“Take a hike!”
No – really! It’s a beautiful day for it! Or how about a sun-soaked bike ride, or a relaxing paddle?
Do you love spending time outside and discovering new places? 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 on September 24, 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
Having also walked several trails along the river many times in the past with my dog Blizzie, 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. From bird watching, to hiking, paddling, canoeing, or SUPing (it’s harder than it looks!), the options are endless. I recommend that you go early as some of the trails can get really busy, especially during the summer’s peak season.
Here’s my adorable baby!
*Image courtesy of @Tiffanie.Carr
My usually 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 did yesterday morning. Let me walk you through my experience:
First things first. 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.
Below the bridge is where you’ll also find the popular Adventure Toronto Paddling Centre, where you can easily rent a canoe, SUP board, or kayak online, then meet their team to pick up your equipment. They even carry everything for you to the water!
*Image courtesy of @Tiffanie.Carr
Paddling down the Humber river towards Lake Ontario 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.
The thing that makes this paddling experience so magical is all the wildlife you’ll see along the way: from ducks to swans, raccoons and even beavers!
*Image courtesy of UrbanPaddler.ca
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!
TorontoAdventures.ca is now open – visit their website today to rent your equipment or to book a lesson!
Happy adventures!
-Tiffanie (@tiffanie.carr)
Wouldn’t it be lovely to have Humber River nearby to increase you outdoor rec options?!
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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
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