We hit the Kew Seashore Trailhead on a cold, late fall morning. A lightweight rain was falling, and the air was crisp with the odor of moist leaves. Not many individuals had been out, which was high quality by us. Extra room for squirrel shenanigans! No significantly! These guys had been fearless, virtually posing for the digital camera!
We had been able to deal with the Waterfront Path – Martin Goodman Path, a 22-kilometre waterfront path that stretches from Kew Seashore to the Humber Bay Arch Bridge alongside the Trans Canada Path. Additionally it is part of the 29,000-kilometre Trans Canada Path community. This portion of the scenic path promised gorgeous views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline, making it a well-liked selection for walkers, runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers.
Since we often stroll about 5 to eight kilometres each morning, we knew we wouldn’t be conquering the entire thing in a single go. As an alternative, we deliberate to deal with it in sections, parking at completely different entry factors and exploring a number of kilometres at a time.
First up: the japanese part, beginning at Kew Seashore.
Who’s Martin Goodman?
However maintain on a sec – who is that this Martin Goodman man anyway? Why is his title on among the finest trails in Toronto?
Seems, he was a distinguished Toronto businessman and philanthropist who performed a key function in growing town’s waterfront. He was really a driving drive behind the creation of Harbourfront Centre, which we had been planning to take a look at in a while our stroll.
Your Information to the Waterfront Path – Martin Goodman Path: Part by Part
In case you’re searching for a enjoyable method to get energetic whereas exploring the gorgeous Toronto lakefront, that is the proper possibility. On this information, we’re going to share what we found on the path part by part, highlighting factors of curiosity, key landmarks, and locations to seize a candy deal with alongside the way in which.
On the lookout for a Waterfront Path – Martin Goodman Path map? You could find an in depth map from the Trans Canada Path web site HERE.
East Finish: Kew-Balmy Seashore to Harbourfront Centre
The japanese part of the Martin Goodman Path is a vibrant mixture of sandy seashores, bustling boardwalks, and hidden parks. Prepare to absorb the solar, dodge some frisbees, and perhaps even spot a celeb or two (we hear The Seashores is a well-liked filming location!). It would clarify the squirrels’ shameless posing for footage.
Kew-Balmy Seashore to Woodbine Seashore (Roughly 2.2 kilometres)
This primary stretch is all about these basic seaside vibes, and the wood boardwalk runs parallel to the path. Suppose: gentle sand, crashing waves, swimming, kite flying, kayaking, and perhaps even a sport of seaside volleyball. Don’t neglect your sunscreen and your shades! After all, that is throughout peak season.
As for now, in late fall, there are fewer folks, however the sound of the lake is extra pronounced, and the odor of moist, vibrant leaves traces the trail.
Apparently, this common a part of Toronto, often known as The Seashores or The Seashore, has numerous streets that head south in direction of the lake from the primary thoroughfare, Queen Road East. We observed that lots of people merely drive their automobiles to the lifeless finish of the road, going through the lake, and sit back. One individual was listening to jazz music; one other was studying a e-book.
Balmy Seashore Park
Balmy Seashore Park is a neighborhood favorite, with its sandy shores, playground, and picnic areas. It’s the proper spot to chill out, take in the solar, and benefit from the views of Lake Ontario. Enjoyable reality: the park is dwelling to the Balmy Seashore Membership, a historic landmark with an interesting historical past. Do you know it was based in 1896 as a males’s-only membership? Fortunately, these days are lengthy gone, and everybody’s welcome to take pleasure in this lovely spot!
Seashores N’ Cream
Barely a kilometre in, and we’re already stopping for ice cream! I believe I’m going to essentially take pleasure in this hike! Seashores N’ Cream—most likely the perfect title for an ice-cream spot, given its location, is a must-visit for its distinctive flavours and comfortable environment. I opted for one among my faves, Salted Caramel. Gordana grabbed the Rum & Raisin, however they’ve an entire menu of tempting treats. Plus, they’ve a heated winter tent with the intention to take pleasure in your ice cream in the course of the colder months.
