Westward Ho! Walking Along The Westway and Westward on Chapman Creek

In an earlier post, I explored the eastern portion of Chapman Creek and Ravine.  I’ve also come across references to it known as the Humber Creek, Little Humber Creek, and as Sturgeon Creek.  But the creek doesn’t begin at Royal York Road.  It actually appears to begin between Kipling and Islington Avenues.  A lovely portion of the creek runs between Islington Avenue and Royal York Road.  Here the trek isn’t so strenuous.  A park runs along the entire stretch of the creek between these two roads and the creek is a little more accessible to the urban wanderer. 

I started my journey at Islington, where the creek meets the road.  It runs underneath Islington to the east. Here is it is hidden off the west side of the street in a deep narrow ravine, dense and tangled with trees and bushes.  It was very hard to see and it actually looked quite dry there.  

The creek is in there somewhere...

To make a nice circuit, I travelled south to The Westway.  It is a long stretch here with little to see but tall fences.  Very few residences actually front Islington at this stretch of street.  The Westway is where the fun begins. This is a winding road that runs from Martin Grove Road to Royal York Road, where it becomes Lawrence Avenue.  It is a quiet residential stretch that bends and curves gracefully and climbs and dips over hills.  It is a fun road to drive because of this, and a good way to avoid the traffic on Dixon or Eglinton, and it is certainly a fun walk for all the same reasons.  The street is tree lined and fronted by a strong mix homes from the post-war housing boom to new construction.  Closer to Islington the homes are quainter and older trees line the street.  Had the street been designed in a straight line, it would be a short walk.  But its meandering, light traffic flow and small town feel makes for a lovely stroll.  As you get closer to Royal York road, the road becomes hilly and creates a little bit of a challenge.  It’s also hotter in the summer; newer homes in light coloured brick line this stretch, rammed against the curb, changing the feel of the neighbourhood.  Large paved drives, matching bricked over yards and no trees have created a sun bake which is uncomfortable in the summer.  Thankfully, though you don’t have to swelter for long. 

The creek makes it's way under Royal York Road

Close to where the Westway meets Royal York lies a strip of park land, creating a small oasis of green along Chapman Creek.  To the south of Westway, Valleyfield Park stretches out diagonally to Royal York, with a paved path to lead you there.  It ends kitty-corner to Douglas B. Ford Park.  It is a bit of an alley way, running behind large homes, hemmed in by iron fencing on one side and the creek on the other.  

On the south side of The Westway, the path is tidy and inviting.

To the North of Westway, beginning behind a large cemetery, runs a path which I have never been able to figure out if it is the start of Alex Marchetti Park, or if it is just an alleyway.  The southerly entrance to the park is a little creepy.  The path, while paved, is worn down and is starting to be overcome at the edges by vegetation.  Given that there is a high school a block away, when the weather is good and the leaves on the trees provide more cover, it is a favourite place for young teenage boys to hide out and do pot while cutting classes or during their lunch breaks.  

On the north side of The Westway, nature is slowly taking over and the sense of foreboding is strong.

Fortunately, it is not a long stretch.  The creek here runs gently and at a footbridge that crosses it there are always ducks.  

You lose the path for a short stretch here, there is a grassy park with playground equipment, but if you follow the treeline westerly you will see another little footbridge that takes you back over the creek.  Again, you walk through a short stretch that doesn’t quite feel safe, it’s treed and feels isolated.  There is a surprising amount of foot traffic here, mostly locals taking a shortcut to a nearby grocery store on Royal York.  A five minute walk will find a path to the North that leads to Dixington Crescent.  If you skip this and continue on, you will enter Alex Marchetti Park.  This park was recently upgraded thanks to some fundraising efforts of local moms.  It was previously known as Sun Row Park, but was named after a local city councillor who passed away in 2007.  It has quite a large expanse of open space and is surrounded by trees, a few homes and the creek.  It has two very odd hills.  The one closest to the playground is dirt that was brought in when the upgraded the park and it was allowed to grass over, but a second very large hill at the west end of the park has always puzzled me.  It has never seemed natural.  The path along here runs very close to the creek, but it can be hard to make out in places because of the dense bushes and trees. 

A word to the wise, there are a number of apartment buildings nearby and many of the tenants bring their dogs here in the evening.  Despite the fact that there is a playground close by, many give their dogs free run off leash in the park. 

We hit Islington in short order and made our way home, two tired dogs happy from their adventure.   

Useful Information:

•  Duration of Walk:  Roughly one hour (based on short legs, picture taking and doggy care)
• Difficulty:  MEDIUM The parks are fine and level and paved.  The stretch along The Westway is also paved however it is hilly and could provide some challenge, especially to those with mobility issues.  
• Parking/Getting There:  There is parking at Valleyfield park, next to the tennis courts. Otherwise take the TTC.  37 Islington from Islington subway station will get you there fine and you can get off at The Westway or at Dixon.  You can also take the 58 Malton from the Lawrence West Station, although that's a very long bus ride.  Get off at Islington and go south.  
• Washrooms:  No.    
• Local Coffee Haunts:  No.   
•  Safety Factor: MEDIUM - Walk during the day when there is a lot of foot traffic.
• Special Equipment:  No, this is mostly a residential walk
• Suitable for Dogwalking?: Absolutely.  Always on a leash.