A Place I Love — Toronto Islands with Belinda Gilbey

Entrepreneur and Green Building Enthusiast

Text by Carly Peters

Photography by Sofia Kirk

Even in her downtime, Belinda Gilbey thinks green. As co-founder and president of BONDI Energy, which specializes in retrofitting traditional fuel-burning heating systems with high-efficiency electric heat pumps, the clean-tech entrepreneur finds comfort in the cluster of parks, waterways, and trails that make up the natural wonder of the Toronto Islands.

Comprising three main islands—Centre, Ward’s, and Hanlan’s—the area is the largest car-free urban community in North America.

View Belinda’s Interview About Green Activities For Summer Below.

What do you love most about the islands?

“They’re a natural oasis, right in the city. Surrounded by water and greenery—even with views of the CN Tower and city skyline—you almost forget you’re still in a major metropolitan area. The islands also hold a special place in my heart because it’s where I met my soon-to-be wife many years ago at a music event. Since then, we’ve spent a lot of time on the islands together during the summer with our dogs and friends.”

What are some of your favourite summer activities there?

“There’s so much to fill a day on the islands. When the weather is warm and the sun is out, my friends and I enjoy a good beach day. You can pack a picnic and set up for a relaxing afternoon in one of the many parks. I like Hanlan’s Point for its wide-open field, proximity to the beach, and stunning view of the city. My favourite activity, however, is probably setting up my travel hammock between two shaded trees and curling up with a book or taking a nap.”

Where do you like to eat?

“The Island Café on Ward’s Island has great locally sourced food—they even grow their own kale on the island. There’s also lots of space in the tree-covered garden to sip a cold drink and lounge around for an afternoon. The café hosts live music some evenings, as well.”

How do you usually get around on the islands?

Once you’re on the islands, biking is the way to go. You can rent a bike—a single, tandem or quadricycle—and cruise the trails from end to end. There are a few fun ways to get there, as well: take the ferry, hop on a water taxi or launch a canoe from Cherry Beach on the mainland to paddle over. Just don’t forget your life jacket.