It can be tough to find nice nature trails in a big city like Toronto, Ontario, but over the years, I’ve determined my favourite spots. These five trails are in West Toronto, since I’m in that area most often. I hope this list helps anyone living in Toronto or visiting the city who are looking for nice walking trails!
HUMBER BAY PARK
Humber Bay Park is my favourite area to walk in West Toronto. There are several different walking trails and parks to enjoy. There are also great restaurants facing Lake Ontario (my favourites are La Vecchia and Eden Trattoria). To visit this area, park along Marine Parade Drive. There is street parking, as well as a few parking lots. NOTE: This area is VERY busy in the summer and finding parking can be tough.
Humber Bay Park East Trails
The Humber Bay Park East Trails span along Lake Ontario from Park Lawn Road to the Humber Bay Arch Bridge. If you start at the popular Humber Bay Shores Park (great for picnics and a nice view of the Toronto skyline), you will find trails to the east and west.
To the east, don’t miss Sheldon Lookout, which is just before the Humber Bay Arch Bridge. There are several Muskoka chairs to relax and enjoy the view.
To the west, walk through the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat and cross the bridge to Humber Bay Park East. Here you’ll be a bit further from the crowds, surrounded by nature and walking along the water. There is also a nice beach area.
Humber Bay Park West Trails
At the west end of Marine Parade Drive, you’ll find a bridge that crosses over to the Humber Bay Park West Trail. One part of the trail heads south to Humber Bay Park West and continues to Etobicoke Point, which has views of the skyline from a different vantage point. Continue west on the trail for a lovely walk along Superior Creek.
SUNNYSIDE BOARDWALK
Just east of Humber Bay Shores Park, across the Humber Bay Arch Bridge, is the Sunnyside Boardwalk. This trail is lovely, especially in the summer, with plenty of beach space. Make sure to stop for a beachy cocktail at Sunnyside Pavillion Cafe! There are also canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals beside the cafe.
HIGH PARK
Just north of Sunnyside Pavilion Cafe is the south end of High Park. The main entrance to the park is on Bloor Street West. This is a very popular park in West Toronto and currently, vehicles are not permitted in the park on weekends. High Park is well known for its grove of 2,000 Sakura Cherry Blossom trees, which bloom in the spring. There is also a great zoo, gardens, and a cafe.
JAMES GARDENS
Off of Royal York Road on Edenbridge Drive, you’ll find James Gardens. This is a beautiful garden area along the river with access to the Humber Recreational Trail.
HUMBER RIVER RECREATIONAL TRAIL
The Humber River Recreational Trail runs from Steeles Avenue West and Kipling Avenue all the way south to the Humber Bay Arch Bridge. I need to explore more of this trail! It would also be a perfect trail for cycling.
I hope you enjoyed this list of five walking trails in West Toronto!
To read my blog post, “10 Beautiful Hiking Trail Views in Southern Ontario,” click here.
To read my blog post, “5 Hidden Gem Hiking Spots in Southern Ontario,” click here.
