A day along Toronto’s Waterfront Trail

Morning

Begin your journey at the Trans Canada Trail Pavilion in Sir Casimir Gzowksi Park and head east. This beautiful green space takes its name from the 19th-century engineer who pioneered the development of railways across the country. Today, this park is a haven for both Torontonians and visitors, as well as their dogs!

The park is in the centre of the district of Sunnyside, traditionally known as ‘The Playground by the Lake’ since the Roaring Twenties. The heyday can still be experienced at the Sunnyside Pavilion, a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture that can still be found on Sunnyside Beach. Take a moment to admire the view, and take a few photos!

Feeling hungry? Grab a lakeside table at the Sunnyside Café for some hearty pub grub, or coffee and cake.

Afternoon

After your lunch, continue east along the Trail, passing the Palais Royale Banquet Hall and the Argonaut Yacht Club.

En route, you’ll walk through Toronto Inukshuk Park, a green space that pays homage to Canada’s Indigenous roots. The 30-foot Toronto Inukshuk is a legacy project of World Youth Day 2002, and is inspired by sculptures sometimes found in Arctic landscapes. Inukshuks are believed to provide guidance to travellers on land and sea.

Further east, there’s even more for those who love experiencing culture. Take a stroll in the Toronto Music Garden, which was conceptualized by world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma and landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy in 1999. The garden represents six movements of Bach’s ‘Suite No. 1 in G Major for Unaccompanied Cello’ with intricate flower arrangements and sound installations. Guided tours are available throughout the summer.

Now that you’re in Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre, take some time to savour the lively atmosphere and see how far you’ve come. As you pause, taking a snapshot of the CN Tower and its surroundings is a must.

If you’re not ready to finish your Trail adventure yet, don’t worry. Follow the Trail to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal between Bay Street and Yonge Street and take a short boat ride to Centre Island, which offers numerous facilities and a stunning view of Toronto’s iconic skyline. Beach wheelchairs are available at no charge from the First Aid Station on Centre Island (it’s first-come, first-served), for a maximum of two hours per visit.