We all know what’s coming.
… A good ol’ Canadian winter, that’s what! And we also know that those tend to like to stick around for 5 months or so. It can be enough to drive you squirrelly!
So before the cool, crispness of Autumn descends on Toronto, let’s take advantage of this last breath of Summer that September has gifted us!
It’s a beautiful sunny day for a walk or a ride… even a paddle! Have you explored the Humber River? From discovering new paths for running, cycling, or rollerblading along the South Humber Park Trails, to going for a relaxing paddle down the river, the options are many!
Today, you get to join me, Tiffanie, as I explore the Humber River and its plethora of trails and water activities! I’m a certified fitness, health & wellness specialist, colleague of the Urbaneer Team, and lover of exploring everything Toronto has to offer – particularly outdoors!
Located on the west end of Toronto, the Humber River is one of two major rivers that run through the city, the other being the Don River to the east. Did you know that the Humber River was also named a Canadian Heritage River in 1999 to honour both its historical and recreational attributes? Quite deserved!
The river extends for about 100km and originates up north in Dufferin County, then travels southbound until it reaches Humber Bay on Lake Ontario. There are paved bike trails along parts of the river. One of these trails is the The Humber River Recreational Trail, an 8.2 km bike path that begins at the Old Mill and goes north, ending at James Garden, near the Lambton Golf Club. This route is considered family-friendly (easy to moderate), and offers glimpses of charming neighbourhoods and city views along the quiet Humber river. A perfect way to de-stress and enjoy time doing a fun activity with the family.
*Image courtesy of ontariobiketrails.com
Another direction you can explore is heading south towards the South Humber Park trails that zig-zag their way towards the lake, then behind residential Etobicoke neighbourhoods, and along the Humber River. Being surrounded by nature is a great way to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and get lost in thought as you relax and witness lots of wildlife: foxes, deer, and even coyotes!
One landmark to look out for while cruising this trail is the Oculus Pavilion, where you’ll often find musicians of all kinds practicing and playing their music. The South Humber Park trail offers lots of various route options so you can enjoy different views and scenery, so be sure to scout your route!
Urbaneer Tip: This trail is not well-lit at night, and there are no restrooms, so plan accordingly. As well, I always recommend you map out all your excursions ahead of time to avoid de-hydration, looking for washrooms, etc.
Having also walked several trails along the river many times in the past with my dog Blizzie (there she is below!), I can safely say that it’s the “it” spot for west-end city-dwellers who want to escape the city without having to go too far.
In the springtime, you’ll even find a flock of birdwatchers walking around in their camo clothes looking up in the trees with their huge cameras trying to get a glimpse, or a shot, of one of the millions of birds who fly back home to Humber River.
My usual go-to spot is walking on the trails of King’s Mill Park where I get to enjoy the beautiful lush green landscape while my dog happily barks at the Mallard ducks and squirrels seen near the river.
But my all-time favourite thing to do is to rent a kayak and spend time on the water finding peace and quiet while I de-stress and reset!
This is exactly what I look forward to doing every year for as long as the season allows Adventure Toronto Paddling Centre to remain open. You can easily rent a canoe, SUP board, or kayak online, then meet their team below the Old Mill Subway bridge to pick up your equipment. They even carry everything for you to the water, which is where you’ll begin your paddling journey down the Humber river towards Lake Ontario. This excursion is about 2km long, and it is quite the urban paddling experience as you will spot everything from the TTC, the train (Via Rail and GoTrain), and once you’ve made it below the Gardiner expressway and the Queensway Bridge at the mouth of Lake Ontario, then you’ll be able to see the CN Tower and all the glory of Toronto’s skyline.
An Urbaneer Tip for you: If you are driving, avoid the paid-parking across from the Old Mill Hotel. Instead, drive down the road, where you’ll find free parking under the Old Mill Subway station bridge.
*Image courtesy of @Tiffanie.Carr
There is truly no need to travel far to experience the wonders of nature. Toronto’s Humber River provides some of the best opportunities for reconnecting your soul with nature. So what are you waiting for? Explore the Humber River today.
Happy adventures!
-Tiffanie (@tiffanie.carr)
(*A big Thank You to RideCycleSpin for the beautiful title photo!)
Wouldn’t it be lovely to have Humber River nearby to increase your outdoor rec options?! Here’s a fab penthouse in sweet Swansea that we just had the pleasure of selling!
We call it: A Princely Penthouse, Steps To The Shops Of Bloor West Village!
This rare-to-market boutique penthouse is situated in beautiful Swansea! Housed in a boutique building dubbed The Brulé, this spacious, sun-kissed offering boasts 2 large bedrooms, 2 washrooms, and 2 parking spaces. Oh, and we’re not done! Enjoy an oversized terrace, with two separate entertaining areas overlooking the treetops surrounding the Humber River. Imagine a magical outdoor space to start a quiet morning or to dine al-fresco under the stars!
Here’s another property we SOLD in Swansea – we called it: A Stylish Family-Friendly Townhouse In Desirable Swansea.
This 3bed 4bath townhome truly is an urban oasis! It offers 2100+ square feet of functionally designed space, a secure private garage, plus a patio garden off the family room and a terrace off the entertainment level – all of which overlook an idyllic woodland ravine! For those seeking a quiet respite from the ravages of everyday living, this west-facing residence offers a bucolic setting unusual for a central city address!
And here’s A Vintage Bungalow Perched On The Slopes Of Morningside Avenue, that we sold last year!! It’s just east of South Kingsway where Morningside Avenue rises over the Waller Avenue ravine.
We also sold A Sun-Soaked Swell Dwell In Swansea, which was a bespoke semi-detached dwelling – originally constructed in 1900 – has been substantially transformed over the decades into a charming residence that marries modern conveniences with unique features.
Now more than ever, it is essential to plan a well-researched, data-driven, tactical strategy if you are in the market for a new home. Especially in changing times, when the pandemic has prompted many to shift their focus and objectives. Have yours changed? Please know The Urbaneer team is here to help!
May we be of assistance to you, or someone you love?
The Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-8000
– we’re here to earn your trust, then your business –
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*Love Canadian Housing? Check out Steve’s University Student Mentorship site called Houseporn.ca which focuses on architecture, landscape, design, products, and real estate in Canada!