Tag Archives: Leslie Street Spit

09.18.20
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THE LESLIE STREET SPIT – AN INNER CITY NATURE RESERVE ON LAKE ONTARIO

At the foot of Leslie Street, a 5 kilometre-long peninsula juts out into Lake Ontario.  Weekends, year round, the Leslie Street Spit (Tommy Thompson Park) is open to bikers, hikers, picnickers, birdwatchers, wildflower afficionados – anyone wanting to spend quality time with Mother Nature.  No dogs are allowed because there’s so much animal, bird and plant life on the Spit – over 400 plant species, 300 bird species, reptiles, butterflies, foxes, otters, coyotes and beaver.  Trails are paved and well maintained, and there are several off-trail areas as well.

08.29.10
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The Leslie Street Spit – an inner city nature reserve on Lake Ontario

At the foot of Leslie Street, a 5 kilometre-long peninsula juts out into Lake Ontario.  Weekends, year round, the Leslie Street Spit (Tommy Thompson Park) is open to bikers, hikers, picnickers, birdwatchers, wildflower afficionados – anyone wanting to spend quality time with Mother Nature.  No dogs are allowed because there’s so much animal, bird and plant life on the Spit – over 400 plant species, 300 bird species, reptiles, butterflies, foxes, otters, coyotes and beaver.  Trails are paved and well maintained, and there are several off-trail areas as well.The struggle to maintain this wildlife reserve is never ending.  Read about it on http://www.friendsofthespit.caTo reach TORONTO’s Leslie Street Spit, take the Queen Street East streetcar #501 to Berkshire Street.  From there, it’s a 1.5 kilometre bikeride or hike to the gate.  Parking is available, and the Conservation Authority runs a mini-bus service from mid-point of the park to the front gate.  Open all year, on WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS ONLY: April to October 9 am to 6:00 pm; November to March 9 am to 4:30 pm.