Todmorden Mills, Toronto

Todmorden Mills was discovered actually quite by chance while on an unadventurous bike ride southbound on the Don River recreational trail. Deciding to veer west off Pottery Road in Toronto, I saw the ‘Fantasy farm’ up ahead.  I had always wondered where this was as you could see it off the Don Valley Parkway, but I had never seen it up close.  As I discovered it’s a banquet hall, and set in some really pretty and private country-like scenery great for Weddings.  Right across the lane is ‘Todmorden Mills’.  It’s an historic site owned now by the City of Toronto, but was once a Lumber mill located in a small settlement called, "Don Mills" in 1790's.  

There remains todays two historic miller’s homes, a Brewery building and over 10 hectares of fields containing wildflowers and walking trails including upland and bottomland forests. 

I was surprised when I walked into the historical mill house near the entrance of Todmorden, there were walls of artwork and a stage door leading to a renovated Papermill Theatre and Gallery.  Interesting setting for this.  Honestly didn’t even know it was here.   If you want to find out more about the Papermill Theatre and what's on, click here.

Upper Chedoke Falls- Hamilton, Ontario

The Upper Chedoke Falls is a challenge to get to, but the experience in retrospect was a great one.  I had been here before to the Chedoke Trail and had already known where the ‘Lower Chedoke Falls’ were.  What I didn’t know was where the ‘Upper Chedoke Falls" were or how tricky my ‘rock hoppin’ skills would have to be.  

 Stuck literally between a rock and hard spot several times, this rocky crag left much to my problem solving skills.  About 10 minutes into the trek and my partner falls and as he is lying and moaning on top of a bed of rocks, worrying about his phone.  I say, “are you ok?’ to which his reply is “yeah, but I think I fell on my phone” with that I am determined evermore to get to the Upper Chedoke, and for a moment, I am tempted to use his back as leverage to get across the water..lol


Upward and onward, I can hear the rush of water, and up ahead in the distance, I didn’t see a shimmering light, but I did see the movement of waterfalls.  Not one, but two! This was exciting and while he mutters something to me like, ‘remind me not to do this again’, I laugh with the determination of getting ever closer to take that photograph that will instill in my memories forever.  

There she is!  The top of the Niagara Escarpment she is a 15  metre ribbon waterfall and there I am standing at the foot of a beautiful wave of rushing water of the Upper Chedoke Falls! 

Mountview Falls, Hamilton

You’ll have to excuse this picture of Mountview Falls. It was taken over a month ago (in very early spring) and like all photographs, it brings with it memories that attach itself to it. While several other attempts at taking a better shot did happen that day, it unfortunately occurred when my Canon camera had decided to shut down. It wasn’t even a battery issue either, but I remember after hiking several other falls along the Chedoke trail, this was the final stop before packing it in for the day. 

Thankfully, others have been here, and it is with their great effort and camera in tow, they will give you much better angle views than I was able to get on this day. Sure I’ll be back, but instead I’d rather keep the blog entry with as much integrity as possible and share with you the intent on which it was taken.

Mountview Falls in Hamilton is considered a 10 metre high classic-complex cascade. When the water flows are more intense after a good rainfall, Mountview can be an interesting sight, although some say not the most picturesque. I find it interesting how the rock formation resembles somewhat like a display of egg cartons layed out at the base as you work your way towards her upper crest!

Mountview Falls is located off the Chedoke trail, which is adjacent to the Chedoke Golf Course in Hamilton. It was also easy to find a beautiful depiction of Mountview Falls can be found ON YOUTUBE !

I did however learn on this day, how much I depend on my camera and how much I miss it when it isn’t a part of my daily life! : )

Historic Distillery District

I preferred this one when I put it on B&W :)

If you ever travel to Toronto, you must visit the Historical Distillery District. It has been widely photographed by novice and professional photographers and is now a member of the CONTACT Photographers Exhibition currently running throughout he month of May in Toronto!  It features exhibits from camera pros around the world is a national Historic Site. 

Courtesy of CONTACT Photography Festival

While at the Distillery, you have many photo opportunities to take of historical cars, the old Mill Street Brewery, the famous Gooderham and Worts Distillery was founded in 1832 (World’s largest).  In fact you’ll find 13 acres of 40 historical buildings, 10 streets, and the largest collection of Industrial architecture form the Victorian era (my favorite) found anywhere in the world.  I took plenty of pictures, and created my first black and white album from this site.  You’ll enjoy the art galleries, and boutiques and coffee houses.  It’s a beautiful piece of history preserved here that I wanted to add it to a list of many things to do in Toronto.

Note: I will be adding more photographs on my flickr account soon! Including my first B&W album

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.