You’ve seen it, you’ve walked on it, maybe even rode your bike on it. It’s as iconic to Humber Bay Shores as the Golden Gate Bridge is to San Fransisco (maybe that’s pushing it, but you get the point).
It’s one of those subjects that’s captivated onlookers and photographers since its completion in the mid 1990s. It’s an Instagram playground with it’s unique structure made up of two 1,200 millimetres (47 in) diameter high-strength steel pipes, bent into twin arches that rise 21.3 metres (70 ft) above grade, and suspend the deck by way of 44 stainless-steel hangers, each 50 millimetres (2 in) in diameter. It’s not often where you won’t find a wedding or engagement photoshoot or someone with a selfie stick taking advantage of the famous bridge.
Designed in 1994 by Montgomery Sisam Architects of Toronto and bridge engineers, Delcan Corporation, it was constructed by Sonterlan Construction, and is the recipient of numerous local architectural, design and engineering awards. The bridge is situated at the mouth of the Humber River, the start of the “Toronto Carrying Place” trail, an ancient aboriginal trading route leading north, and thus features design elements and decorations such as carved turtles and canoes including the thunderbird, an important symbol to the First Nations people, found along the top of the bridge.
So, if you’re looking to snap a great shot, enjoy a lakeside walk or ride, or just want to people watch, this spot has what you’re looking for. Happy trails!
