[PHOTO] Map of west Toronto, 1868

This map, displayed at the Dundas Roncesvalles Peace Garden parkette in the west-end neighbourhood of Roncesvalles, depicts territory that was–one year after the formation of Canada–still substantially rural. The map clearly shows the great arc of Dundas Street West as it curves north, avoiding what were then swamps and other lowlands and now substantially High Park, as well as the shallower curve of east-west artery Davenport Road to the northeast along the base of the escarpment marking the shoreline of the Ice Age’s Glacial Lake Iroquois.

These territories have all been transformed radically, densely urbanized and booming. Even the Humber River that was once a boundary has become an internal waterway of the City of Toronto, Etobicoke on the western side being part of the legal city.

[PHOTO] Twenty-five photos of the Humber River, from Old Mill up to Dundas Street West

Yesterday, I had a nice walk north up the Humber River, from Old Mill station up through Étienne Brûlé Park all the way upstream to Dundas Street. It was a beautiful early evening walk, in parklands turning yellow and other colours.

[VIDEO] Humber River flowing, north of the Humber Bay Arch Bridge

[PHOTO] Thirty-six photos taken on the Humber, from Dundas south to Old Mill

After walking west through the Junction on Dundas Street West Thursday, as I approached the Humber I turned south, following the Humber south through the parks of Home Smith and Magwood and Étienne Brûle. The colours of the trees had only begun to turn away from green, which is fine; I still have plenty of time to return. I enjoyed the chilly afternoon, and I think the Canada geese did, too.

[PHOTO] Looking north across the Humber from track level, east of Old Mill

[PHOTO] Looking out, Sheldon Lookout

This photo was taken looking directly away from the massive stretch of high-rise condos, part of the wave of development that is transforming North Mimico from a low-rise district southwest of High Park to a thriving district in its own right. City planners have done well to preserve this strip of the wild.

[PHOTO] Four photos of, and from, the Humber Bay Arch Bridge

The Humber Bay Arch Bridge,
a pedestrian and bicycling bridge crossing the Humber, connecting what was once the old city of Toronto with Etobicoke, is a worthy subject of photos. Its position also lends itself to the taking of photos.

[PHOTO] Ten photos of the Humber River, from Étienne Brûlé Park through to Magwood Park

Early Wednesday evening, I had a lovely stroll north up the Humber River from Bloor, passing through first Étienne Brûlé Park then Magwood Park on the eastern shore of the Humber. These parks were well-populated, by people taking in the warmth of the sun and by Canada geese basking by the shore.

[PHOTO] Three photos taken along the eastern shore of the Humber River at night

Walking up the paths on the eastern shore of the Humber River in full spring flood at night, from Magwood Park up to Home Smith and the great bridge that takes Dundas Street West over, you can get a sense of the immensity of the natural world. Even in a carefully maintained Toronto, nature retains its force.

[PHOTO] Four photos of crossings of the Humber River at Old Mill

The transparency of Old Mill station makes it a compelling subject for photographers at night, especially with subway trains entering and leaving above the Humber.