Oak Ridges Moraine (Brooklin)

Plenty of wildlife exists in bogs and ponds in Brooklin, Ontario.  Brooklin has become increasingly inhabited by people desiring the suburban life.  It branches on the northern outskirts of Whitby and continues to grow yearly.  Old farmland is being overwrought by housing developments and new construction of shopping malls and food stores.


Luckily Brooklin is part of the Oak Ridges Moraine which thrives and is protected by the Conservation protection act in 2001.  Here's a few pictures of a frog we caught, and a dragonfly which took me about a half hour to land the perfect shot :)

Martin Goodman Trail

The Martin Goodman Trail is a multi-use trail with a two way bike path, a walking path, and many hidden trail paths that venture into wooded areas. Walking westward on the boardwalk which runs east and west parallel to Queen Street, you will eventually find yourself with a choice between northbound to Lakeshore Avenue or continue southwest onto the Martin Goodman Trail.  It is all part of the Ashbridges Bay Park.  There are plenty of boat docks, and fishing areas around here as well.

At sunset you can see the breathtaking view of Toronto's skyline and Lake Ontario.  There are access points along the beach specific to the swimmer, the wader and the explorer.  A bird sanctuary houses many trees with birds of varied species.  I happened upon a baby cardinal, but unfortunately it grew way too dark to take any decent photos of them.

Just another trail in Toronto to explore!  It really satisfies enough of the balance of nature, that it isn't really necessary to travel up north to be a part of it all.  The trail extends about 20 km, from the Humber River in the west to Beaches Park in the east and connects to the Don River Trail.

Martin Goodman makes up part of the Waterfront Trail, which extends 900 kilometres from Niagara -on-the-Lake to the Quebec border, along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. (Parts of the trail have yet to be joined with each other.)

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!

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.