Ashbridges Bay Park

Ashbridges Bay Park located off lakeshore Blvd east of Coxwell avenue is busy all year round, but comes to life during the spring and summer months!  Popular activities include biking, rollerblading, volleyball and sunbathing!

Located in Asbridge's Bay Park is the Ashbridge's Bay yacht Club'; the club dates back to 1932 and moved into its present quarters in 1977.  The park has public boat launches that are available on the first-come, first-served basis, as well as moorings for day use only.  There is also a boardwalk along the shoreline, playground area, water fountains, and a seasonal washroom; the park is a popular spot for family picnics and windsurfing.

As you pass through Ashbridge bay on any given weekend you can smell the charcoal of bbq permeating the air and large family gatherings starting out early to reserve a spot of grass by the beach.  It’s been a tradition for as long as I can remember. The playground is full with happy, screaming kids with their parents as the gulls hover above waiting for more of what remains of a wonderful meal.    As the sun goes down, Ashbridge bay will be lit up for moonlight lovers on the boardwalk.  

Samuel Smith Park

Recently, we decided last minute to join the others for the 9^th annual ‘Sam Smith’ park Clean up on Earth day (Sunday Aprll 22^nd).  Sponsored by the city, garbage bags, water and snacks are provided.  Armed with shovels, boots, gloves and rakes, it wasn’t long before the chatter stopped and the work began. 

Toronto still holds a large funding for its Parks and Recreation department, partnered with the Roads it maintains an excellent level of cleanliness all year long.  Shorelines are always bringing in the odd surprises wave after wave, so our work didn’t go in vain.  Unfortunately though while my good camera is in the shop hopefully getting repaired, I did not bring one on Sunday, but went back today instead to try and take some okay pictures!

I had never been to ‘Samuel Smith Park’ before but decided to add this to my blog under exploring parks and trails in the GTA.  Getting there was a great opportunity for us to take the Longbranch streetcar route which incidentally is the longest route on the Transit system. 

The Longbranch route loops into Samuel Smith park.  I was surprised to learn that Colonel Samuel Smith Park was once considered a former weekend getaway for Torontonians in the Victorian Era.   A wide open scenic trail includes hiking along the peninsula on Lake Ontario.  The waterfront has access to rocky beaches, great views including the City of Toronto famous CN Tower along the skyline.  Other activities include bird and boat watching, photography, picnics, and a playground for children to play in.  The observation desks are accessible for viewing turtles, beavers, and different kinds of fish.  In the Winter months, there is now a new skating trail, but as the warmer weather hopefully will stay for a while, the winter is a distant memory for now.