Humber River and Old Mill Trail

The Humber River and Old Mill Trail follows the Humber River Recreational Trail north from Bloor Street West in Toronto, Ontario, through one of the city's most scenic river valleys. The trailhead sits at Old Mill Road near Bloor Street West, steps from Old Mill station on TTC Line 2. A standard TTC fare of CAD 3.30 with PRESTO or tap covers the trip, so no car or permit is needed, and the trail itself is free. The walk covers about 6 km one way with roughly 30 m of elevation gain, which places it firmly in the easy category. Most visitors allow between 1.5 and 2 hours for the outing, depending on how far north they go. The surface is a mix of paved multi-use path and packed gravel, with bridges crossing the river at several points. The path is shared with cyclists, joggers and dog walkers, particularly on weekends. Tree cover along the valley gives good shade in summer, but a few sections near the water are open to the sun. Landmarks include the Old Mill area at the start, the Humber Marshes, river footbridges and views of the wooded valley sides. The marshes attract birds and are a favourite for casual birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migration. Turn-around points are flexible, because the path has repeated access points from nearby streets and parks, allowing a shorter walk or a return to the subway. Washrooms and water are limited along the trail, so visitors should carry a bottle, and the Old Mill neighbourhood offers cafes and restaurants near the start and finish. There are no huts or formal shelters on the route, although bridges and tree cover provide brief cover from light rain. Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be noticeable near the marshes from late spring through summer, so insect repellent is useful. In winter, snow and ice may reduce the usable surface, and spring thaw can raise the river and flood low sections. Mobile coverage is generally reliable because the valley runs through built-up west Toronto, which also makes bailing out easy.