The Old Mill neighbourhood is situated amidst the tree covered slopes of the Humber River Valley making it a perfect spot for families with its parklands offering various recreational activities.
Within this neighbourhood lie landmarks, such as the remains of the Old Mill that create a charming backdrop for the renowned Old Mill restaurant, the historic Old Mill bridge and the recently honored Humber River as a Canadian Heritage River.
Undoubtedly one of Toronto’s locations is by the Humber River near Etienne Brule Park just below the iconic Old Mill Inn and Spa. Every autumn around Thanksgiving numerous anglers gather here to test their skills against the abundance of Salmon swimming upstream to their spawning grounds while wading in rubber boots through the waters of the Humber River.
It’s not just fishermen who flock to this area on fall days; curious spectators also line along the riverbanks to witness hundreds of Salmon leaping over obstacles, in their journey upstream—a mesmerizing sight.The salmon schools follow this path every autumn swimming from Lake Ontario to the Humber River headwaters in the Oak Ridges Moraine to spawn. This migration has been happening for centuries with Indigenous peoples fishing long before Toronto was settled. The Humber River was recognized as a Heritage River in a ceremony in Toronto on September 24 1999.
The picturesque Old Mill bridge, constructed in 1916 sets the scene for fishing enthusiasts. Just a short walk from the bridge is the Old Mill Inn and Spa known for its Sunday brunch and family dinner buffet well as its renowned Thanksgiving Buffet – handy if you work up an appetite watching the salmon run.
For an outing Etienne Brule Park offers many picnic benches. It’s conveniently located near the Old Mill subway station. Provides parking, for those driving to the park entrance.
History Of Old Mill, Toronto
The charming Old Mill neighbourhood, nestled along the tranquil banks of the Humber River held a place in the hearts of peoples long before European settlers arrived in the 1790s.
In 1793 the inception of what we know as the Old Mill began with the construction of Kings Mill to process lumber, for Toronto’s dwellings when it was still referred to as York. Despite facing fires over the years leading to its rebuilding thrice remnants of the grist mill destroyed in 1881 stand as a haunting reminder and form a picturesque backdrop for today’s Old Mill restaurant.
Established amidst World War I in 1914 The Old Mill restaurant and its quaint “Tea Garden” soon became a popular gathering spot drawing patrons from across the city. It also served as an office for Home Smith and Company instrumental in shaping this neighbourhood during the 1920s and ’30s.
Lifestyle
The shopping area in Bloor West Village is conveniently located within a five to ten minute walk from the majority of homes in the neighbourhood. This district is famous for its food stores, unique gift shops and specialty boutiques. Additionally residents of this area also have access to the Kingsway Village shopping district situated beyond the Bloor Street bridge, at Royal York and Bloor.
Old Mill, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Etienne Brule Park, located near the Old Mill Restaurant offers a trail, along the Humber River, ideal for walks, jogging, biking and winter cross country skiing. It’s a spot for picnics and fishing in the river. Across from the park is the Old Mill Tennis Club with four courts to the public at specific times.
For those who enjoy movies the Humber Theatre at Bloor and Jane Street showcases all the Hollywood releases. The historic Runnymede Theatre on Bloor Street now houses a Chapters bookstore.
One of Toronto’s spots is undoubtedly by the Humber River near Etienne Brule Park and below the charming Old Mill Inn and Spa. Every fall around Thanksgiving anglers gather here to test their skills against an abundance of Salmon making their way upstream to spawn. Wearing rubber boots these fishing enthusiasts brave the waters, for an exciting challenge.
During an autumn day it’s not just fishermen who come together in this area.
Onlookers, filled with curiosity, gather along the banks of the Humber River to witness a sight; hundreds of salmon leaping over the weir in a display. These salmon schools follow this route every autumn journeying from Lake Ontario’s mouth to spawn upstream in the Humber River headwaters situated in Oak Ridges Moraine.
The tradition of salmon migration along this river dates back thousands of years with First Nations communities fishing here long before Toronto was established. The Humber River was officially recognized as a Heritage River during an unveiling event in Toronto on September 24 1999.
The picturesque Old Mill bridge, constructed in 1916 serves as a backdrop for fishing enthusiasts. Just a short walk from the bridge lies the Old Mill Inn and Spa known for its Sunday brunch and family dinner buffet, including their Thanksgiving Buffet. Perfect for satisfying your appetite after a day spent observing the salmon run.
For those seeking an experience Etienne Brule Park offers plenty of picnic benches and is conveniently located near the Old Mill subway station.
When traveling by car you’ll find parking space at the park entrance.
Old Mill, Toronto Transit
This area has access to transportation. The Old Mill subway station on Riverside Drive at Bloor Street and the Jane subway station at Jane and Bloor Streets provide connections to the Bloor Danforth subway line, for commuters.
Drivers can reach downtown Toronto and Pearson International Airport within a twenty minute drive.
Old Mill, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
The Old Mill neighbourhood in Toronto offers excellent educational options for families, with schools at the elementary, secondary, and high school levels. For younger children, Humbercrest Public School and Lambton-Kingsway Junior Middle School are nearby, providing strong academic foundations and community-oriented environments. Secondary school students can attend Etobicoke Collegiate Institute, which offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular programmes, or Ursula Franklin Academy, known for its focus on academics, science, and technology. For high school, students have access to Humberside Collegiate Institute, which is celebrated for its academic excellence and vibrant student life. The neighbourhood’s convenient location and access to quality education make Old Mill a desirable area for families seeking a supportive and well-rounded schooling environment.
Old Mill, Toronto Homes
The neighbourhood’s houses were constructed between the years 1920 and 1940. These homes, designed in the Tudor style vary in size from two bedroom bungalows to four bedroom two story residences. Each house is standalone. Boasts features such as leaded glass windows, intricate wood detailing and beautiful hardwood floors. Several of the properties. Back onto a ravine or offer views of the Old Mill and the Humber River.
Old Mill Road stands out as the street in this area. Along this street you’ll find a mix of houses, an apartment building, a rental apartment complex and a handful of condominiums. Many of these residences offer views of the Humber River Valley