Humber River – Park Trail

Length – 13 km (one way)

90% park path
10% road, crossings, detours

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

Surface – It is all paved asphalt, with some sand and crushed stone.

Skill – Easy

Facilities – Includes parking, three washrooms, fountains, benches.

Highlights – Bridges, small waterfalls, James Gardens, the lake waterfront, Oculus Pavilion.

Maps – Found at the trailhead; signs on the 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 – You can 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 (scarce on weekends), Edenbridge Dr., Raymore Park, or Weston Lions Park on Hickory Tree Rd.

The Humber River bike path is a favourite for locals on the west side of Toronto for good reasons.

This 13 km trail offers an easy, yet long ride along the river, with an ever-changing scenic landscape on a well-maintained paved route with few hills. Plenty of park benches, small waterfalls, fountains to stop at along 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.

At the top end, you can continue after climbing stairs, then riding 300 metres 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.

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

Passing under the Old Mill Subway station, you will cross over the old stone bridge to get to the other side of the river. Look to see if any…

Read more of this review in my trail guidebook with better maps, and suggested parking available as an eBook or paperback.