Jun 13, 2011

Rouge River Trail



The Rouge River trail is an excellent trek for those just starting out in their hiking adventures! Its a fairly easy one about 10 kilometres long and only a few hills to surmount. The beauty of this trail is the gorgeous Lake Ontario views, and an abundance of natural resources which are inhabited by animals such as fox, rabbits, raccoons, pheasant, grouse and white tailed deer.





The trail is situated very close to the Metropolitan Toronto Zoo so if you are in the mood to go animal exploring you can off the trail and venture north. There weren't any larger mammals around, but I did chance upon a tiny critter just sitting in the middle of the footpath. It was a shy, baby squirrel and the cutest thing I ever saw!




The Rouge River park stretches along Lake Ontario is 11,000 acres of gorgeous scenery set in an urban area found just off of Sheppard Avenue! You will see the odd jogger and cyclist but few were out today. You may even see a horse go by. The trail also follows the Rouge River south where and goes into the Glen Rouge Park and Campgrounds. This may be unusual to find a campground in the city but apparently they are quite common in Europe!


Typical scene you'll discover!




Despite the winds, it was a perfect day out for walking!






Jun 11, 2011

Humber River Park and Trail (South of Eglinton)

Etienne Brule Waterfalls
There is no better way that I find to be invigorated after a long winter's slumber, than a brisk walk or hike along many of Ontario's trails.  The Humber River Park and trail is about 32 kilometres long.  It's located just northwest of central Downtown Toronto, just west of Jane Street.  This trail is utilized all year long by joggers, hikers and cyclists and the like.  My favorite part of the trail is the Humber South, located just below Eglinton Avenue. 
You go first!!
Moving further south you will come across the Humber Marshes, King's Mill Park, Etienne Brule Park, the Lambton Wood and Scarlett Mills park.  You can access the trail from
dozens of different locations, but I like the easy access to the Etienne Brule Park which is directly adjacent to the Old Mill Subway station.
Tree down..
There is no reason to have to leave the City's concrete walls to explore nature's darkest treasures; You just have to dig a little deeper!
Entrance off Weston Road
My fav picture!




   Toronto and surrounding areas have an abundance of parks and trails to enjoy! The Humber Park and Trail is just one of them.

Jun 6, 2011

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Historical landmarks are my favorites places to discover and Black Creek Pioneer Village is a historical treasure situated in Toronto, Ontario.  We spent the entire afternoon exploring the expanse of this place.  

Doctors House and Waiting area
Black Creek Pioneer Village is located at 1000 Murray Ross Parkway and Steeles Avenue West.  There is something for everyone here to enjoy! Like a country trail for kids which includes stops around the Village and hands-on activities for example in the Cabinet Makers shop where we found lots of kids playing and building with blocks of wood. The historical atmosphere is also excellent for large and events such as Weddings, Bridal Showers, and Fundraisers.

Top: Tinsmith  / Bottom: Blacksmith
19th century brewery and an upstairs bar
A particular point of interest is that there is actually a working mill here! A print shop and a brewery that shows visitors how to work a print press and how to make beer like they did in the 1800s!  We visited the brewery, which for $4.50 you could select 3 different types of beer from Porter, Stout and Dark Ale. I preferred the Dark Ale, as the other two were a little odd tasting.  None of the beers in the 1800s had any effervescence so they all tasted very flat, but were easier to digest with less stomach upset.
Make a visit to the 'GiftShop' before you leave
Interesting historical sign :)

Cabinet Maker and Cobbler Shops

There is a "Halfway House", the "Blacksmith", "the Cobbler", "the Town Hall", The "Mennonite Church and Meeting Hall", "The Physician's House" and several other typical homes in that era.     In fact there are over 40 historical 19th century buildings there all decorated with 1860's furniture inside.  It isn't unusual to come across an
Inside Flour Mill
historical re-enactment while visiting there and you will also see women and men dressed in 19th style clothing just walking around.  I would have loved to be able to wear those dresses!    The building is made of stone but the mechanisms are all made of wood! It's absolutely incredible and a must see!