanksgiving long weekend in October.
Hanlan’s Point is on the west side of the Toronto Islands. Unlike Ward’s Island, there is no residential home in Hanlan’s Point. We come here mainly for nature and a few historic points of interest. For a brief history of Toronto Islands, click here.
The ferry service from the mainland to Hanlan’s Point was temporarily suspended so we boarded the ferry to Centre Island then walked towards Hanlan’s Point. The weather was sunny with daytime high temperature 22C (72F), ideal for being outdoors.
Back on the trail, we looked up to see bright red wild berries and looked down to find a variety of fungi in the grass.
We stopped by Franklin’s Children Garden which is inspired by Franklin the Turtle from the celebrated book series written by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Brenda Clark. It’s an interactive garden for families.
We explored the seven sections of this garden: Franklin’s Pollination station, Hide-and-Seek Garden, Snail Trail, Little Sprouts Garden, Turtle Pond, Pine Grove, and TD Storybook Place Amphitheatre.
Bear and Franklin 
Beaver 
Goose 
Rabbit and Franklin
We continued to Far Enough Farm on Centre Island to meet the animals there. The farm was quiet since the animals have left for their winter home north of Toronto. We hope to be back and pet them next spring.
The direct distance from Centre Island to Hanlan’s Point is merely 3.25 km (2 miles). In typical Natalie the Explorer fashion, we had a lot of fun exploring and enjoying the beauty all around us.
How much fun? We walked 16 kilometers (10 miles) and came home smiling! This outing was one of the highlights of my October.
Linked to #LifeThisWeek, #PPAC21, #TheChangingSeasons, #ThursdayDoors.
How was your week? What were the highlights in October for you?
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Natalie the Explorer 
Natalie, this is such a feel-good post. You’ve brightened my day with these photos. I love the animal statues from the book. They look like they’re having fun. I absolutely love the lighthouse! That’s a beautiful door (in case you wanted to share) and I didn’t know that it was the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. It looks like you had a wonderful time. Thank you for bringing us along.
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Thank you, Dan, for your comment. I’m glad my post brightened your day. The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, being the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes, is a treasure for sure. I feel fortunate to be able to visit it easily. The US Lighthouse Society web site has a lot of interesting facts and history of many lighthouses in the US and Canada if you like lighthouses. I’ve now linked this post to Thursday Doors. Have a great weekend!
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Wow! I loved this post, Natalie! Thank you for taking us along. I had a difficult time scrolling past the lighthouse…it’s amazing. Have a great weekend! xo
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Thank you, Jill, for your comment. I’m glad you loved this post. Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is kept in such good shape, isn’t it? I’ve visited it several times and always want to go see it when I’m on Toronto Islands. Have a great weekend!
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Hi Natalie – I always enjoy seeing what you’ve been up to and where you’ve been hiking or whatever. This spot looks really pretty and I love the little statues too. It looks like it would have been the perfect day’s outing (and fabulous weather too).
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Hi Leanne, Everything came together nicely for this outing. Franklin’s Children Garden is worth a visit on its own and it’s great for all ages, not just children. I love visiting Toronto Islands and Franklin’s Children Garden.
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A great adventure. What fun. We have coyotes around here, but I’ve never seen a sign like that one in any parks. Can’t go wrong when there’s a lighthouse involved in your week. Thanks for taking us along with you.
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Hi Ally, During the pandemic, wildlife like coyotes seem to be emboldened in Toronto. There has been sightings and reports of coyote attacks. We were hoping to see one at a safe distance but didn’t see any coyote on our walk. Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is in good shape. I like to visit the lighthouse whenever I’m on Toronto Islands. Have a great weekend!
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I’m so proud of you and your family for having gone on this 16km walk! I am glad you had so much fun exploring all the sights while you were on your way.
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Thank you, Astrid. There were so many fun places and things to explore that we kept going. By the time we got back on the ferry, our feet were a little tired but we were all very happy.
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16 kms! That’s a great walk. Add to it such beautiful surroundings and no wonder you came home smiling. I especially liked the sign about the coyottes. I would have given an extra look out for them as we do not have any coyottes on Vancouver Island. Lovely post!
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Hi Donna, We were hoping to see at least one coyote at a safe distance but none showed up. It was a beautiful day and beautiful surroundings. We all had fun exploring this part of Toronto Islands. If the animals at Far Enough Farm hadn’t moved to their winter home, we would have continued walking to visit them.
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Natalie, what an interesting walk. I love that little fungus shaped like a Witch’s Hat! Very cool.
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Suzanne, That fungus is called “shaggy ink cap” or “lawyer’s wig”. It’s such a fun name.
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Lighthouses, statues and benches. Who wouldn’t love this post. I like your butterfly bench 😀
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Thank you, Cee. This walk is lovely and we had such good weather on that day. What a coincidence that we both had butterfly bench this week.
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What a great walk! I love the lighthouse and the animal statues.
