Exploring St. Catharines: A Riverside Adventure - 12 Mile Creek Trail

After a delightful lunch at WIND on King Street in St. Catharines, my friends and I were eager to continue our afternoon adventure. 

Our destination? Montebello Park, a charming spot rumored to house a nostalgic working carousel. Because, let's be honest, some of us never really outgrow the allure of a carousel ride.

Anticipation was high as we approached the park, but alas, a fence had been erected, signaling the imminent arrival of a summer carnival. Our carousel dreams would have to wait for another day. Undeterred, we decided to make the most of our time before catching our train at St. Catharines station.

With a few hours to spare, we ventured towards the Burgoyne Bridge, where a path led us down into the valley below. Here, nestled beneath the bridge, we found ourselves in serene isolation, surrounded by the rushing waters of 12 Mile Creek. It was a rare moment of tranquility, with not a soul in sight.

As we marveled at the long pedestrian bridge ahead , we couldn't help but notice the remnants of the what looked to be an old Shipyard just off the 12 Mile Creek,  a testament to the area's rich maritime history. Once a bustling hub for ships navigating these waters, the locks now stand as silent witnesses to days gone by.

Curious about the redirection of shipping traffic, we learned that today, vessels are diverted to the nearby 16 Mile Creek instead. This adjustment has transformed the landscape, allowing nature to reclaim parts of the waterways once dominated by industry and commerce.

Our impromptu riverside excursion beneath the Burgoyne bridge turned out to be a hidden gem in St. Catharines, offering a glimpse into both the past.  As we entered the trail we noticed an interesting looking pink Firemans training tower used to train firemen in the late 1970s.   With each step, we discovered more about its history and natural beauty, making memories that would stay with us long after the train carried us away from this picturesque corner of Ontario.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a quiet escape, St. Catharines promises adventures aplenty for those willing to explore beyond the beaten path.

Annual International Jazz Festival

 The 'Beaches' section of the (Waterfront trail) is also known as the Martin Goodman trail.  I have previously covered portions of this trail before (see 'Martin Goodman' and 'Ashbridge Bay' in this blog) 

In the summertime, the Toronto beaches come alive with swimmers, sailors, sun-bathers and almost anything else you can think of that can be enjoyed in or near the water.  The Boardwalk runs along Beaches Park, Kew Gardens, Kew Beach, Woodbine Beach to Ashbridges Bay.  Unfortunately, the remaining 50% of the Beaches trail is all on-road. (approximately between Kingston and Silverbirch Avenue to Kingston and Birchmount in the east). 

Toronto's International Beaches Jazz Festival. I thought I’d include this as it was an important event in Exploring Toronto.  It ran for a few weeks in July, and had over 100 bands some old, some new who had their own flavour of Jazz.   

Around noon time, Kew Beach stage blasted out with an upbeat Romanian-Gypsy style of jazz music from a group called Lemon Buckets!  I was surprised to hear this kind of music in a jazz festival.  They are considered relatively new to the Jazz world, but they're young, energetic and extremely talented with their instruments!

South of Kew Gardens playing on the The Latin Stage near Woodbine Beach,  was the Latin Jazz Ensemble .  These gentlemen would be considered established.  Their stuff was kinda cool with that Latin-Salsa flair and very relaxing kind of music, but not really my cup of tea as far as music goes! :) Although, it was kind of neat to see a couple get up and dance to it.  

Not too far westward along the Beaches trail past the Kids park and Woodbine Beach swimming pool was the Big Band stage.  Far more dancing was seen here to the sounds of the Big Band era played by an established group called the Jazz Mechanics.  A couple of hours of jazz music is enough, and the day was still young.  Like any annual festival it brings in plenty of money to the hosting cities, and an opportunity for local business to market their wares, and a chance to get their names or products out in the world marketplace.  Even if you didn't get a chance to check out the Festival at all, you can mark your calendars for next year.  Be sure to check out Lemon Buckets, they really are a very unique and fun group!

Where there is any large group of people, there are always police officers standing by in case of any trouble, and being in a large city like Toronto, that's no surprise.  What I am puzzled about is, where does Spock fit into all of this?  Well he had his phaser on him, so guess that made us all safe.

The Thornton-Cookstown Trail: A Journey of Hills, Heat, and Hydration Challenges

Biking has always been a shared passion for my husband and me, so when we decided to tackle the Thornton-Cookstown Trail, we were excited about the adventure ahead. Little did we know, this ride would become one of our most unforgettable experiences—for better or worse!


