Explore Toronto's Weston Station Neighbourhood & Humber River Trail
Published: June 6, 2022
If you want to truly explore a part of Toronto that’s both historic and diverse, take a quick ride to UP Express Weston Station where you’ll find a friendly community filled with gorgeous parks, a vibrant art scene and charming restaurants and shops. This northwest Toronto neighbourhood is home to some of the city’s most interesting and diverse features, with the iconic Humber River winding its way down to Lake Ontario through a network of beautiful landscapes – so many picture-perfect places to take a photo! And, if you think it’s off the beaten path then think again – it’s only 15 minutes from Union Station. Travelling through Toronto Pearson International Airport and have a long layover of up to seven hours? UP Express can help you get to UP Express Weston Station in 10 minutes! Buy your Pearson to Weston ticket at Pearson airport and go sightseeing in the city.
Weston Village
Explore like the locals do! Start with getting to know Weston Village, just a 5-minute walk from UP Express Weston Station and the beautiful Humber River park network. Established in the 1790s, this is one neighbourhood that has kept its quaint small-town vibe. Take a walk along Weston Road and discover locally-owned cafés, restaurants, and shops. As you explore the area, you’ll find many original Victorian-style houses as well as new developments that are popping up, accommodating the thriving area. For some fresh ideas with a local feel, amble over to Weston’s Farmers’ Market every Saturday, from June to October. It’s one of the longest running markets in Toronto and hosts a number of small vendors showing off homemade goods like farm fresh produce, honey, meats, dairy and other fine artisanal fare.
Good Eats
There’s nothing like a local joint that serves good old fashioned burgers and classic milkshakes, so make sure you visit ZEAL Burgers. Whether you’re looking to make your own combo or want to try one of their signature burgers (like the ultimate Canadian, “Sorry, eh!” creation), you’re in for a treat. Then simply walk off those extra toppings along the promenade beside the Humber River.
The Humber River Runs Through It
Looking for an easy yet scenic experience that will look great in photos? Explore the Humber River Recreational Trail, an 8.2-kilometre scenic, multi-use path that goes north and south winding its way along the Humber River. Bike, blade or stroll along the path – it’s like an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of urban life! Just remember, if you’re bringing your doggo to enjoy a wildlife escape, please keep them on a leash.
Park Life
Within a 5-minute walk from UP Express Weston Station you can discover a number of connected parks and trails that run along the Humber River which provide a perfect way to have some fun and explore a bit of nature all in one place. Gear up and roll on over to Weston Lions Skatepark and feel the wind through your helmet as you glide through ledges, rails, banks, quarter pipes and a spine-ramp. Travelling with a furry friend? UP Express welcome leashed dogs (maximum of two) on board on weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. until the end of service, and all day on weekends and holidays. Let your dog run around in the off-leash dog park or take a hike or ride on the trail and discover what this lovely green space has to offer. For a more serene scene, visit Raymore Park to enjoy a picnic and bask in a bit of nature.
Salmon Run
In the fall, as the Humber River twists and turns through west end Toronto and its various neighbourhoods, you might be able to spot salmon making their amazing trek upstream to spawn. As these feisty fish move their way north from Lake Ontario for their crucial task, take the time to see how Raymore Park’s fish ladder helps them navigate on their way to lay their eggs.
Art Escape
Street art murals abound in this vibrant neighbourhood, and you’ll find remarkable examples of it everywhere – especially at UP Express Weston Station! Inspired by locals in the area and in collaboration with the City of Toronto and other community groups, you’ll find a picture-perfect spot to snap a great shot as you venture around the area. Also, in this diverse northwest quarter of Toronto is the creativity hub, Artscape Weston Common, helping to inspire and develop artists and artistic expression at every turn.
Historical Carnegie Library
Remember we told you Weston Village was a historical local gem? Well, in less than a 10-minute walk from UP Express Weston Station, delve into the past and visit the Carnegie Library - Weston. Built in 1914 with a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, this library was a boon to residents in the community not only for the books, magazines, and newspapers it housed but also for its design and architecture. This classic, elegant edifice boasts fascinating decorative details including Art Nouveau mosaic panels above the entrance doors and windows, Spanish-styled round arches over the windows and stained-glass windows etched with crests, banners, and the names of prominent authors at the time of construction.
Squibbs Stationers
Continuing on your charming tour of the past in the northwest part of the city, make sure you pass by one of the oldest bookstores in Toronto, Squibbs Stationers. Since 1927, the owners of this eclectic, quaint bookstore are proud to offer customers deep product knowledge, custom ordering, and fair pricing. They’re happy to consider themselves a bit old fashioned but know that customers appreciate all the attention to detail, friendly assistance and love of all things paper.
We hope we’ve inspired you to visit northwest Toronto via UP Express Weston Station. Whether you are heading out to the airport or just exploring the city, UP Express can get you there comfortably and reliably. We’ve made it easier and more affordable for everyone to travel on UP. You can purchase your UP tickets online, in person from ticket vending machines at our stations, or you can simply tap to pay for your Adult ticket fare using your credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet. You can also pay with your PRESTO card. Teens and post-secondary students receive 40% off standard adult fare when using PRESTO. Discounted fare is also offered to Seniors.