Exploring Riverdale And Queens Park By Bicycle

Exploring Riverdale And Queens Park By Bicycle

When it comes to uncovering the hidden gems of a city, bicycling reigns supreme. As a passionate cyclist, I firmly believe that there's no better way to explore the nooks and crannies of a metropolis. It allows you to traverse more ground than walking, grants the freedom to halt at any intriguing spot, and provides access to secret hideaways inaccessible by car or public transportation. This summer, I resolved to embark on an adventure through the enchanting cityscape of Toronto, perched atop the cushioned seat of my trusty bicycle.

After joining an official biking tour with Sights on Bikes last week, I felt inspired to set off solo and delve deeper into the urban landscape. So, on a beautiful Saturday morning, I left the eastern outskirts of Toronto and pedaled into the idyllic Taylor Park Creek system. This serene valley, enveloping a meandering creek, remained blissfully free from vehicular commotion. Emerging at Stan Wadlow Park near Woodbine Avenue, I embarked on a westward journey along one of Toronto's designated bicycle lanes on Cosburn Avenue. A swift turn south on Logan Avenue led me to my first stop, Withrow Park. The park teemed with local merchants, enticing visitors with an array of homegrown and organic food products. Amidst the energetic playground activities, East York and Riverdale residents relished the bountiful offerings.

Continuing west on Hogarth Avenue, a thought crossed my mind—I decided to capture the essence of this neighborhood on camera as I cycled along. Riverdale, nestled south of Danforth Avenue, revealed its charms as a quaint residential area adorned with Victorian homes and lofty, leafy trees. The neighborhood had experienced a surge of revitalization in recent years, becoming an increasingly sought-after locale due to its central location and gentrified appeal.

Soon, I found myself on Broadview Avenue, a vital artery connecting Danforth and Eastern Avenues. From this vantage point, I beheld panoramic vistas of Toronto's downtown skyline, accentuated by the scenic overlooks of the Don River Valley. Entranced by the dynamic cityscape, I paused to witness the bustling activity on the Don Valley Parkway below, while soccer players dashed about on the adjacent fields.

Just a stone's throw away, at the intersection of Broadway and Gerrard Streets, I discovered the vibrant Eastern Chinatown—a captivating facet of Toronto's multicultural tapestry. Toronto boasts the second largest Chinese population in Canada, surpassed only by Vancouver. The bustling stretch of Chinese and Vietnamese stores along Gerrard Street, spanning from Broadview to Carlaw Avenue, offered a cornucopia of affordable produce, meat, seafood, and general merchandise.

In close proximity stood a historic landmark, the Don Jail. Erected between 1862 and 1865, this structure stood as a testament to Victorian Toronto's legacy. The jail underwent expansions in the 1950s to accommodate the growing inmate population. The antiquated facilities in the original section of the prison bore witness to harsh conditions, leading one judge to credit three days for every day served by an individual, as a gesture of acknowledgment. Notably, the Don Jail marked the site of Canada's final executions, where two convicted murderers met their fate by hanging in 1962.

Crossing the bridge over the Don Valley, I turned north onto Sumach Road, making my way into the vibrant Cabbagetown neighborhood. A quick visit to Riverdale Park beckoned, a public haven graced with athletic fields and anchored by the delightful Riverdale Farm. Formerly Toronto's zoo until the opening of the larger Toronto Zoo in Scarborough, Riverdale Farm now offers free access to the public from April to October. The farm, cherished by families, welcomed me with a delightful array of farm animals, including horses, donkeys, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry. Young children gathered around the horse pen, giddy with excitement as they explored the various barns housing the diverse array of creatures. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of a city worker strolling along with two goats and a group of playful kid goats, an amusing scene indeed. Immaculately maintained, the farm's surroundings featured an abundance of blooming flowers, adding to its picturesque allure.

Just across the north entrance to Riverdale Farm awaited another historic Toronto landmark—the Necropolis Cemetery. This hallowed ground, Toronto's oldest burial site, held the remains of numerous distinguished figures dating back to the early 1800s. Among the notable resting in eternal peace were George Brown, founder of the newspaper that would become the Globe and Mail, and William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto's inaugural mayor. As I wandered amidst the beautifully adorned gravestones, tales of a bygone era unfolded, each memorializing a resident who had left an indelible mark upon the city.

The surrounding area, known as Cabbagetown, originated in the 1840s when Irish immigrants settled here. The neighborhood earned its peculiar moniker due to the resourcefulness of its modest inhabitants, who resorted to cultivating cabbages in their front yards. Since the 1970s, Cabbagetown has undergone significant gentrification, emerging today as one of Toronto's most desirable and picturesque residential districts. Boasting a wealth of successful urban professionals, professors, artists, and politicians, the Cabbagetown Heritage Conservation District has become a haven for those seeking refined urban living.

Continuing my journey westward on Wellesley Avenue, a prominent east-west thoroughfare in downtown Toronto, I encountered the vibrant heart of Toronto's gay community at the intersection of Church and Wellesley Streets. The Church Wellesley Village stands as one of Canada's most exuberant communities, pulsating with life during special events like Pride Week and the Church Street Fetish Fair. A multitude of shops, restaurants, bars, and inviting outdoor patios make this district a hotbed of entertainment.