Donald D Summerville Olympic Pool
This out of doors pool is a well-liked spot for cooling off on a scorching summer season day. It’s named after Donald D Summerville, a Canadian Olympic swimmer who competed within the 1932 and 1936 Summer time Olympics. Beside the pool, you’ll discover Toronto Seashore Kayak, which gives quite a lot of kayaks for lease, together with single kayaks, double kayaks, and tandem kayaks. In addition they provide stand-up paddleboards and canoes.
Woodbine Seashore
Woodbine Seashore is one among Toronto’s hottest seashores, recognized for its broad sandy shores, energetic boardwalk, and gorgeous views of town skyline. It’s a terrific place to people-watch, play seaside volleyball, or just chill out and benefit from the solar. It’s additionally a terrific place to take a washroom break on the Woodbine Bathing Station.
It’s necessary to notice that that is the place the Ashbridges Bay Parking zone is positioned in case you drive into the world to discover the Martin Goodman Path.
Woodbine Seashore to Tommy Thompson Park (Roughly 3 kilometres)
Leaving the energetic seaside scene behind, we ventured in direction of Tommy Thompson Park, a novel city wilderness. Granted, the path takes us alongside the sting of Tommy Thompson Park, however chances are you’ll get an opportunity to do some birdwatching and perhaps even glimpse a deer! Most of this path runs alongside Lakeshore Blvd, so there’s much less nature available, however there are a number of hidden gems when you attain Leslie Road.
Ashbridges Bay
Ashbridges Bay is a haven for water sports activities fans. From windsurfers catching air and kitesurfers zipping throughout the waves to stand-up paddleboarders gliding alongside the shoreline, there’s at all times one thing to see. It’s additionally a terrific place to look at the sundown over town skyline, with the colourful colors reflecting on the water.
Typha, 2020
Earlier than we get to Leslie Lookout Park, I wished to level out “Typha, 2020,” a public artwork sculpture created by Canadian artist Dean Baldwin Lew, recognized for creating sculptures that discover the connection between people and the pure world.
Canada Publish Supply Centre
Gordy and I’ve pushed, rollerbladed, and jogged alongside this stretch of Leslie Road many occasions, however solely not too long ago observed these cool footage of birds on stamp-like frames alongside the aspect of the Canada Publish Supply Centre. I ponder if it’s connecting mail and Tommy Thompson Park down the road, which, in 2001, was designated an Vital Chicken Space.
Leslie Lookout Park
Strolling this path gave us the proper alternative to lastly try Leslie Lookout Park. This newly constructed park gives gorgeous views of the Leslie Road Spit, with the Ship Channel and the encompassing waterfront.
Gordy and I couldn’t cease taking footage. nside the little remark tower, we observed a dedication plaque for Claude Cormier. Claude Cormier was a celebrated Canadian panorama architect famend for his progressive and enjoyable designs that remodeled public areas into participating areas.
His notable works embrace Sugar Seashore (which is on this path), Berczy Park (sure, that superior park with all of the canine across the fountain trying on the bone on the prime), and 18 Shades of Homosexual and Place d’Youville in Montreal. Cormier’s design philosophy prioritized each magnificence and performance, usually incorporating vivid colors and quirky components to spark pleasure.
The Leslie Road Lookout in Toronto, devoted to Cormier’s reminiscence, stands as a monument to his imaginative and prescient and dedication to creating spirited and significant public areas for everybody to take pleasure in. This new details about Cormier and the lookout level gave us an entire new perspective on town, with the sprawling skyline juxtaposed in opposition to the huge expanse of Lake Ontario.
Tommy Thompson Park
Though we by no means entered Tommy Thompson Park, we’ve explored it earlier than, and it’s fairly giant. This park, also called the Leslie Road Spit, is a man-made peninsula that extends into Lake Ontario. It’s a haven for birds, wildlife, and nature lovers. That is additionally the situation of among the most picturesque biking trails in Toronto.
Tommy Thompson Park to Cherry Seashore (Roughly 4.5 kilometres)
This part of the path winds between Unwin Ave and Tommy Thompson Park’s huge and unbelievable pure ecosystem. At occasions, you neglect that you’re within the metropolis till a smokestack or the CN Tower pops up from the highest of the bushes to say hello.
