Toronto Treks

A stunning visit to the Port Union Waterfront Park and the East Point Park on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail (6 KM, easy almost flat terrain and highly accessible) If you often take the GO Train to Oshawa from Union Station or even any of the VIA Trains in the direction of Ottawa or Montreal, you may have noticed that sitting on the right side of the train, the scenery suddenly gives way from industrial terrains and the back of retail stores, to stunning waterfront scenery along Lake Ontario. But did you know that there is an entrance to the walking trail, right next to the Rouge Hill station and that it is possible to see stunning waterfront scenery, in just around a 1-2 hour walk? Arriving at Rouge Hill station, particularly if coming from Union Station, you will probably be amazed at just how calm this station is and how even on a day like today (this was the middle of rush hour), it’s still possible to hear the sound of waves coming from the lake. Unfortunately, there is no Prest...

As someone who frequently commutes from the Danforth, I’m always amazed how after minutes of darkness, you’re suddenly greeted by a beautiful view of the green valley below, as the train crosses between East York and Toronto itself. Curiosity as to what could be below there, got the best of me and one lovely July evening, I decided to explore more of this park for a relaxing 2 hour hike, starting and ending at TTC’s Broadview Station. I started my walk along the rather busy and noisy Broadview Avenue, simultaneously offering ample opportunity to stop for a coffee or get a packed lunch for your hike. It is also possible to rent a bicycle nearby from the Toronto bicycle sharing service and return it around 10 min later at the bottom of the pottery road near the Todmorden Mills Heritage site and trail crossing.  After a few minutes of walking along the busy road, I noticed the sign leading to the Chester Lookout.  I had heard of the lookout before from a friend, but had never vis...