Ontario Parks: Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Well, you can definitely add Colonel Samuel Smith Park to your list of must-see places in the General Toronto Area (GTA). Located along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Ontario in Etobicoke, this park offers stunning views of the Toronto city skyline and is a haven for bird watchers, hikers and cyclists alike. Offering many amenities for families, such as a picnic area, playground, large playing field and wildlife observation deck, Colonel Samuel Smith Park is another top choice for experiencing Toronto’s beautiful landscape and wildlife.
As a wildlife and travel photographer, I am slowly being introduced to the many bird species that happily grace Toronto with their presence. When visiting Colonel Samuel Smith Park, you will more than likely find a group of bird watchers and photographers huddling around North Creek Wetland Area photographing the many rare birds that stop by during migration. These bird watchers and photographers are extremely friendly and open to sharing their stories, tips and photography locations with interested listeners.
During my visits to the park, I was able to see many Cardinals, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Robins, Yellow Warblers, Canadian Geese, Mallards, Double-Crested Cormorants, Baltimore Orioles, Green Herons, Black-Crowned Night Herons, Red-Necked Grebes, Least Sandpipers, Painted Turtles, as well as a Yellow-Crowned Night Heron (which is extremely rare for Toronto), Belted Kingfisher, and mink. To be completely honest, I probably saw many more birds than what I have listed above but I simply do not know what they are.
For the best chance at viewing birds and wildlife, start at Swallow Field (right across from the free two-hour parking lot) where you’ll see many bird feeders attract House Sparrows. Then head towards the North Creek Wetland Area, including the North Creek Wetland Lookout, for the best chance at seeing beavers, mink, muskrats, Painted Turtles, frogs, and less frequented birds. Afterwards, walk along the Colonel Samuel Smith E-Point Trail and off-road onto one of the many side trails for bird watching. Note: it was on one of these side trails that I was able to capture Baltimore Orioles for the first time. Following the trails, head towards Whimbrel Point and West Point to see birds such as the Red-Necked Grebes, Trumpeter and Mute Swans, and the Double-Crested Cormorants, including many others.
If you love beautiful landscapes, be sure to walk along the Colonel Samuel Smith E-Point Trail that follows the shoreline to get the best views of Toronto at East Lookout and Whimbrel Point. If you’re traveling with children or have a little furry friend, you can always stop at Second Beach and Third Beach to relax and cool off. There are also many benches along the paved trail to stop and enjoy the views.
For more detailed information on parking, amenities and trails, you can view the Colonel Samuel Smith Park Map here, kindly provided by Friends of Sam Smith Park.
Things to know before you go:
Cost: Free
Parking: Free and Paid (free two-hour parking lot located farthest from main entrance and paid parking lot located at Power House Recreation Centre closest to main entrance)
Washrooms: Available (single portable toilet at Power House Recreation Centre parking lot)
Bike Rentals: Not Available
Camping: Not Available
Swimming: Available (beach access to Lake Ontario)
Pets: Allowed (on-leash with one off-leash area at main entrance)