One other cool factor is that a part of this path is within the flight path of planes touchdown at Billy Bishop Airport. From time to time, you’ll get one among Porter’s propeller planes flying straight above you, which is kind of cool, particularly in case you’re a aircraft watcher. Perhaps it’s coming from Boston?
Cherry Seashore Sports activities Fields
Components of this path take you proper up near Lake Ontario. You’ll be able to’t take a nasty image right here, with the bushes and the lake within the backdrop. You would possibly even catch a soccer sport on the Cherry Seashore Sports activities Fields.
Cherry Seashore
Each time I come to this park, with its parking zone close to the water, it jogs my memory of the kind of place you’d take your first date. Like these scorching and heavy make-out scenes in these teenage films! Errr, I digress; Cherry Seashore is a well-liked spot for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, kite flying and picnicking. It’s additionally a favourite spot for canine walkers, so be ready for some furry encounters!
It’s rumoured that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was as soon as caught jogging right here along with his shirt off! Do what you’ll with that info! 😉
Cherry Seashore to Sugar Seashore (Roughly 3 kilometres)
As you stroll alongside Cherry St., it’s an odd combine of business buildings and a Netflix Studio. Then, while you cross the carry bridge over the Ship Channel, you’re onto Villiers Island. It’s the dwelling of Polson’s Pier, which incorporates Ballsports Polson Pier, The Docks Driving Vary, Cabana Pool Bar, and the well-known Polson Pier Skyline Viewpoint.
Port Lands Revitalization
The largest challenge taking place within the Port Lands is the Port Lands Revitalization, which facilities round Villiers Island. This huge endeavor is reworking the world right into a vibrant waterfront group with new parks, public areas, and residential areas. They’re even creating a brand new island by splitting the mouth of the Don River! It’s an interesting mix of business heritage and trendy city planning, with a deal with sustainability and flood safety. Try this hyperlink to be taught extra about this bold challenge and see the way it’s reshaping Toronto’s waterfront.
Sherbourne Widespread
Sherbourne Widespread is a novel waterfront park with a deal with sustainability. It incorporates a water channel, rain gardens, and public artwork installations. It’s a terrific place to find out about city ecology and benefit from the waterfront views.
Sugar Seashore Park
It clearly will get its title from the Redpath Sugar Plant subsequent door, which has been there endlessly! Sugar Seashore is a whimsical city park recognized for its pink umbrellas, white Muskoka chairs, and ‘sugar dice’ installations. It’s a well-liked spot for photographs, rest, and having fun with the candy life.
Central: Sugar Seashore to Ontario Place
This central part of the Martin Goodman Path takes us by way of the guts of Toronto’s waterfront, with bustling harbours, iconic landmarks, and hidden inexperienced areas. Prepare for a mixture of city pleasure and waterfront tranquillity.
Sugar Seashore to Norway Park (Roughly 2.7 Kilometres)
Leaving the candy serenity of Sugar Seashore behind (I imply, it fairly actually smells like molasses), we stepped into the bustling coronary heart of Toronto’s waterfront—our yard! As you’ll think about, we’ve walked round right here one million occasions! From ferry terminals, cultural hubs, and even a musical backyard, this part is all in regards to the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto, all whereas appreciating these quaint parks or respites. Maintain your digital camera prepared and your senses on excessive alert.
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal + Harbour Sq. Park
The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal is the gateway to the Toronto Islands. Identified for driving his bike to work, you may take an image along with his statue on a double-seat bike with the ‘Jack’s Received Your Again’ inscription within the background!
Once we lived within the Riverdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Jack was our MP! He was wonderful, and to this present day, tno NDP MP can examine to him! Jack Layton was a charismatic politician and chief of the New Democratic Celebration of Canada from 2003 till his premature dying in 2011. His spouse, Olivia Chow, is at the moment the mayor of Toronto, persevering with his legacy of public service.
Please word that the seagulls alongside the harbourfront are thieves recognized for taking meals proper out of your arms. As soon as, one thief tried to take Gordy’s lemon sq. whereas she was consuming it!
