Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke, ON

It was warm and sunny and I felt like being outside so I drove to Colonel Samuel Smith Park (about a 20 minute drive west) for a walk this afternoon. 

Colonel Samuel Smith Park is an urban park and a former weekend get-away destination for Victorian Torontonians. The park has a variety of attractions, including a children's playground located only steps from Lake Ontario. The park is named for Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith and lands were part of his property in the 1800s. The park was developed from the 1970s onwards and opened in 1996.

A scenic hiking trail along a peninsula on Lake Ontario provides access to the waterfron, and to several rocky beaches with views of the lake or for birdwatching. A nearby yacht club provides opportunities for boat watching. The park offers a panoramic view of the city, with the iconic CN Tower visible on a clear day, as well as prime fishing spots and other outdoor activities.

Throughout the park are observation decks, from which visitors may spot wildlife engaged in various activities, such as turtles sunning themselves on the rocks, groups of baby ducks and swans, beaver dams and even the beavers themselves. Over one hundred bird species nest in the area.

I took the path that headed right to the water.

Waiting for babies!

I headed east along a path and ended up at a beach.  There were a few people enjoying the beach and some were even in the water!  I chilled out there for a bit.

I headed west.

Whimbrel Point and looking towards downtown

Waiting for more babies!

This guy paddled by me ...

And off he went!

I headed back the way I came.

I headed back to the beach and hung out there for a bit. 

Looking towards downtown

It's a nice park.  It's almost 200 acres ... there is lots of space for everyone.