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Thank you, Janis. I love to visit Gibraltar Point lighthouse and Franklin’s Children Garden whenever I’m in this part of Toronto Islands. The garden is well designed and great for all ages, not just children.
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Another postcard quality tour of the world around Toronto. You are so fortunate to be surrounded by so much beauty. Thanks for sharing and hosing our weekend get together’s.
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Thank you, Gary. I do feel fortunate to be close to such beautiful nature. Have a nice weekend!
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I love your good times and many of your photos but none more then the reading goose! Excellent!
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Manja, I also love the reading goose. She sits on the steps of an “amphitheatre”. When Storytelling time is on, people can sit and listen to the stories read.
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What a lovely walk and so many wonderful photos again – I agree with Gary about the postcard quality of the tour. A nice start to Saturday (for me at least!(.
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Thank you, Barbara. This part of Toronto Islands is quite lovely and with good weather that day, it was easy to get nice photos. Have a great weekend!
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What a contrast to have all of that beautiful nature around and yet to see the city over the horizon. Just crazy to me. I always enjoy your walks and adventures. There seems to be art in every corner of Toronto. Those bronze sculptures are whimsical and fun…like Beatrix Potter characters or something from Mother Goose. The water is so still it looks like a mirror in every shot. Perfect weather for a perfectly wonderful day.
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Hi Leslie, Yes, Toronto Islands are about 13-minute ferry ride from the mainland and feel so different. The walk towards Hanlan’s Point is wonderful. Franklin’s Children Garden is worth a visit on its own. It’s a beautiful and fun place for all ages. Have a great weekend!
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I’d love to visit that island. How pretty. I love that lighthouse too! I always love your treks around your city. It makes me want to get out and explore more around my own area.
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It’s fun to get outside and explore. I love to go to Toronto Islands for nature, wildlife and historic sites like Gibraltar Point lighthouse.
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As a lover of history and lighthouses I really enjoyed your post Natalie. Looks like a lovely walk and to share it with family would have been wonderful
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Jennifer, I’m glad you enjoyed my post. This part of Toronto Islands has beautiful nature that my family and I both love. The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is definitely a highlight.
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What a lovely adventure, thanks for taking us along. I cannot remember the last time I was in Toronto, let alone visiting the island. I think we sometimes forget how much history & adventure is right in our own backyards. 🙂
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Mary-Lou, Toronto islands and the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse are well worth visiting. I love going there for nature and history. So much beauty in Ontario and Canada to experience.
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What a walk. First of all ten miles is quite a physical feat. You even had time and energy to take pictures along the way, so kudos. The walk felt serene and peaceful, yet filled with interesting tidbits of information. It’s everything a person could want in a blog post and perfect for PPAC. Thanks for joining, Natalie. 🙂
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Thank you, Marsha. I’m glad you think this post is perfect for PPAC. Walking feels natural to me and this trail is beautiful so I didn’t even think about the distance. I knew we were walking for about four hours. A family member used his phone to track our distance and time. Have a great weekend!
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I will. You have a great week-end, too. 🙂
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I have no idea why, but I’m a huge fan of light houses. Possible my folks pointing them out whenever we went anywhere. They always seem to mark some point in history. I love the fact we keep them alive albeit unmanned now.
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I think lighthouses are symbolic (light, guidance, hope, etc.) and they sure have a lot of history. I’m glad that Toronto has Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Great Lakes.
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Sounds like a fantastic walk! Hope you are having a great weekend and have a wonderful week ahead 🙂
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Thank you, Trent. It was a wonderful walk. This weekend is sunny and warmer than usual here so I’ll be out for a walk again 🙂 Have a great weekend!
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I enjoyed ‘walking’ with you Natalie and this 16km was certainly an interesting walk with nature and history. Thanks for the Weekend Coffee Share. I’m sharing what I was thankful for in October. https://www.womenlivingwellafter50.com.au/thankfulness-in-october/
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Thank you, Sue, for joining me. Your Thankful post is timely. I’ll hop over to your blog shortly.
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Beautiful pictures! Thanks so much for sharing! Glad you had a lovely holiday!
💜🙏💜
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Thank you, Dinah, for stopping by. I’m glad you liked my photos. Have a nice weekend!
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Wow, what a beautiful place and a beautiful walk. I would love to walk it. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
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Thank you, Patrick, for your comment. I greatly appreciate it. Have a nice weekend!
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What a beautiful walk – it had everything going for it. Have a lovely week Natalie.
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Thank you Jo and lovely week to you too.
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So happy to have you join in The Changing Seasons.
And for yet another fabulous glimpse at a Toronto highlight. Such a fun family outing – but long long long. Did everyone cope ok with the extended distance?
Love the scenery & the art you’ve shared – particularly the animal sculptures. Fun fun!
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Thank you, Ju-Lyn. I’m glad to join in the Changing Seasons. Everyone who came with me on this outing was good at walking long distances and was fine. By the time we boarded the ferry home, our feet were a little tired but we were all in good spirits. We also had a nice dinner to finish the day.
