gtaparks

Lakefront Promenade Park

2009-05-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Lakefront Promenade and the Waterfront Trail - South of Cawthra Rd and Lakeshore Rd E.

Although this park is in Mississauga it is worth mentioning. It is just east of the Toronto/Mississauga boarder and is easily accessible via transit. Just east of Cathraw Rd you'll find Lakefront Promenade. If you follow the street south it will lead you into a chain of parks and Marinas connected by the Waterfront Trail. You can walk through the connected parklands and cross the creek to continue east on the Trail. A branch also heads north along the Cooksville Creek back towards Lakeshore Rd.

Berry Road Park

2009-05-13T16:46:00.001-07:00

Berry Road Park - Located at the end of Berry Road west of Park Lawn Rd.

As you drive into the parking lot at the end of Berry Rd don't be misled by the tiny look of the park with it's one bench. This is but the entrance to a number of trails that follow the Mimico Creek. You can follow the trail south to Woodford Park (at The Queensway) or north to Reid Manor Park. Either way offers great views of the creek and a great shady trail to explore on a hot summer day.

Marie Curtis Park

2009-05-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

Marie Curtis Park: On The Lakeshore between Browns Line and Dixie rd.

Marie Curtis park was created in 1954 after the high flood waters caused by Hurricane Hazel devastated a number of low-lying properties. It's a great place to picnic with the family or stroll on sand beaches. There is plenty of free parking available (as well as being accessible by transit). You can enjoy walking along a section of the "Water Front Trail" or explore the forests many bike paths. Rec facilities include; playground area, wading pool, baseball diamond, supervised beach (July and August), public boat launch ramps and moorings.

Cherry Beach - The Toronto Beaches

2009-05-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

Cherry Beach - formally known as Clarke Beach Park at the foot of Cherry St.

Cherry Beach is located just west of the downtown Toronto core. It is a popular beach for dogs to romp free on the sand beaches and in Lake Ontario (although many Beaches residence would like to see the leash free dog park to be moved away from the waters edge). If you're dog friendly then this is a great place to relax and watch the local dogs play. If you're not dog friendly you may want to visit a different lakeside park. Although this beach is in the heart of Toronto's underdeveloped portlands area it offers beautiful views of personal and commercial boats/ships entering and leaving the harbor.

Echo Valley Park

2009-05-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

Echo Valley Park - Echo Valley Rd. Kipling Ave. and Burnhamthorpe area.

Mimico Creek connects many small parks north of Echo Valley Rd. You can stroll through Hampshire Heights park, under the bridge at Martin Grove Rd and north through West Deane Park to Eglinton Ave West. There are many smaller dirt paths that run along the creek and offer shade to walkers on a hot sunny day. South from Echo Valley Park, across the creek, you'll find the Islington Golf Course . Have a seat on the park bench to watch golfers on the green.

Centennial Park - Etobicoke

2009-05-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Centennial Park - Green House and surrounding area. Rathburn /
Elmcrest Rd.

Centennial Hill (formerly Mount Garbage), is a hill that was the site of a municipal dump which has been converted into a neighborhood park, botanical gardens, and ski hill. It is a beautiful example of reclaiming the green within the city limits. It has numerous picnic areas equipped with BBQs and picnic tables in the shade. There is a go-cart track, fishing pond, baseball pitch and sand volleyball courts. Not to forget the stadium, arena and rec center with pools, gymnastics room and more! It really is worth taking the day and discovering what this former garbage dump has to offer the community.

Humber Bay Park

2009-04-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

Humber Bay Park Rd West - West of the Humber River.

This park is full of activity in the spring. It's an excellent place to view Lake Ontario, the Toronto skyline, local wildlife, and the beauty of boats sailing by. For two days in the spring you can also watch large cranes putting boats in the water at 3 yacht clubs. Stroll through the park or walk along the Humber Bay Promenade to the charming gazebo that offers a remarkable view of boats leaving and entering the harbour.

The Etobicoke Creek Trail

2009-04-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

WoodCreek Park- Along the trail from Rathburn/Mill Rd to Matheson Blvd.

This hidden gem follows the Etobicoke Creek, which runs along the boarder of Etobicoke and Mississauga. This trail can be accessed from many community parks along the creek. One convenient entrance is Centennial Park (across from the golf course) where there is ample free parking. The trail entrance is found beside the parks compost depo directly south of the golf course.

South Humber park and the Humber Marshes

2009-04-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

South Humber Park - Along the Humber Trail from just north of The Queensway.

Here you can follow the trail south through the humber marshes to where the river opens into Lake Ontario. If you enter the park and follow the trail that runs above the water treatment center you'll find 2 large rocks marking "The Discovery Trail". It is here that white man (Etienne Brule) was first shown Lake Ontario. Continue down the path to reach the Humber River and walk south towards the lake. You'll see lots of people out on the water enjoying the deeper parts of the Humber. Walk under the bridges for The Queensway and The QEW and you'll have a great view of the city line and Lake Ontario.

Following the Humber to James Gardens

2009-04-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

James Gardens - Along the Humber Trail heading north towards Scarlett Rd.

This park is best known for it's gardens - many wedding parties can be seen in the summer posing for their pictures (a fee is charged by the park). The entrance for this part of the trail walk can be found just off of Edenbridge Rd (off of Royal York). You can walk on the trail beside the river towards Scarlett Rd. or go south through the woods towards Lampton Park. As with all the parks we visit - dogs on a leash are allowed as long as you stoop to pick up poop. Ample free parking is also available.

Lambton Park - Along the Humber Trail

2009-04-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

Lambton Park - Along the Humber Trail just north of Dundas St.

Just behind the Lambton Arena you'll find an entrance to another branch of the Humber River. If you follow the trails down from Lambton Park you'll find a wonderful water front with areas of small sand beaches. Follow the paved path north to cross the river by foot bridge. Have a seat mid way on the bridge and watch the small rapids to the south or continue on to explore the park. Across the bridge you'll find wide trails that branch throughout the woods.

Signs of Spring at Kingsmill Park

2009-04-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

Kingsmill Park - Along the Humber Trail in the Old Mill/ Bloor area.

It's April 14th and finally signs of spring can be seen in parks across Toronto. This picture was taken along the Humber trail walk behind "The Old Mill". Although the boats in "The Toronto Humber Yacht Club" are still wrapped in white plastic, signs of summer are just a blink away. This part of the trail can be found right behind Old Mill Subway Station. Just jump off at the station, walk down to the river and enjoy. There is also ample free parking!