We hit the Kew Seaside Trailhead on a cold, late fall morning. A light-weight rain was falling, and the air was crisp with the odor of moist leaves. Not many individuals had been out, which was wonderful by us. Extra room for squirrel shenanigans! No critically! 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 Seaside to the Humber Bay Arch Bridge. It is usually 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 normally 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 totally different entry factors and exploring a number of kilometres at a time.
First up: the japanese part, beginning at Kew Seaside.
Who’s Martin Goodman?
However maintain on a sec – who is that this Martin Goodman man anyway? Why is his identify on probably the greatest trails in Toronto?
Seems, he was a outstanding Toronto businessman and philanthropist who performed a key position in growing the town’s waterfront. He was truly 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
If you happen to’re searching for a enjoyable option to get energetic whereas exploring the gorgeous Toronto lakefront, that is the proper choice. 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.
Searching 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 Seaside 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 would clarify the squirrels’ shameless posing for photos.
Kew-Balmy Seaside to Woodbine Seaside (Roughly 2.2 kilometres)
This primary stretch is all about these traditional seashore vibes, and the picket boardwalk runs parallel to the path. Assume: comfortable sand, crashing waves, swimming, kite flying, kayaking, and perhaps even a sport of seashore 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 odor of moist, vibrant leaves strains the trail.
Apparently, this well-liked a part of Toronto, often known as The Seashores or The Seaside, has a number of streets that head south in the direction of the lake from the primary thoroughfare, Queen Road East. We seen that lots of people merely drive their automobiles to the lifeless finish of the road, dealing with the lake, and relax. One individual was listening to jazz music; one other was studying a ebook.
Balmy Seaside Park
Balmy Seaside Park is a neighborhood favorite, with its sandy shores, playground, and picnic areas. It’s the proper spot to chill out, absorb the solar, and benefit from the views of Lake Ontario. Enjoyable truth: the park is house to the Balmy Seaside Membership, a historic landmark with a captivating 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 most effective identify for an ice-cream spot, given its location, is a must-visit for its distinctive flavours and comfortable ambiance. I opted for one in every of 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 so as 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 sizzling summer time 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 Seaside Kayak, which provides a wide range of kayaks for hire, together with single kayaks, double kayaks, and tandem kayaks. In addition they supply stand-up paddleboards and canoes.
Woodbine Seaside
Woodbine Seaside is one in every of Toronto’s hottest seashores, identified for its large sandy shores, vigorous boardwalk, and gorgeous views of the town skyline. It’s an ideal place to people-watch, play seashore volleyball, or just chill out and benefit from the solar. It’s additionally an ideal place to take a washroom break on the Woodbine Bathing Station.
It’s vital to notice that that is the place the Ashbridges Bay Car parking zone is positioned in case you drive into the world to discover the Martin Goodman Path.
Woodbine Seaside to Tommy Thompson Park (Roughly 3 kilometres)
Leaving the vigorous seashore scene behind, we ventured in the direction of Tommy Thompson Park, a novel city wilderness. Granted, the path takes us alongside the sting of Tommy Thompson Park, however you could 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 lovers. 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 an ideal place to observe the sundown over the 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, 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 Road many instances, however solely not too long ago seen these cool photos of birds on stamp-like frames alongside the facet of the Canada Put up Supply Centre. I’m wondering 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 take a look at Leslie Lookout Park. This newly constructed park provides gorgeous views of the Leslie Road 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 remodeled public areas into partaking areas.
His notable works embrace Sugar Seaside (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, typically incorporating brilliant 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 the town, with the sprawling skyline juxtaposed towards 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, often known as 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 placement of a few of the most picturesque biking trails in Toronto.
Tommy Thompson Park to Cherry Seaside (Roughly 4.5 kilometres)
This part of the path winds between Unwin Ave and Tommy Thompson Park’s huge and unimaginable pure ecosystem. At instances, you overlook that you’re within the metropolis till a smokestack or the CN Tower pops up from the highest of the timber 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 in every of Porter’s propeller planes flying straight above you, which is sort of cool, particularly in case you’re a aircraft watcher. Possibly it’s coming from Boston?
Cherry Seaside Sports activities Fields
Elements of this path take you proper up near Lake Ontario. You’ll be able to’t take a foul image right here, with the timber and the lake within the backdrop. You may even catch a soccer sport on the Cherry Seaside Sports activities Fields.
