Humber River – Park Trail

Length –  13 km (one way)

90% park path
10% road, detours

Terrain – flat path, river bridges, a few gentle slopes, detours, one road crossing at lights

Surface – all paved asphalt, some sand, crushed stone

Skill – easy

Facilities –  parking, washrooms 3, fountains, benches

Highlights – bridges, small waterfalls, James Gardens, lake waterfront, Oculus

Maps – map at trailhead, signs on trail

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 trails or from the many side streets and parks on the route

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

The Humber River bike path  is a very popular ride on the west side of Toronto for good reason.

This trail offers an easy, yet long route along the river with an ever-changing scenic landscape on a well maintained paved route, with few hills. Lots of park benches, small waterfalls, fountains and a few washrooms line the way.

This path connects well with the Lake Ontario Waterfront bike trail network and ends on the north end briefly at the Weston Road and St. Phillips Rd detour.

Here you can continue after climbing stairs, riding 300 meters on the street to go even farther north for 20 km more of park trail cycling. Read my Upper Humber R. Review

The lower section of the trail is more popular, yet I think the upper end is as enjoyable.

So starting at the lake, it winds up along the west side through a small park to a side street. Note the Oculus Pavilion, a bizarre circular “spaceship” rain shelter. (see photo)

Unfortunately now there will be a 700 m detour road ride along side streets – Stephen Dr., left on Riverwood Pkwy.  Entrance on right takes you through parkland and puts you back down into the river valley.

Passing  under Old Mill Subway station you  cross over the old stone bridge to the other side of the river. Look to see if the fisherman maybe out to for the salmon run.

You could ride upon your return the Home Smith Park Rd on the west bank.  A one way road south that had fine homes once until flood waters from a hurricane changed that.

Onward you might find a few short dirt side trails in Lambton Woods. Then onto James Gardens with flower gardens, worth looking at. And popular for wedding photos, hence little parking on weekends.

One passes two golf courses before needing to cross the street at the lights at Eglinton Ave. W. Beyond you do not see much of the river for few minutes till it descends to the valley parkland once more.

Finally you end up at the stairs, which I mentioned to detour and continue the second half of the longest river trail in Toronto or just head back.

Taking the subway to the Old Mill station is  good way to get to this ride from another area of town.

The paths are busy with bikes and walkers on a sunny weekends, so keep your speed and sanity. This route has many opportunities to stop, rest on a bench, rock and watch the clouds drift by….ahhh