By James Rayner
Last month we began describing a series of walks along the rivers that bless Toronto with their presence, starting with the West Humber trail. This month, we turn to the main branch of the Humber River. The walk begins at Summerlea Park on the east side of Albion Road, just north of Elmhurst. The trail is found at the north end of the parking lot. The photos are from a walk we did last October.
Walking east and north, cross the rustic bridge over the river and head directly north. On your left, near Albion Road, is the last remaining farm in Etobicoke. I imagine that it is still there because it is located right by the river on a flood plain and, therefore, cannot be redeveloped. (You can just see the farm buildings in the background of this photo.) Just past the view of the farm, the trail divides, with one branch continuing north and the other branch heading east and south. For this walk, stay on the northbound branch.
Up a slight incline, and you will notice warning signs that you are passing over the oil and gas pipelines that feed the energy needs of Toronto. Next, you will see a branch of the trail to the right; keep left as the right-hand trail leads to a residential neighbourhood. Just past this intersection, the city has constructed a beautiful pond to conserve water and to attract wildlife. You never know what birds and animals you might spy there. Is that a Barred Owl?
… or two male Mallard ducks and one hen?
Continuing north and west, the trail passes through forests surrounding the Humber River…
…and then grass lands…
…before it crosses the river again. Another 10 minutes and the walker arrives at the bridge over Islington Avenue.
The trail continues past Islington into Rowntree Mills Park but, by the time you reach Islington and return to the parking lot on Albion, I am sure that this walk will be enough exertion for one day.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 