You can read many plaques along the Humber River. They’re informative, in an exalted kind of way – like textbooks and museums. But just close your eyes while standing on the Humber, and you realize how much has happened on this urban river. Author Chris Higgins cycled, walked, paddled from the Humber from Lake Ontario to the 401 highway – and dug into thousands of archival pages – in search of fresh takes on old topics, and stories that time forgot.

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THUGS AND THIEVES

Humber stories are often about the mills and Hurricane Hazel. Who knew it has also been a hotbed for crime? In the early 1900s, criminal activity got so bad that organized policing was a natural development.

FISH TALES

The history of fish on the Humber could really depress you, if we didn’t have the annual run of salmon and trout to provide some hope. It looks promising, but these fish continue to face many obstacles.

WHAT LIES BENEATH

Over a century ago, there was a place called Deadman’s Point. Where was it exactly? How many died there? And why did it take so long to implement safety measures?

A FLUID SITUATION

Questions about water quality, due to sewage and other pollutants, became concerns very early after the founding of York. The swimmers didn’t seem to mind. Today, swimming in the Humber – certainly in the lower part – is a moot point, as virtually no one does it anymore. Could it ever be “a thing” again?

THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD

Government bodies like the TRCA (Toronto and Region Conservation Authority) has its hands full making the best of the river. This curious DIY retaining wall is literally bursting at the seams.

COMPETING NARRATIVES

Swansea has called Étienne Brûlé its “first citizen.” Etobicoke has their own cairn to the enigmatic explorer. It may come as a shock that he may never have even been there.

BEAUTY IN THE STRANGEST PLACES

You don’t have to go to a downtown gallery. The Humber is home to the largest trail of urban art in Toronto.

HIDDEN HOMES

Along the river banks, there are many structures in hidden places. Under bridges, in remote woods, and here, in this secret spot.

A RESILIENT BEAUTY

Home to thousands of species, the Humber also continues to be a refuge for the ones who threaten it most: humans. How long can the river persevere?