Dam That Water - Canoeing the Humber River

Did you know there is a subway accessible canoe launch and rental company in Toronto? Neither did I until my friend E told me about it earlier this spring. Turns out Toronto Adventures has offered these services for over 20 years, we were just completely oblivious. They don't just have canoes, they also have kayaks and paddleboards available for your renting and paddling needs just outside of Old Mill Subways station, with the launch below the subway bridge. They also, apparently, have a Sunnyside launch.

Since we knew the temperature was expected to top 32 degrees today we figured it was the perfect time to trade in our hiking boots for some life jackets. Rentals for a big canoe for two hours (which we needed for the four of us) was $70 ($60 on weekdays) and you can book in advance online. The river offered calm shady spots to enjoy nature and feel like we were far away from the city.

Rentals included life jackets (although we brought our own for Molly and Jack because we had them). They also included mini paddles and for the first time ever the kids showed some interest and inclination on helping us paddle. Even though we were outside people were wonderful for maintaining social distance, wearing masks when in closer contact, and had plenty of sanitizer on hand.

The set route you try to attempt goes from the Old Mill and Bloor launch right into the mouth of Lake Ontario. The discovery walk in the area along the river is approximately a 7.3KM loop, so I'm guessing if you'd make it to the lake and back it would be roughly the same.  The river was nice and calm, good for novice and advanced canoers. There are three small marshes/inlets you can go into and explore along the way, and the kids thought that this was one of the best parts.  

 That and discovering that someone who lives along the river owns a giant swan paddle boat AKA Mecha-Swan (named by Jack)

We explored all three marshes, stopped for some granola bars and water, and made it out to the Queensway before heading back and calling it a day. We also saw a pair of real swans that Molly and Jack named Peter Swan Jr. and Uncle Feather  (Molly's been reading a lot of Judy Blume lately).

There were several families of ducks we passed on our journey, and some geese that flew pretty close to us trying to get some space from some other paddlers. Chris thinks he saw a beaver, muscrat or something similar, but the rest of us missed it.

 Other canoers, kayakers, and paddleboarders were friendly, respectful, and tried to keep their distance giving everyone space on the river. There was only one group of highly intensive and aggressive kayakers who maintained their speed at all costs and got really close to others, not caring if they splashed or grazed your boat to get by. Chris and I called them "the Olympians in training".

Heading back to the bridge after a successful two hour outing on the river. I'd forgotten how much I missed canoeing from our pre-kid days. This is the first time neither minion complained a half hour into our journey.Molly even asked when we can go again, so we will definitely be back. They offer a frequent paddler card for discounts that we will pick up.

On our way back to the car we had a bonus animal spotting when we saw this turtle heading back towards the river. The best part, we were only 10 minutes away from home after we completed our trip.

It looks like, weather providing, rentals are open well into October. Happy paddling!