Humber River – Park Trail

Length –  14 km (one way)

95% park path
5% road crossings, detours

Elevation – Flat along water’s edge, a few short hills 

Terrain – Paved, some cracked surfaces, bridges, road detours 

Skill – Easy

Maps – Map boards, trail markers 

Traffic – Typical path city users; will be busy on any sunny summer day

Facilities – Parking lots, three washrooms, fountains, benches, rain shelter, picnic tables

Highlights –  Bridges, small waterfalls, James Gardens, lake waterfront, Oculus Pavilion, historic Lambton House

Trail Fee – Free

Phone – 311

Website –  City of Toronto

Similar Trails – Upper Humber, Highland Creek, Nokiidaa, Upper Etobicoke

Local Clubs – Toronto Bicycling Network,  Toronto Bicycle Club

Access – Connect from the south by bike from the Waterfront trail system or from the Upper Humber River trail at the other end.

Car parking can be found at Riverwood Pkwy entrance, Etienne Brule Park, James Gardens (busy on weekends due to weddings), Edenbridge Dr., Raymore Park, or Weston Lions Park on Hickory Tree Rd.

Also, consider taking your bike on the subway to Old Mill station as a start point. (weekdays only between 10am – 3:30pm or after 7pm)

The 14 km Humber River bike path is one of the most popular routes to cycle in Toronto, and with good reason. This winding journey up the valley is an ever-changing scenic ride in the middle of west Toronto. 

From Lake Ontario by the large white Humber Bay Arch bridge, the bike trail heads northerly along the river’s west side through a small park to a side street. Note the Oculus Pavilion, a bizarre, circular “spaceship” rain shelter.

There is a 700 m detour road ride along sidestreets – turn right onto Stephen Dr., then left onto Riverwood Pkwy, where an entrance on the right takes you through parkland and puts you back down into the valley.

Soon you will come upon the subway overpass and the large, elegant Old Mill Hotel, then you will cross the Humber on a stone bridge. (Check for migrating salmon in the spring.)

Further up, you will cross again at the tall rail bridge and enter a wooded area with a few hills before the trail opens up to James Gardens, known for its lovely flower beds.

The path then leads you to a major intersection at Eglinton Ave. that adds another climb to street level. Once back in the valley, it is a delightful spin to the end through parkland. 

At the end of this segment, there is a long set of metal stairs to climb if you want to continue to the Upper Humber R. part…

This new review update is not yet published in my book. But 64 other great destinations are, with better maps, elevation graphs and more parking locations. Available as an eBook or paperback.