Cherry Seaside
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 motion pictures! Errr, I digress; Cherry Seaside 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 info! 😉
Cherry Seaside to Sugar Seaside (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 house 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 large endeavor is remodeling the world right into a vibrant waterfront neighborhood 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 a captivating mix of business heritage and fashionable city planning, with a concentrate on sustainability and flood safety. Take a look at 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 concentrate on sustainability. It includes a water channel, rain gardens, and public artwork installations. It’s an ideal place to find out about city ecology and benefit from the waterfront views.
Sugar Seaside Park
It clearly will get its identify from the Redpath Sugar Plant subsequent door, which has been there ceaselessly! Sugar Seaside is a whimsical city park identified for its pink umbrellas, white Muskoka chairs, and ‘sugar dice’ installations. It’s a well-liked spot for photographs, leisure, and having fun with the candy life.
Central: Sugar Seaside 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 Seaside to Norway Park (Roughly 2.7 Kilometres)
Leaving the candy serenity of Sugar Seaside 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 instances! 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. Preserve 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 possibly can take an image together with his statue on a double-seat bike with the ‘Jack’s Received Your Again’ inscription within the background!
After we lived within the Riverdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Jack was our MP! He was superb, and to today, 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 demise in 2011. His spouse, Olivia Chow, is at present the mayor of Toronto, persevering with his legacy of public service.
Please word that the seagulls alongside the harbourfront are thieves identified for taking meals proper out of your fingers. 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 occurring!
HTO Park + HTO Seaside
HTO Park is sort of a mini-vacation within the coronary heart of the town. Its sandy seashore is the proper 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 good 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 admire the tranquility and fantastic thing about this distinctive house.
Billy Bishop Airport Entrance
As you strategy Norway Park, you’ll move 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 might want to go beneath the lake! We’ve flown out of this airport a gazillion instances, and it’s fingers down the most effective airport and airline in Canada. It’s additionally a reminder that even within the coronary heart of the town, journey is only a brief flight away.
Born in Owen Sound, Billy Bishop was a Canadian First World Conflict 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 house with a playground, benches, and a peaceable ambiance. It’s an ideal 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 Conflict 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 recent city improvement. We’re amused by how the 2 come collectively in a single space so completely. It’s actually a novel perspective of the town’s evolving waterfront.
Coronation Park
Coronation Park is a sprawling inexperienced house 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 large mature timber, it’s a well-liked spot for picnics, sports activities, and waterfront views. You’ll want to take a look at the remnants of the outdated navy fort that after stood right here, a reminder of Toronto’s early historical past.
The Toronto Inukshuk Park
This park is house to a putting inukshuk, a conventional Inuit stone landmark. Anybody who is aware of me is aware of how a lot I really 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 a captivating mix of previous and future. My brothers and I’ve so many great reminiscences of this once-bustling amusement park. It’s now present process a significant redevelopment. Discover the remnants of the outdated sights, like the enduring Cinesphere, and picture the way forward for this waterfront house. It’s a novel 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 the 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 the town has advanced whereas nonetheless retaining its vibrant spirit.
Exhibition Place
That is one other place that evokes unforgettable childhood reminiscences… 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, festivals, and exhibitions over time. Right this moment, it’s nonetheless a hub of exercise, with live shows, 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 outdated, grew to become 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 ambiance. 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
If you happen to’ve ever pushed into Toronto alongside Lakeshore BLVD and seen this large Poppy on the facet 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 way of the gates and picture the elegant gatherings and vigorous events which have taken place inside its partitions.
Palais Royale
The Palais Royale is a legendary dance corridor that has hosted a few of 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 flooring filled with 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, retaining the spirit of jazz and swing alive.
Palais Royale to Humber Arch Bridge (Roughly 3.5 kilometres)
This remaining 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 putting bronze sculpture, stands as an emblem of hope and resilience. Strolling by way of right here additionally jogs my memory of the time I spent exploring Budapest, a ravishing metropolis!
Sunnyside Pavillion + Sunnyside Seaside
Sunnyside Seaside and the enduring Sunnyside Pavilion had been as soon as the epicenter of Toronto’s seashore 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 seashore 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 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 Manner Monument
This monument commemorates the opening of the Queen Elizabeth Manner, a significant 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 trip! About midway house, I bought 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’ve got 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 Seaside.
