Hanlan's Point – Natalie the Explorer

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.

View towards Hanlan's Point. — A beautiful morning and adventures await. Looking towards Hanlan’s Point.

Island Public/ Natural Science School. — First, we visited Island Public/ Natural Science School which dates back to 1888. The current school was built in 1999 with an environmental focus.

Notice - Coyotes. — We stayed vigilant after seeing this Notice of Coyotes.

Next, we passed the Island Water Treatment Plant.

Island Water Treatment Plant information board. — We learned about its history and important function.

We visited Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. Constructed in 1808-09, it’s the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Great Lakes.

Interesting history of Gibraltar Point Lighthouse.

Trout Pond. — We walked the circumference of the Trout Pond and admired the reflections in the water.

Grey heron and snowy egret. — We saw a grey heron and a snowy egret in the wetlands.

The main trail to Hanlan's Point. — We walked on the paved main trail…

Trail into the woods. — then headed into the woods.

View of the CN Tower. — We caught a glimpse of the CN Tower.

Ned Hanlan's statue. — We reached Hanlan’s Point ferry dock where Edward Hanlan’s monument is located. The statue was sculpted by Emanuel Hahn.

"Ned" Hanlan's sculling achievements. — We learned about “Ned” Hanlan’s sculling achievements, including his world championship win in 1880.

Ned Hanlan Tugboat. — Nearby is Ned Hanlan Tugboat, built in 1932, retired in 1967, and named after world champion rower Ned Hanlan.

Gibraltar Point Beach. — We skipped the clothing-optional Hanlan’s Point Beach and walked to Gibraltar Point Beach for beautiful nature: Sky, sunlight, water, sand and shells.

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.

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.