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It’s important that everyone is on par with stamina & energy levels on long outings like these. I’ve seen so many families with children or older folk who look so tired.
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I agree. I do this type of long walks with family or friends who walk regularly and are able to do them. I also checked in with them during the walk to make sure everyone was OK to continue.
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Looks like such a lovely walk with so much variety! Thank you for sharing with us
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Thank you, Sanch, for your comment. I greatly appreciate it.
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It certainly looks like a perfect day for a such a long walk. The weather is very mild still, is that the norm for Toronto this time of the year? Or is it unusually mild? I enjoyed your beautiful nature photos. I hope you are enjoying a fabulous weekend!
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Hi Maria, The weather has been unusually mild this Fall here. The daytime high temps range from 12C to 16C (54F to 61F) for this weekend and the next few days. I enjoy it while it lasts. The weather forecasters say it will turn cold suddenly in the last half of November. I’m used to the four seasons so when it turns colder, I’ll put on more layers and adjust my outdoor activities accordingly. Have a fabulous weekend!
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Unusual to see a lighthouse in those surroundings as most I have seen are near the sea. It certainly an interesting walk. Thanks for sharing, Natalie. Enjoy your week.
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Suzanne, Excellent observation! When completed in 1809, the Gibraltar Point lighthouse was located 7.6 m (25 feet) from the shore. Since then, sand has built up over time so that it now stands about 100 metres (110 yd) inland. Have a great week!
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The lighthouse looks really solid, an interesting design. Very pretty scenery.
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Thank you Deborah for your comment. The lighthouse is made of stone from Queenston and Kingston. This part of Toronto islands is very nice for a walk or bicycle ride.
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Another fantastic stroll in your beautiful neighborhood.
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Thank you Antoinette for your comment. I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the weekend.
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Hi Natalie, these are some beautiful pictures! It’s great that you had the opportunity to get out and explore this weekend. 🙂
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Thank you, Angela, for your comment. Everything came together and we all had a great time.
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Thank you taking us on a walking tour of the island!
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Thank you, Julie, for taking the tour virtually. Have a great week!
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Hi Natalie
What an amazing day out. If ever we get back to Toronto I would love to see it myself especially the sculptures and the coyote sign.
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Hi IM, I highly recommend a visit to Toronto Islands. Beautiful nature and the fun Franklin’s Children Garden are wonderful for all ages.
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Wonderful nature and inspiring photography and awesome lines too 👌🙏🌷😊
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Thank you Thattamma for your comment. I greatly appreciate it.
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🌷🙏♥️🌷
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Beautiful! I particularly love that old lighthouse – it’s so pretty. It’d lovely to draw/paint. Also love the bronze sculptures. Another beautiful spot and looks like such a lovely day out too Natalie!
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Hi Min, The lighthouse and the bronze sculptures are “must-sees” whenever I visit this part of Toronto Islands. I’m glad you love them too. Thank you for stopping by. Have a great week!
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What fun sculptures Natalie! I love the autumn light in your photos too, it’s definitely changing seasons for you.
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Yes, we’ve had a beautiful and warm Fall so far. It will get colder as we get closer to winter.
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What an amazing outing, Natalie! You show us beautiful architecture, autumn leaves, and lovely water all on a sunny day (we saw snowflakes yesterday morning!). Glad you’re out and about and thanks for sharing the fun!
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It has been unusually warm here, Terri. Yesterday daytime high temp was 17C (63F) and sunny. The rest of this week has above normal temps. I’ve been cycling and hiking this Fall while the nice weather lasts. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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What a beautiful place to share for us all Natalie. Your world is full of interesting treasures from history and today. Love learning more. It’s always good to see your blog in the link up for Life This Week! Thank you so much for being a part of this community. Next week I am announcing my plans for 2022 on Denyse Whelan Blogs. See you then too, I hope. Denyse.
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Thank you, Denyse, for your comment. It’s great that you’re already planning ahead. I look forward to learning about your plans for 2022 on your blog next week.
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Sorry to stop by so late–this week got away from me. Your photos are gorgeous as always! And you’re so lucky to be near so much natural beauty.
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Thank you, Janet, for stopping by. There is no deadline so you’re not late 🙂 I hope your week is going well. Look forward to hearing your next coffee share.
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Seems a beautiful place to visit. Loved the pictures. Beautiful shots!
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Thank you, Sam, for your visit and comment. I greatly appreciate it.
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The Ontario Legislative Building is magnificent Natalie. Do they let people up to see the inside of the clock tower? That would be amazing. Thanks for sharing and hosting another great weekend.
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Thank you Gary for stopping by. Before the pandemic, visitors can tour inside the Ontario Legislative Building. The tours are on hold atm. I’m sure they’ll resume once it’s safe to do so. Have a great weekend!
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