We hit the Kew Seashore Trailhead on a cold, late fall morning. A light-weight rain was falling, and the air was crisp with the scent of moist leaves. Not many individuals have been out, which was fantastic by us. Extra room for squirrel shenanigans! No critically! These guys have been fearless, virtually posing for the digital camera!
We have been able to sort out 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. It’s also 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 alternative 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 a substitute, we deliberate to sort out 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 identify on top-of-the-line trails in Toronto?
Seems, he was a distinguished Toronto businessman and philanthropist who performed a key position in creating town’s waterfront. He was really a driving power behind the creation of Harbourfront Centre, which we have been planning to take a look at afterward our stroll.
Your Information to the Waterfront Path – Martin Goodman Path: Part by Part
When you’re searching for a enjoyable approach to get energetic whereas exploring the gorgeous Toronto lakefront, that is the right 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 best way.
In search of 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 take in the solar, dodge some frisbees, and perhaps even spot a celeb or two (we hear The Seashores is a well-liked filming location!). It’d clarify the squirrels’ shameless posing for photos.
Kew-Balmy Seashore to Woodbine Seashore (Roughly 2.2 kilometres)
This primary stretch is all about these basic seaside vibes, and the picket boardwalk runs parallel to the path. Assume: tender sand, crashing waves, swimming, kite flying, kayaking, and perhaps even a recreation of seaside volleyball. Don’t overlook your sunscreen and your shades! In fact, 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 scent of moist, vibrant leaves traces the trail.
Curiously, this well-liked a part of Toronto, often called The Seashores or The Seashore, has quite a lot of streets that head south in the direction of the lake from the principle thoroughfare, Queen Avenue East. We seen that lots of people merely drive their automobiles to the useless finish of the road, dealing with the lake, and sit back. One individual was listening to jazz music; one other was studying a guide.
Balmy Seashore Park
Balmy Seashore Park is an area favorite, with its sandy shores, playground, and picnic areas. It’s the right spot to chill out, absorb the solar, and benefit from the views of Lake Ontario. Enjoyable truth: 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 feel I’m going to actually take pleasure in this hike! Seashores N’ Cream—in all probability one of the best identify for an ice-cream spot, given its location, is a must-visit for its distinctive flavours and comfy 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 as a way to take pleasure in your ice cream through the colder months.
Donald D Summerville Olympic Pool
This outside pool is a well-liked spot for cooling off on a sizzling summer time day. It’s named after Donald D Summerville, a Canadian Olympic swimmer who competed within the 1932 and 1936 Summer season Olympics. Beside the pool, you’ll discover Toronto Seashore Kayak, which provides quite a lot of kayaks for hire, together with single kayaks, double kayaks, and tandem kayaks. Additionally they supply stand-up paddleboards and canoes.
Woodbine Seashore
Woodbine Seashore is one among Toronto’s hottest seashores, identified for its broad sandy shores, energetic boardwalk, and gorgeous views of town skyline. It’s a fantastic place to people-watch, play seaside volleyball, or just chill out and benefit from the solar. It’s additionally a fantastic 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 the event 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 the direction of Tommy Thompson Park, a singular 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 Avenue.
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 all the time one thing to see. It’s additionally a fantastic place to observe the sundown over town skyline, with the colourful colors reflecting on the water.
Typha, 2020
Earlier than we get to Leslie Lookout Park, I needed to level out “Typha, 2020,” a public artwork sculpture created by Canadian artist Dean Baldwin Lew, identified for creating sculptures that discover the connection between people and the pure world.
Canada Put up Supply Centre
Gordy and I’ve pushed, rollerbladed, and jogged alongside this stretch of Leslie Avenue many occasions, however solely not too long ago seen these cool photos of birds on stamp-like frames alongside the aspect of the Canada Put up 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 right alternative to lastly try Leslie Lookout Park. This newly constructed park provides gorgeous views of the Leslie Avenue Spit, with the Ship Channel and the encompassing waterfront.
Gordy and I couldn’t cease taking photos. nside the little remark tower, we seen a dedication plaque for Claude Cormier. Claude Cormier was a celebrated Canadian panorama architect famend for his modern and enjoyable designs that reworked public areas into partaking 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 brilliant colors and quirky parts to spark pleasure.
The Leslie Avenue 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 massive. This park, also referred to as the Leslie Avenue 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 placement 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 overlook 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. Every so often, you’ll get one among Porter’s propeller planes flying immediately above you, which is sort of cool, particularly in the event you’re a airplane watcher. Possibly it’s coming from Boston?
Cherry Seashore Sports activities Fields
Components of this path take you proper up near Lake Ontario. You may’t take a nasty image right here, with the bushes and the lake within the backdrop. You would possibly even catch a soccer recreation 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 sizzling 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 together with his shirt off! Do what you’ll with that data! 😉
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, whenever 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 mission occurring within the Port Lands is the Port Lands Revitalization, which facilities round Villiers Island. This large enterprise 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 concentrate on sustainability and flood safety. Try this hyperlink to be taught extra about this formidable mission and see the way it’s reshaping Toronto’s waterfront.
