Humber Bay, Etobicoke Neighbourhood Guide: A Waterside Utopia

Humber Bay, Toronto, is a small, scenic pocket near Toronto offering a good mix of old-world charm with its older homes and buildings and modern life with newer condo developments and apartment buildings. With Toronto less than 15 minutes by car, you can expect easy access to everything you need. 

While modern amenities, shopping centres, and a wide selection of restaurants are easy to find, Humber Bay also puts you within walking distance of the Humber Bay Park and the Humber Bay Arch Bridge, both scenic places where you can enjoy an afternoon picnic or a leisurely bike ride

The Mimico Creek on the west and the Humber River Valley on the east give Humber Bay its unique topological features, including its sprawling expanses of trees and hills. A notable moment in the history of Humber Bay was the opening of the Humber Bay schoolhouse on High Street in 1888. 

Almost a hundred years later, the school was demolished to keep up with the demand for increased housing areas. Humber Bay was originally inhabited by farmers who grew vegetables and fruits, which gave way to the first Farmers Market in the Toronto area. 

Humber Bay was originally populated with old houses and buildings, but the rapid urbanization of the area has made it quite modern. Since the community is less than 15 minutes from the downtown core, its population has seen a steady increase and a subsequent rise in more modern dwellings.

Today there is a mix of older and modern, semi-detached and detached homes, low-rise apartment buildings, condominiums, and everything in between. The red brick exteriors and slanted roofs found on the houses in suburban pockets of Humber Bay reflect the influence of British architecture in the area. 

Any place this close to Downtown Toronto will come with a rich offering of arts and culture, and Humber Bay is no different. Along the shores of Lake Ontario, you’ll find a wide range of art galleries and art schools for those who fancy the finer things in life. Studio Connect and Lakeshore Arts are just a few minutes away. 

The Etobicoke School of Arts high school is within a 10-minute drive and is a testament to the rich cultural history of the place. Mimico Creek and Lake Ontario give Humber Bay residents the chance to participate in events like the Waterfront Festival, as well. For people who enjoy a night in the town, there are several nearby pubs and nightclubs. 

Located in the heart of Humber Bay, Rockwood Plaza offers a convenient experience for your shopping needs. National retailers including Food Basics, Winners, HomeSense, Shoppers Drug Mart, Rona, Dollarama, and The Beer Store are all a part of the plaza, where you can find just about everything you need in one place. 

You can also find Japanese food at Ah-So Sushi, Italian cuisine at Eden Trattoria, and brunch at Sunset Grill on Lake Shore Boulevard. Fast food options like Popeyes, KFC, and Tim Hortons are also available.  

The view of Lake Ontario provides multiple options for scenic dining in the Humber Bay area. Notable restaurants include La Vecchia Restaurant Lakeshore and Huevos Gourmet, both great options for enjoying dinner as you watch the sunset over the water. 

You can also find Japanese food at Ah-So Sushi, Italian cuisine at Eden Trattoria, and brunch at Sunset Grill on Lake Shore Boulevard. Fast food options like Popeyes, KFC, and Tim Hortons are also available.  

Humber Bay has done an excellent job of preserving the parks by the water’s edge. In addition to the beautiful views, Humber Bay Park has picnic tables, trails, a fully accessible fishing pier, and fly casting and boating ponds. The Mimico Cruising Club Lighthouses are definitely worth a visit as well. 

Humber Bay comes with its share of public pools within a few minutes’ drive. The Toronto Winter Swimming Club is located in Humber Bay Park West, while just across the water you’ll find the Amos Waites Park Outdoor Pool. Those who like to walk, run or cycle, will love the Humber River bike path, a 13-kilometre paved trail along the river.

The lake offers a wide array of water activities, including sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing and fishing. For golfing enthusiasts, Master Golf is a conveniently located driving range.

Humber Bay is close to Downtown Toronto, with commute times to the area under 15 minutes via the Gardiner Expressway East on most days. While biking is still a plausible option in the residential areas, travelling by transit within and outside the area to Toronto is extremely convenient because of a well-connected network of public transport. 

If you want to stay in touch with the daily happenings of a big city without being a part of it, Humber Bay, Toronto, is a brilliant place to be. Located less than 15 minutes from Downtown Toronto, this small pocket of paradise on the shores of Lake Ontario comes with its share of nostalgia mixed with the right amount of modernization.