Centerville Amusement Park, Toronto

Centreville Amusement Park opened in 1967; since then it has been a popular spot for families to spend a summer's day. The park is open from June until September and is located on Centre Island in the Toronto Islands south of the city. It features 30 family-friendly rides and a farm which features domestic animals such as pigs, donkeys and sheep. You reach the park via ferry from the Toronto docks, it's a short walk from the dock on the island. Entrance is free but you pay for your rides, concessions and food. An all-day ride pass costs those over 4' $29.50 and those under 4' pay $21. You can get a season's pass for $55.

I spent many fun summer days there are a teenager in the 70s. My friends and I would look forward to the summer when we could take the ferry over on a Saturday or a Sunday. We'd usually walk to the beach at the other side of the island first and maybe get our feet wet, play a game of frisbee or even rent a bicycle. But, before long we would find ourselves wandering over to Centreville. My favorite ride was the log flume ride. It is very tame by today's standards but we always enjoyed it. It was a rather peaceful ride. No sounds of machinery, just the gentle lapping of the water as you made your way to the incline. And then the splash as you landed at the other end and got very wet.

I also enjoyed the train, it took you around the entire park so you could check out what you wanted to visit next. There was also a sky ride that took you around the park and out over the water. My friends and I would try some of the games...and never win anything. And of course, we would have to get some cotton candy and some fudge.We would usually visit the farm on the way out and pet some of the animals. If they thought you had food they would rush over to the fence.

In addition to the rides I mentioned, there is a ferris wheel that gives you an excellent view of the city, a miniature golf course, a swan-boat ride, an antique cars ride, a 1907 carousel with beautiful carvings, bumber boats, and many other fun rides that adults and children alike can enjoy.

Spending time at Centreville was fun and relaxing. We knew the bigger rides and excitement awaited us at the Canadian National Exhibition (The CNE), but that didn't open until the end of the summer. This was before Canada's Wonderland had opened just north of Toronto, when the closest amusement park was Crystal Beach in Fort Erie. I now live elsewhere and miss those days when I could go over the the Island.

The Toronto Islands were, and still are, a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. They really are an oasis in a big city. Visiting Centreville is like taking a trip back to a simpler time.