Five of the best summer walks in Toronto

1. Humber River –

Walking north on Royal York Road from Humbertown Shopping Centre, there is a hidden entrance to Lambton Woods from the east side of the street. The path winds along beside a stream through beautiful woods down to the Humber River shore. Head south along the Humber River Recreational Trail until you reach a walking bridge that brings you to the east side of the river. Take in the views from the bridge, or wander among the rocks just south of the bridge, on a sunny day the river sparkles as it rolls along. Continue your walk southeast and you will pass under Dundas Street West. The trail is beautiful alone, but every once in a while wander off the path to explore the riverside. As you curl back around the southwest, the large hill to your left is one of the best known First Nations archaeological sites in Toronto, a site of a Five Nations Iroquois Seneca agricultural village. They would use the Humber River as transportation for their canoes, fishing for food, and water for their supplies and crops. A plaque at the base of the hill commemorates the spot. Finally, continuing along the trail, you will eventually have a great lookout of the historic Old Mill Inn and the beautiful stone bridge nearby on Old Mill Road.

2. High Park –

Enter High Park at the southeast corner on Spring Road and then walk northwest alongside the Duck Ponds where you are sure to spot an abundance of bird life, ducks, and possibly even some turtles. Head west once you reach Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, though you can grab an ice cream cone or hot dog if the mood catches you. Continuing west you can join the other families in watching the llamas, buffalo, emus, and other life in the High Park Zoo. At the top of the hill, you can grab a break on the patio of Grenadier Cafe. Then wander your way down the hill through your choice of gardens and paths to Grenadier Pond and see if you can find your favourite spot to take in the view to see people fishing, watching aquatic birds, and just relaxing in the sun. Then stroll your way north along the shoreline to Wendigo Pond, and see if you can spot a turtle, muskrat, or heron along your journey.

3. Centre Island to Ward’s Island –

Take the Centre Island Ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and start walking southeast along the Avenue of the Island path. You will pass Centreville Amusement Park on your left and pass over a bridge with beautiful views of the channel passing between the islands. Continue southeast past the fountains and gardens to the Centre Island Pier where you will see Lake Ontario stretched out in front of you as far as the eye can see. Grab a slice of pizza, ice cream, or a beverage to replenish your energy, stop for a bathroom break, and then head east along the path/road called Lakeshore Avenue. You will pass part of a disc golf course before heading out onto the waterside boardwalk. While you are sauntering along the long boardwalk, keep an eye out for ducks, perhaps an elusive mink, or the cormorant colony across the water at Tommy Thomson Park. When you get to Ward’s Island Beach, take off your shoes and wade into the water to rest your feet after the long walk. Relax on the beach and then head over to The Rectory or Island Cafe for a tasty meal and a cold drink on their patios. Finally, see the sunset over the city as you catch the Ward’s Island Ferry back to the mainland.

4. Mount Pleasant Cemetery to Evergreen Brickworks –

Take the subway to Davisville Station and then enter Mount Pleasant Cemetery through the northwest corner at Al Green Lane and Merton St. Wind your way southeast through the picturesque cemetery at your own leisure. Cross over Mount Pleasant Road to the east side of the Cemetary and enter Moore Park Ravine through a path on the south end of the cemetery. Take the beautiful Beltline Trail alongside Mud Creek and relax under the shade of the trees surrounding you (as an aside, I proposed to my fiance on this trail). When the trail splits just after Governors Road, take the left branch so you are walking more east than south now, this will let you explore the former quarry and dump at Evergreen Brickworks that has now been transformed into a thriving green space with a young forest, meadow, and intersecting ponds. Finally, grab a bite at Cafe Belong and wander the Brickworks making sure to learn the history of the location along your way. This space speaks to the power of renewal, both in nature and our history, and the potential to transform something broken into something new and beautiful.

5.  Sunnyside Beach to Etobicoke

At the intersection of Roncesvalles, Queen, and King, take the footbridge on the south side over Gardiner and Lake Shore Blvd. until you reach the Palais Royale. Head down to the water so you can take a leisurely walk west along the Sunnyside Boardwalk through Budapest Park. If you have children with you, or even if you don’t, take a break at Sir Casimir Gzowski Playground or a swim at Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool. Then head a bit further west and grab a bite at Sunnyside Pavilion Cafe and dream of what that Pavilion could be with a bit of investment and a look to its history. Next, relax in the sand after your meal and take-in a  frequent beach volleyball game next to you. Continue your way west, with your choice of bird watching or people watching with the water to your left and Sir Casimir Gzowski Park on your right. Finally, try to decide what is your favourite photo spot, Rocky Point Lookout on the east side, on top of Humber Bay Arch Bridge, or on the other side at Sheldon Lookout.