Toronto Discovery Walks: Humber River, Old Mill & Marshes
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GETTING THERE AND BACK Follow the path of an ancient Large oak trees, remnants from the time of the Carrying You can reach the suggested start and end point on First Peoples. Discover panoramic Place, still stand along the drive. One hundred and fifty public transit by taking the BLOOR/DANFORTH DISCOVERY WALKS views, river marshes and the ruins of these trees were inventoried and municipally subway to Old Mill Station. proclaimed as the “Tuhbenahneequay Ancient Grove”. of an old mill. They were named after the daughter of a chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations. HUMBERHUMBER ❸ THE ROUTE THE HUMBER RIVER, VALLEY &MARSHES RIVER,RIVER, This Discovery Walk leads you on a loop through the The Humber River watershed is Humber River Valley from approximately Bloor the largest in Toronto. OLDOLD MILL MILL Street south to Lake Ontario. Although It is a significant you can begin this Discovery Walk at corridor for any point along the route, a good migratory song && MARSHES MARSHES starting point is the Old Mill birds and Subway Station (see top left corner monarch The Humber River Photo by Jerry Belan One In A Series of Self-Guided Walks of map). From the subway station, butterflies. the route leads you past the historic More than FOR MORE INFO Old Mill and Old Mill Bridge. 60 species of For more information on Discovery Walks, including Afterwards, you’ll visit riverside fish live in the brochures, please call Parks and Recreation Information parklands, charming neighbourhoods, river including at (416) 392-1111. For more information on area the Humber River and its marshes. such sport fish as history, inquire at the Jane-Dundas, Runnymede or trout, pike and salmon. Annette Branches of the Toronto Public Library. Discovery Walks is a program of self-guided walks The Humber River that links City ravines, parks, gardens, beaches and ❶THE OLD MILL & neighbourhoods. Other Discovery Walks include: THE OLD MILL BRIDGE Central Ravines, Belt Line and Gardens; Don Valley Mills have existed at this site since 1793 when King’s Hills and Dales; Western Ravines and Beaches; Mill, Toronto’s first industrial building, supplied wood Spring and fall, fish migration may be observed from Northern Ravines and Gardens; Eastern Ravine & for the construction of Fort York (1793) and early the Old Mill Bridge (see ❶ above). During winter, Beaches; and Garrison Creek. Toronto. Today, you will pass by the ruins of the impressive ice jams often occur at this same location. Uptown and Downtown Discovery Walks are “Old Mill”, the third mill on that site. A bridge has stood The Humber Marshes are one of the few remaining planned to open in Spring 2000. over the Humber River at this location since 1837. The river mouth marshes in Toronto. These extensive present arched stone bridge was built in 1916. Both the marshes provide a breeding habitat for ducks, turtles and WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP mill and the bridge are historically significant and have fish. Humber River’s significance is being recognized by The City of Toronto would like to thank the Toronto been designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. its designation in 1999 as a Canadian Heritage River. Public Library, Toronto Field Naturalists, Toronto Transit Commission, Heritage Toronto, Toronto Old Mill Bridge Photo by Jerry Belan ❷TORONTO CARRYING PLACE TRAIL ❹EARLY SETTLEMENT SITE Public Health, Toronto and Region Conservation Riverside Drive, on the high east bank of the river, A sand dune marks the approximate location of the Authority and the Lower Humber/Black Creek traces the path of the ancient Toronto Carrying Place original Lake Ontario shoreline, prior to land filling. Subwatersheds Committee for their support. Trail. This trail was used by First Nations people for Near here was the site of a French trading fort (1749) millennia as a trade route between Lake Ontario and and a French merchant’s cabin (1790). Discovery Walks name and logo are official marks of the City of Toronto. the Upper Great Lakes to the north. “Brisk walking is an aerobic activity. It increases the body’s demand for oxygen and trains your heart, lungs and muscles to work more efficiently.” N Active Living Canada and # Toronto Public Health P P 1 P This walk is approximately 7.3km long with a walking time of about 2 hours (minimum). If you walk 3 this route at a brisk pace, you will P burn approximately 450 calories. ACCESSIBILITY: The section of the trail on the west side of the Humber River, between the Old Mill Subway Station and the Queensway, has a combination of level 2 access with some moderate slopes and a 6 0 hard-paved surface. S M I N UTE U T E S THE HIKERS’ CODE REMEMBER 60 MIN • Stay on the trails • All walks involve 3 • Do not disturb wildlife stairs and/or slopes • Keep dogs on a leash • Walking surfaces vary • Be cautious when and can include hard crossing roads pavement, woodchips, • Leave flowers and plants grass, limestone fines, for others to enjoy sand and/or bare earth • Wear suitable clothing • Walk with someone — • Steps and paths are not it’s safer and more fun lighted and not cleared • Be aware of other of ice and snow trail users. • Use at your own risk 4 POINTS OF INTEREST ❶ The Old Mill & the Old Mill Bridge ❷ Toronto Carrying Place Trail ❸ TO THE WESTERN The Humber River, Valley & Marshes RAVINES & BEACHES DISCOVERY WALK ❹ Early Settlement Site LEGEND Discovery Walk Path Caution when crossing 7 minutes walking time Connecting/Side Trails (approximate) Information Sign Views 400 m (approximate) Public Washroom Public Transit Telephone # Suggested starting P Parking and/or ending points Please note that park washrooms are open from May to October..