Since moving to Toronto (Etobicoke, actually) from a small town north of the city last October, we have witnessed a great number of this cities many faces. We have come to realize that like nature, the city is a living, breathing (coughing, laughing, cursing, singing) creature. To walk the streets is to be one of a countless number of blood cells circulating through busy arteries, each with a purpose and each sustaining the greater living being. Although it can often seem, having come from a small town, that the hectic pace of the city might more closely resemble arteries on the verge of aneurysm; it is when you venture further, into the cities green spaces, that you find balance.
Torontonians flock to these green spaces more than I would have initially thought before moving to the city. Like other small town folk I had an image of downtown urbanites, those who adapted to living in concrete structures with never ending noise and continuous light. Those who had found a way to live without the serenity, quiet and beauty of nature. For some this is true, I’m sure, but it seems many still search out nature and fight to preserve it.
Here are two of the green spaces in the city I have visited so far. As always, I would love to hear your favourites.
High park trails in winter
We have spent many hours wandering the expanse of Toronto’s largest park. Both in summer and in winter, high park is a haven. The trails are long a varied and traverse through natural woodlands and nicely manicured gardens. The longest trail follows the shore of Grenadier pond and walks a circle from Bloor down to the Queensway and back again. In the winter, a city operated skating rink is open to the public. The neighbourhoods of Bloor West Village, Royal York Village, Swansea, and Roncesvales that surround the park are also some of the most enjoyable in the city.
Ducks near Grenadier Pond in High Park
Located in the posh neighbourhood of Humber Valley Village, James Gardens is a nice little oasis. Although the Gardens portion of the park is quite small, the Humber trail system that crisscrosses it stretches far beyond its limits. The gardens have a unique mix of flowers and shrubs built into the forest setting. A river with many trickling water falls empties into a small pond near the entrance. Beautiful old oak trees dominate the park.
Toronto is a vast and fascinating creature. Its cultural opportunities are endless and it truly welcomes outsiders with open arms. It is a wonderful place and I doubt I will ever tire of it completely. But it can be, at times, overwhelming. That being said, it’s good to know that when we grow weary of the pace, of the noise, there are always places nearby that can help us in regaining our balance.
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August 26, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Favourites: Humber River Trails « Ontarioisms
[...] station and in less than 30 minutes found myself back to one of my favourite parks in Toronto, James Gardens. The trails are paved and in decent condition. They follow the river closely and cross it by bridge [...]