Pressing forward past Yonge Street, Toronto's celebrated north-south artery once listed as the world's longest street in the Guinness Book of Records, I arrived at Queen's Park. Nestled within its verdant embrace stood the grand Ontario Legislature, an architectural crown jewel of the city. Designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style by the Buffalo-based architect Richard A. Waite, the Ontario Legislative Building came to life in 1893. The building's northwest corner housed the apartment of the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario since 1937, serving as the Queen's representative in the province. As I marveled at the statues honoring renowned politicians adorning the grounds, I couldn't help but imagine the grandeur and significance of the ceremonies held on the south side of the building, facing University Avenue.

The park surrounding the Legislative Assembly of Ontario thrived with activity that day, as merchants readied their wares for Afrofest. Numerous Caribbean and African entrepreneurs prepared to showcase a vibrant array of food, clothing, music, jewelry, and other ethnic treasures. Though my taste buds yearned to sample the delicacies, I arrived just as the food stands were being set up, leaving me to anticipate the flavors that would soon tempt the senses.

From Queen's Park, my journey carried me westward into the sprawling campus of the University of Toronto, the largest university in Canada with an impressive student population of 60,000. Founded as King's College in 1827, the University of Toronto has garnered global recognition, claiming the top spot in Canada and ranking 18th worldwide in the 2006 Newsweek International Ranking. It stands proudly at number 5 outside the United States. The university has contributed to numerous groundbreaking discoveries and achievements, including the extraction of insulin, the invention of the first practical electron microscope, and the world's inaugural electronic heart pacemaker.

Within the downtown campus, a collection of breathtaking heritage buildings in Romanesque and Gothic revival styles captivated the eye, particularly along King's College Circle. One prominent structure, Hart House, served as a versatile student center, made possible by the generous contributions of the Massey Foundation. The facility bears the name of Hart Massey (1823-1896), a Canadian industrialist who established a highly successful farm equipment empire.

As hunger beckoned, I pedaled south on McCaul Street, guiding myself to the vibrant Baldwin Street. Stretching across two blocks, this charming neighborhood street was adorned with a delightful assortment of eclectic eateries, many boasting inviting outdoor patios. Indian, Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, and Thai establishments lined the street, tantalizing visitors with a medley of flavors and culinary experiences. Settling in at the Kuni Sushi Ya Restaurant, I indulged in a nourishing miso soup and delectable vegetable tempura, relishing each bite while contemplating the remainder of my expedition. Baldwin Street's relaxed, bohemian ambiance enveloped me, granting respite from the bustling city streets, allowing me to revel incognito in my biking attire and disheveled hair.

Reenergized, I resumed my journey, now cycling south on Beverley Street toward the majestic Rogers Centre, formerly known as the Skydome. This iconic multipurpose stadium, with its awe-inspiring retractable roof, served as the home turf for the Toronto Blue Jays (Major League Baseball) and the Toronto Argonauts (Canadian Football). The northwest side of the stadium captivated me with its outdoor sculptures, collectively titled "The Audience." Depicting exuberant sports fans celebrating their beloved teams, these artworks emanated a contagious spirit of joy and camaraderie.

A short distance west on Blue Jays Way, I encountered a poignant memorial paying tribute to the Chinese railway workers who played an integral role in constructing Canada's railways during the latter half of the 19th century. These laborers formed the backbone of the workforce responsible for erecting the Canadian Pacific Railway in British Columbia. Recruited from China, 5,000 railway workers joined an additional 7,000 laborers transported from California. Tragically, many of these workers fell ill during construction or perished due to accidents while handling explosives or performing other hazardous tasks. Living conditions were abysmal, often consisting of flimsy tents. The monument dedicated to the Chinese railway workers stands as a solemn testament to their profound contribution and the hardships they endured.

Curving around the southern facade of the Rogers Centre, I arrived at Roundhouse Park, an expansive public space located just south of the towering CN Tower. This park owed its name to the historic John Street Roundhouse, an establishment erected in 1929 for the inspection, service, and repair of locomotives. Although the roundhouse ceased operations long ago, it has found new life as the home of the Steam Whistle Brewery Company, renowned for producing a premium pilsner beer that has won the hearts of many.

Pressing on, I pedaled beneath the Gardiner Expressway, an elevated highway connecting downtown Toronto to the western suburbs, and finally reached the city's captivating waterfront known as Harbourfront. Encircled by a multitude of soaring condominium towers, Harbourfront stood as one of Toronto's premier entertainment districts, boasting an array of restaurants, high-end retailers, galleries, and a theater. An international market, open year-round, enticed visitors with a diverse selection of goods and foods representing cultures from around the world. I meandered through the bustling crowd, catching glimpses of musicians and street performers showcasing their talents.

As the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow upon the city, I concluded my day of exploration and headed back toward the eastern outskirts of Toronto, savoring the memories and experiences accumulated along my bike journey. Toronto, with its vibrant neighborhoods and rich cultural tapestry, had unveiled its secrets to me, revealing the hidden gems that lay concealed within its urban fabric. I returned home with a profound appreciation for the city's diversity, history, and the spirit of its communities—a testament to the remarkable tapestry of life that thrives in this captivating metropolis.