The Thornton-Cookstown Trail stretches for a picturesque 16 kilometers, starting from Thornton and ending in the quaint village of Cookstown. It's a beautiful route, winding through lush forests, open fields, and charming rural landscapes. Perfect for a summer day, right? Well, sort of...

The day we chose to embark on this journey happened to be the hottest day in June. The sun blazed down on us, and to make matters worse, we had completely forgotten to pack any water. Undeterred, we set off, thinking we'd find a place to hydrate along the way. Big mistake.

As we pedaled through the trail, we encountered hills that seemed to go on forever. Grueling doesn't even begin to describe it (My husband added to my frustration, but keeping positive and not once agreeing with my misery) The combination of steep inclines and scorching heat quickly took its toll. By the time we reached Cookstown, we were exhausted and dehydrated.


The real challenge began after we reached the end of the trail. We needed to find the nearest GO Station to catch a train home, which was in Bradford, Ontario—another 12 kilometers away. With no other option, we mounted our bikes again and set off, hoping to find some respite along the way.

After what felt like an eternity—an hour and a half of pure heat exhaustion—we finally arrived in Bradford. Our first stop was the local community center, praying it would have a water fountain. As luck would have it, the center was closed, and there was no water fountain in sight.


We found an open washroom and did what we had to do: using our hands as water cups, we drank from the tap. It wasn't the most elegant solution, but it was effective. 

Standing there, drenched in sweat and frustration, I let my husband know in no uncertain terms that I would NEVER do this again. A few choice words were exchanged, but I knew I was letting off more steam than was already coming out of my helmet.


Somehow, we made it to the GO Station in time for the next train. As we collapsed into our seats, a strange sense of elation and accomplishment. I had made it through the toughest biking experience I'd had ever personally faced.


This ride on the Thornton-Cookstown Trail is now etched in my memory as the best and worst biking experience ever. It was a day filled with challenges, but also a testament to our resilience and partnership. Would I do it again? Probably not. But am I glad we did it? Absolutely.

Rediscovering Gardiner Museum: A Toronto Gem Not to Miss!!

Rediscovering the Gardiner Museum – A Toronto Gem You Shouldn't Miss
Toronto, Ontario | gardinermuseum.on.ca

Last week, my husband and I finally stepped inside a place we’ve passed by countless times but never visited until now—the Gardiner Museum. And wow, are we glad we did. What started as a casual outing turned into a deep and memorable journey through art, history, and the beauty of ceramics.

Nestled at the southeast corner of Queen’s Park and Bloor Street East, the Gardiner is one of the world’s few museums dedicated entirely to ceramic art—and it’s right here in the heart of Toronto.

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From Ancient Clay to Modern Masterpieces

We wandered through galleries that spanned centuries and continents—from ancient American pottery to European porcelain and bold modern ceramics. The European Porcelain Galleries were a standout, featuring delicate and powerful works from Meissen, Sèvres, and Royal Vienna—pieces that captured not just artistry but the politics and stories of their time.

The Modern and Contemporary Ceramics section added a splash of colour and creativity to our visit. Artists like Betty Woodman and Jun Kaneko truly redefine what clay can be.

And one of the most delightful surprises? Seeing Pablo Picasso’s ceramic works up close. Yes, Picasso! His playful, vibrant ceramic pieces show a whole new side to the legendary painter.

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A Museum That Feels Personal

Unlike larger institutions, the Gardiner offers a more intimate, relaxed experience. We explored at our own pace, without crowds, and had thoughtful chats with the friendly staff who were happy to share insights and stories behind the exhibits.

It’s not just a place to look at pretty things—it’s a living, breathing hub of creativity. The museum regularly hosts workshops, lectures, and family programs, making it a cultural space for all ages.

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Plan Your Visit

The Gardiner Museum is open and welcoming visitors, so if you’ve never been (or haven’t been in a while), now’s the perfect time. Visit gardinermuseum.on.ca to check hours, current exhibitions, and upcoming events.

Trust me—it’s the kind of place you leave feeling enriched, inspired, and maybe even a little surprised at how much you enjoyed it.

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 Have you visited the Gardiner Museum? Or do you have another hidden Toronto gem to recommend?

Share your thoughts and favourite art spots in the comments—I'd love to hear what places have surprised you!