Island Awakening on Toronto Islands
Celebrate the arrival of spring!
Explore Ward's Island and Algonquin Island through guided nature walks, birding tours, Indigenous-led cultural programming, live performances, hands-on arts and crafts, and interactive environmental activities.
All activities will repeat throughout the day, so experience the Islands at your own pace. Come dressed for early spring weather and comfortable walking.
Details:
Dates: March 21 - March 22
Hours: 11 AM - 5 PM
Location: 8 Wyandot Ave, Algonquin Island, Toronto
Schedule
Saturday, March 21:
9:30 - 11 AM: Morning Bird-venture on Ward's Island (reserve your spot here)
11 AM - 5 PM: Activities and crafts at the Island Outpost
11 AM - 5 PM: Arts and crafts at the AIA clubhouse
11 AM - 5 PM: Tiny Galleries Self-Guided Walking Tour at Ward’s & Algonquin Island (check out Toronto Island Art for details)
11 AM - 5 PM: Bird Box Scavenger Hunt by Shadowland Theatre at the AIA Clubhouse
11 AM - 3 PM: Rudy Ray's Welcome Band on the Ferry Dock
11:30 AM - 12 PM: Opening Ceremony with Indigenous Philosopher Cat Criger on the Ferry Dock
12:30 - 1:30 PM: Island Authors Book Reading: How I Got My Island House with Barbara Klunder at the AIA Clubhouse
1 - 2 PM: Urban Forestry Tree & Plant Walking Tour. Tour starts at the Ferry Dock
2 - 3 PM: Seasonal Teachings with Cat Criger at the AIA Clubhouse
3 - 4 PM: Urban Forestry Tree & Plant Walking Tour. Tour starts at the Ferry Dock
3 - 4 PM: Hoop Dance Workshop with Nimkii Osawamick at the WIA Pavilion
4 - 4:45 PM: Musical Performance by Layla Staats at the AIA Clubhouse
Sunday, March 22:
11 AM - 5 PM: Activities and crafts at the Island Outpost
11 AM - 5 PM: Arts and crafts at the AIA clubhouse
11 AM - 5 PM: Tiny Galleries Self-Guided Walking Tour at Ward’s & Algonquin Island (check out Toronto Island Art for details)
11 AM - 5 PM: Bird Box Scavenger Hunt by Shadowland Theatre at the AIA Clubhouse
11 AM - 3 PM: Rudy Ray's Welcome Band on the Ferry Dock
12 - 1 PM: Island Authors Book Reading: I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together with Maurice Vellekoop at the AIA Clubhouse
1 - 2 PM: TRCA Bird Walking Tour. Tour starts at Ferry Dock
1:30 - 2 PM: Island Authors Book Reading: Let’s Go, Darby! (children's book) with Linda Rosenbaum at the AIA Clubhouse
2 - 3 PM: Seasonal Teachings with Cat Criger at the AIA Clubhouse
3 - 4 PM: TRCA Bird Walking Tour. Tour starts at Ferry Dock
3 - 4 PM: Hoop Dance Workshop with Nimkii Osawamick at the WIA Pavilion
4 - 4:45 PM: Musical Performance by Layla Staats at the AIA Clubhouse
4:45 - 5 PM: Closing Remarks with Indigenous Philosopher Cat Criger at the AIA Clubhouse
Visitor Tips:
Check the weather. Wind off the lake can make it feel colder.
Dress in layers. Island weather can change quickly — bring a warm layer, hat, and gloves.
Wear sturdy shoes. Paths may be icy, wet, muddy, or uneven.
Bring water and snacks. Limited food options will be open on the Island.
Travel light. You’ll be walking between activity areas.
Respect the land. Help keep the Island clean — pack out what you bring in.
Check the Toronto Ferry Winter schedule and plan your ferry return accordingly
Performer Details
Cat Criger is a well- respected Elder of the Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan and has German and English ancestry. He draws upon the Indigenous tradition of freestyle learning to offer knowledge and awareness of the First Nations' sacred culture and teachings.
Barabar Klunder is an accomplished Canadian artist who moves with ease between mediums from graphic design and textiles to theatre and writing. She has lived on Toronto Island for more than 35 years and takes us on a journey around Island life in this collection of true stories.
Nimkii Osawamick is a proud Anishinaabeg nini hailing from Wiikwemkoongsing, Unceded Territory (Ontario, CA). Nimkii is a world renown hoop dancer, champion dancer and drummer/singer. He is now blazing his own path blending traditional singing, drumming and dancing styles with contemporary music and modern dance.
Rudy Ray is a beloved Toronto-based Ghanian-Canadian activist, actor, and trumpeter who delves into all genres of music with a unique energy and sound. He invites performers from all walks of live to join him, creating a unique mosaic of music where the traditional meets modern flair with love, peace, and self-expression in every performance.
Linda Rosenbaum is an award-winning Canadian author who has called Toronto Island home for over 30 years. As an avid birdwatcher, canoeist and bicyclist, Linda knows all corners of the Island and takes great pleasure in sharing the wonders of what she considers to be a very special place.
Layla Staats is Mohawk Turtle Clan from the Six Nations of Grand River. Her work stems from her Red Road to reclaim her Mohawk identity as a generational survivor of residential schools. She recently launched her musical career with her first single “White Pine” which tells the story of her work as a land defender and water protector, bringing awareness to Indigenous issues across Turtle Island. The way she shares her personal experiences and the truths of her water journey across Turtle Island, cuts right to the heart of audiences of all ages and leaves a lasting impression that can’t help but change people.
Maurice Vellekoop is a Canadian artist, cartoonist, and illustrator known for his eccentric cartoons. In a more than thirty-five year career, he has worked for top international editorial and advertising clients, published numerous zines, comics and books, created art for animation, and participated in art shows around the world.
Shadowland Theatre was founded in 1983 on Toronto Island by a collective of visual and theatre artists. They animate public spaces with bold theatrical design sensibility as they work with communities to unearth their distinctive histories, create new stories and celebrate special events.