Harbourfront Centre
Harbourfront Centre is a cultural playground with one thing for everybody. Catch a dwell efficiency, discover the artwork galleries, or wander by way of the craft studios. And if all that tradition makes you hungry, there are many eating places to fulfill your cravings. We’re speaking connoisseur burgers, artisan pizzas, and even a lakeside patio with gorgeous views. There may be at all times one thing happening!
HTO Park + HTO Seashore
HTO Park is sort of a mini-vacation within the coronary heart of town. Its sandy seaside is the proper spot to chill out and take in the waterfront vibes. Don’t neglect to snap a selfie with the CN Tower within the background!
Toronto Music Backyard
The Toronto Music Backyard is a hidden oasis that blends nature and music in excellent concord. Whereas music performs gently from the bushes, stroll by way of the themed gardens impressed by Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello, and see in case you can acknowledge the musical references. Even in case you’re not a classical music buff, you’ll recognize the tranquility and fantastic thing about this distinctive area.
Billy Bishop Airport Entrance
As you method Norway Park, you’ll cross by the doorway to Billy Bishop Toronto Metropolis Airport. I say entrance as a result of as a way to get to the precise airport, it’s essential to go below the lake! We’ve flown out of this airport a gazillion occasions, and it’s arms down the perfect airport and airline in Canada. It’s additionally a reminder that even within the coronary heart of town, journey is only a quick flight away.
Born in Owen Sound, Billy Bishop was a Canadian First World Battle flying ace, formally credited with 72 victories, making him the highest Canadian and British Empire ace of the conflict. He was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Little Norway Park
Little Norway Park is a small however charming inexperienced area with a playground, benches, and a peaceable environment. It’s a terrific place to take a break from the hustle and bustle and revel in a second of calmness earlier than persevering with your journey alongside the path. The park commemorates the Norwegian Brigade that skilled in Toronto throughout World Battle II, a logo of worldwide friendship and cooperation.
Little Norway Park to Ontario Place (Roughly 2.5 Kilometres)
This part of this common Toronto waterfront path combines the previous and current, permitting you to take pleasure in native historic landmarks and the rise of contemporary city growth. We’re amused by how the 2 come collectively in a single space so completely. It’s actually a novel perspective of town’s evolving waterfront.
Coronation Park
Coronation Park is a sprawling inexperienced area with a royal connection. It was named in honor of the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937, which included the planting of the Royal Oak Tree. Right this moment, with the Royal Oak and all the opposite huge mature bushes, it’s a well-liked spot for picnics, sports activities, and waterfront views. You should definitely try the remnants of the outdated navy fort that when stood right here, a reminder of Toronto’s early historical past.
The Toronto Inukshuk Park
This park is dwelling to a hanging inukshuk, a conventional Inuit stone landmark. Anybody who is aware of me is aware of how a lot I like the Indigenous tradition. The Inukshuk is my favorite factor about this park because it symbolizes friendship, welcome, and secure passage. Take a second to understand this distinctive piece of artwork and its cultural significance, a reminder of the Indigenous peoples who’ve inhabited this land for hundreds of years.
Ontario Place
Ontario Place is an interesting mix of previous and future. My brothers and I’ve so many great recollections of this once-bustling amusement park. It’s now present process a serious redevelopment. Discover the remnants of the outdated points of interest, like the enduring Cinesphere, and picture the way forward for this waterfront area. It’s a novel alternative to witness a bit of Toronto’s historical past in transition.
West Finish: Ontario Place to Humber Bay Arch Bridge
The western part of the Martin Goodman Path takes on a extra historic and grand really feel, with sprawling parklands, iconic landmarks, and glimpses of Toronto’s glamorous previous. Get able to step again in time and picture town in its heyday.
Ontario Place to Palais Royale (Roughly 3 Kilometers)
This stretch of the path is a stroll by way of Toronto’s leisure and leisure historical past. From a former amusement park to a legendary dance corridor, you’ll get a way of how town has developed whereas nonetheless retaining its vibrant spirit.