Sherbourne Frequent
Sherbourne Frequent is a singular waterfront park with a concentrate on sustainability. It encompasses a water channel, rain gardens, and public artwork installations. It’s a fantastic place to find out about city ecology and benefit from the waterfront views.
Sugar Seashore Park
It clearly will get its identify from the Redpath Sugar Plant subsequent door, which has been there endlessly! Sugar Seashore is a whimsical city park identified for its pink umbrellas, white Muskoka chairs, and ‘sugar dice’ installations. It’s a well-liked spot for pictures, leisure, and having fun with the candy life.
Central: Sugar Seashore to Ontario Place
This central part of the Martin Goodman Path takes us by 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’d think about, we’ve walked round right here 1,000,000 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. Hold 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’ll be able to take an image together with his statue on a double-seat bike with the ‘Jack’s Obtained 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 evaluate to him! Jack Layton was a charismatic politician and chief of the New Democratic Social gathering of Canada from 2003 till his premature dying in 2011. His spouse, Olivia Chow, is presently the mayor of Toronto, persevering with his legacy of public service.
Please notice that the seagulls alongside the harbourfront are thieves identified 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 stay efficiency, discover the artwork galleries, or wander by the craft studios. And if all that tradition makes you hungry, there are many eating places to fulfill your cravings. We’re speaking gourmand burgers, artisan pizzas, and even a lakeside patio with gorgeous views. There’s all the time one thing occurring!
HTO Park + HTO Seashore
HTO Park is sort of a mini-vacation within the coronary heart of town. Its sandy seaside is the right spot to chill out and absorb the waterfront vibes. Don’t overlook 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 the themed gardens impressed by Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello, and see in the event you can acknowledge the musical references. Even in the event you’re not a classical music buff, you’ll admire the tranquility and great thing about this distinctive area.
Billy Bishop Airport Entrance
As you strategy Norway Park, you’ll cross by the doorway to Billy Bishop Toronto Metropolis Airport. I say entrance as a result of so as to get to the precise airport, you want to go below the lake! We’ve flown out of this airport a gazillion occasions, and it’s arms down one of the best airport and airline in Canada. It’s additionally a reminder that even within the coronary heart of town, journey is only a brief 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 struggle. 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 fantastic 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 educated in Toronto throughout World Battle II, an emblem of worldwide friendship and cooperation.
Little Norway Park to Ontario Place (Roughly 2.5 Kilometres)
This part of this well-liked Toronto waterfront path combines the previous and current, permitting you to take pleasure in native historic landmarks and the rise of contemporary city improvement. We’re amused by how the 2 come collectively in a single space so completely. It’s really a singular 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. At the moment, with the Royal Oak and all the opposite large mature bushes, it’s a well-liked spot for picnics, sports activities, and waterfront views. You should definitely try the remnants of the previous army fort that after stood right here, a reminder of Toronto’s early historical past.
The Toronto Inukshuk Park
This park is dwelling to a putting 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 protected 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 fantastic recollections of this once-bustling amusement park. It’s now present process a serious redevelopment. Discover the remnants of the previous sights, like the enduring Cinesphere, and picture the way forward for this waterfront area. It’s a singular alternative to witness a chunk 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 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… In reality, I style these Tiny Tom Mini Donuts proper now as I write this! Exhibition Place is a sprawling advanced that has hosted numerous occasions, festivals, and exhibitions through the years. At the moment, it’s nonetheless a hub of exercise, with concert events, sporting occasions, and cultural festivals happening all year long.
Marilyn Bell Park
This park is called after Marilyn Bell, a Canadian long-distance swimmer who, at simply 16 years previous, turned the primary individual to swim throughout Lake Ontario. It’s a becoming tribute to her braveness and willpower, 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
When you’ve ever pushed into Toronto alongside Lakeshore BLVD and seen this large 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 personal 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 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 largest names in music historical past. From Duke Ellington and Depend Basie to Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller, this iconic venue has seen all of it. Think about the dance flooring filled with swing dancers, the music echoing by the corridor, and the power of a bygone period. At the moment, the Palais Royale nonetheless hosts occasions and concert events, retaining the spirit of jazz and swing alive.
Palais Royale to Humber Arch Bridge (Roughly 3.5 kilometres)
This ultimate stretch of the Martin Goodman Path takes us on a journey by 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 putting bronze sculpture, stands as an emblem of hope and resilience. Strolling by right here additionally jogs my memory of the time I spent exploring Budapest, an attractive metropolis!
Sunnyside Pavillion + Sunnyside Seashore
Sunnyside Seashore and the enduring Sunnyside Pavilion have 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. At the 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 position in creating Canada’s infrastructure. The monument, a bronze bust atop a granite pedestal, stands as a testomony to his contributions to the nation.
Queen Elizabeth Manner Monument
This monument commemorates the opening of the Queen Elizabeth Manner, 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, highway journey, or weekend getaway!
Humber Arch Bridge
The Humber Bay Arch Bridge is a shocking 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 acquired a flat tire and needed to stroll all the best way 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 will 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 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 move again to Kew Seashore.
