Humming Along the Humber at Etienne Brule Park

I have always looked in wonder at all the salmon runs on TV and wished that one day maybe I could see one with my own eyes. My wish came true today! I had a wonderful day walking along the Humber River in Toronto. Yes there are salmon runs in quite a few places in this cosmopolitan city believe it or not. These runs are a testament to the successful reintroduction of these fish in lake Ontario and its watershed. Over a century ago the salmon disappeared due to pollution and destruction of natural habit. I really hope that conservation efforts continue and that one day we will see thousands of these salmon crowding our rivers running through Toronto’s parks.

Stay with me on this journey. I have prepared some gif images and videos of the salmon run along with some stunning autumn views of the river and the paths along it (scroll down for images). And even some surprise wildlife. All just for you. I will mainly go through two parks today the Etienne Brule Park and James Garden Park which both lay on the banks of the Humber river.

Etienne Brule Park

Our journey starts from the Old Mills Subway Station on line two which runs right over the Etienne Brule Park. The pillars supporting the station have some awesome murals.

If you have taken the way to the river here head back to the road and cross a narrow bridge using the Northside that has the pedestrain walkway. Once you are accross you can enter the park just where the bridge ends. You are in Etienne Brule Park.

I won’t bore you with more commentary when the photos can speak a thousand words. Please enjoy these are for you.

Salmon are wary of anything that approaches them and will scoot off with a big splash if you are not careful. Getting a shot of them required a bit of patience and perching on some slippery rocks in the river. But I managed to get some photos all the same look below for them.

James Gardens Park

James Garden Park is a serene and wonderful place to visit in Autumn. It consists of both wooded wild areas and more formal gardens. The walk there is quite interesting as you cross a pedestrain bridge with benches on it for viewing the river. The woods in Fall are vivid expreience of gold, amber, ruby, olive and deep reds. You can easily access this on your way out of Etienne Brule park.

I did’nt get the chance to give the park a proper look around but hope to explore it a bit more soon.

I found myself humming throughout my walk along the Humber River…..wishing that I would not have to leave. Come while the colors last and the salmon run.