Exhibition Place
That is one other place that evokes unforgettable childhood recollections… Actually, I style these Tiny Tom Mini Donuts proper now as I write this! Exhibition Place is a sprawling complicated that has hosted numerous occasions, gala’s, and exhibitions over time. Right this moment, it’s nonetheless a hub of exercise, with live shows, sporting occasions, and cultural festivals going down all year long.
Marilyn Bell Park
This park is known as after Marilyn Bell, a Canadian long-distance swimmer who, at simply 16 years outdated, grew to become the primary individual to swim throughout Lake Ontario. It’s a becoming tribute to her braveness and dedication, with gorgeous views of the lake and a peaceable environment. The placement was chosen as a result of she began in Youngstown, NY, and the park is the place she landed when she arrived on shore!
Royal Canadian Legion Department 344
In case you’ve ever pushed into Toronto alongside Lakeshore BLVD and observed this huge Poppy on the aspect of a constructing, it’s the Royal Canadian Legion Department 344. This department of the Royal Canadian Legion is a gathering place for veterans and their households. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made by those that have served our nation and a spot to honour their legacy
The Boulevard Membership
The Boulevard Membership is a non-public social membership with a wealthy historical past. It was based in 1905 and has been a hub of social exercise for generations of Torontonians. Peek by way of the gates and picture the elegant gatherings and energetic events which have taken place inside its partitions.
Palais Royale
The Palais Royale is a legendary dance corridor that has hosted among the greatest names in music historical past. From Duke Ellington and Rely Basie to Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller, this iconic venue has seen all of it. Think about the dance ground full of swing dancers, the music echoing by way of the corridor, and the power of a bygone period. Right this moment, the Palais Royale nonetheless hosts occasions and live shows, maintaining the spirit of jazz and swing alive.
Palais Royale to Humber Arch Bridge (Roughly 3.5 kilometres)
This last stretch of the Martin Goodman Path takes us on a journey by way of historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence. From monuments and memorials to sprawling parklands and iconic bridges.
Budapest Park + Freedom for Hungary Monument
Budapest Park is a tribute to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and the refugees who sought freedom in Canada. The monument, a hanging bronze sculpture, stands as a logo of hope and resilience. Strolling by way of right here additionally jogs my memory of the time I spent exploring Budapest, a good looking metropolis!
Sunnyside Pavillion + Sunnyside Seashore
Sunnyside Seashore and the enduring Sunnyside Pavilion had been as soon as the epicenter of Toronto’s seaside scene. Think about a time when amusement park rides lined the waterfront and bathers flocked to the sandy shores. Right this moment, the pavilion stands as a reminder of these bygone days, whereas the seaside stays a well-liked spot for sunbathing, swimming, and having fun with the lake views.
Sir Casimir Gzowski Park + Gzowski Monument
This park honors Sir Casimir Gzowski, a Polish-Canadian engineer who performed a key function in growing Canada’s infrastructure. The monument, a bronze bust atop a granite pedestal, stands as a testomony to his contributions to the nation.
Queen Elizabeth Method Monument
This monument commemorates the opening of the Queen Elizabeth Method, a serious freeway that connects Toronto to Niagara Falls. It’s a reminder of the infrastructure that hyperlinks our cities and facilitates journey and commerce. For us, it means one other thrilling day journey, street journey, or weekend getaway!
Humber Arch Bridge
The Humber Bay Arch Bridge is a surprising architectural landmark that marks the western finish of the Martin Goodman Path. The final time I used to be right here was [insert date] when Gordana and I took our new scooters out for a journey! About midway dwelling, I obtained a flat tire and needed to stroll all the way in which again. However I digress; I actually like this bridge and its sleek arches.
Experiencing This Waterfront Path in Toronto for Your self
And there you could have it—the Martin Goodman Path, a part of the 29,000-kilometre Trans Canada Path community, a waterfront wonderland that takes you on a journey by way of Toronto’s various landscapes, historical past, and tradition.
The Martin Goodman Path makes up a portion of the Waterfront Path, a 730 km route that stretches alongside the shores of Lake Ontario. From sandy seashores and bustling boardwalks to tranquil parks and iconic landmarks, this path has one thing for everybody.
Okay…now it’s time to go again to Kew Seashore.
