Don Valley Ravines Toronto
Toronto's vast Don Valley Ravines offer a sprawling natural escape with hiking, biking, and wildlife, minutes from the city center.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Nature awakens, fewer crowds
Don Valley Ravines Toronto
Best Time
Nature awakens, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Toronto's vast Don Valley Ravines offer a sprawling natural escape with hiking, biking, and wildlife, minutes from the city center.
"Beautiful place to run, job, walk, hike, and bike ride! A lot of cyclists but not too bad."
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Trails can be confusing; download offline maps to avoid getting lost. :iphone:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect varied terrain, from paved paths to natural trails. Good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Evergreen Brick Works Trails
Near Evergreen Brick Works
Explore lush hiking trails and spot wildlife, just minutes from downtown Toronto. A true urban oasis.
Lower Don Trail
Along the Don River
A scenic path perfect for cycling or walking, offering beautiful river views and unique urban nature.
Autumn Colors
Throughout the Don Valley
Witness a breathtaking display of fiery reds, oranges, and golds during fall. A magical transformation.
Don Valley Golf Course
Near the Don Valley
One of Toronto's well-maintained public golf courses, offering a green escape for enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Urban Wilderness
Trail Navigation Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Trails can be confusing; download offline maps to avoid getting lost. :iphone:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect varied terrain, from paved paths to natural trails. Good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Leash Your Pets
Keep dogs on leash outside designated dog parks to protect wildlife. :dog:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities mean packing your own refreshments is key. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Trails can be confusing; download offline maps to avoid getting lost. :iphone:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect varied terrain, from paved paths to natural trails. Good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Leash Your Pets
Keep dogs on leash outside designated dog parks to protect wildlife. :dog:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities mean packing your own refreshments is key. :water_wave:
🍂 Visit in Fall
The autumn colors here are spectacular and a must-see! :maple_leaf:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Don Valley Ravines for their stunning natural beauty and accessibility as an urban escape. The trails are ideal for running, biking, and walking, offering a peaceful retreat. However, some note the lack of amenities like washrooms and seating along certain paths, and the potential for getting lost if not prepared.
"Beautiful place to run, job, walk, hike, and bike ride!"
Lyn D.F
"I give the park and the Lower Don River Trail 4 star for it's natural beauty and the way it's kept untouched at the heart of the city.
But I got one star back because there are no seats or any washroom facility along the trail (unless we get further off the trail).
I understand that we don't want to disrupt the natural environment by construction, though, at least seats along the trail at safe places and environmentally-friendly structures and washrooms do help to attract more people and the ones who can't walk long trails without getting rest along the way on seats.
This good trail also needs more access by providing more entry paths to the park from all neighbourhoods around the area."
Mohammad Asa
"This trail leading up to the park is amazing. I highly recommend people take a walk along it. A lot of cyclists but not too bad. Once you come up to the park you're greeted by stone gargoyles from Old Toronto buildings, just left discarded by the side of the river. Makes for a magical moment."
Oliver Jackson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access various points of the Don Valley Ravines from downtown Toronto. Evergreen Brick Works is a popular starting point, accessible by public transit and a short walk from the city core. +1 Many trails are also accessible via TTC bus routes that run along the valley's edges. Consider using a transit app for specific routes from your location.
Biking the entire Don Valley trail system can be challenging due to its interconnected nature and potential for getting lost. While some sections like the Lower Don Trail are well-defined, others require careful navigation. It's recommended to use a detailed trail map or cycling app.
Yes, there are parking areas near access points like Evergreen Brick Works and along some of the parkways. However, parking can be limited, especially on weekends. Driving along the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) offers views but is primarily a commuter highway.
Absolutely! Several TTC bus routes provide access to trailheads around the Don Valley. Evergreen Brick Works is particularly well-served. +1 Check the TTC website for routes closest to your desired entry point.
The best way is to combine walking, biking, and public transit. Many trails are interconnected, allowing for extensive exploration. Consider starting at one point and exiting at another via transit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Don Valley Ravines and most of its trails are free to access. This makes it a popular and accessible natural escape within Toronto.
The ravines are generally accessible from dawn till dusk. Specific facilities like Evergreen Brick Works have their own operating hours, which are usually posted on their website.
No advance booking is required for general access to the Don Valley Ravines and its trails. However, if you plan to attend specific events at places like Evergreen Brick Works, checking their schedule and booking might be necessary.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment. Keep pets on leash outside designated areas, and avoid littering. Some trails may have seasonal closures for maintenance or safety.
While some parkways are lit, the natural trails are not. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery. However, the illuminated highways can offer a unique nighttime view.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a wide range of activities including hiking, running, biking, birdwatching, and nature photography. +2 There's also a dog off-leash park near Evergreen Brick Works.
Facilities are limited along the trails. While Evergreen Brick Works has amenities, many natural trails lack dedicated washrooms or seating. It's advisable to use facilities before you start your hike or bike ride.
Yes, the ravines offer many family-friendly trails, especially around Evergreen Brick Works. +1 However, some areas can be rugged, so supervision is recommended for younger children.
You might spot various bird species, squirrels, and other small urban wildlife. +1 The ravines provide a vital habitat within the city.
Maintenance varies. Some popular trails like the Lower Don Trail are well-kept, while others are more natural and rugged. Expect some areas to be unpaved and potentially muddy after rain.
📸 📸 Photography
The trails offer diverse photographic opportunities, from lush greenery and river views to urban landscapes. Evergreen Brick Works provides unique architectural and natural backdrops.
The autumn foliage is particularly stunning for photographers.
+1
Drone usage is subject to Transport Canada regulations and local bylaws. While some stunning drone footage exists, always check current regulations before flying. Respect privacy and avoid flying over populated areas or sensitive wildlife habitats.
Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer beautiful light for landscape and nature photography. Overcast days can also provide soft, diffused light ideal for capturing details.
Look for the discarded gargoyles from old Toronto buildings along the river, the changing seasons, and the interplay between nature and the urban environment.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive ravines, and a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴 Cyclists
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Don Valley Trail System
Key trails include the Lower Don Trail, known for its scenic beauty and suitability for cycling,
For those looking to bike the full length, resources like online guides and community forums can offer valuable insights into the best routes and potential challenges.
Experiencing Seasonal Beauty
Summer offers lush, dense foliage, creating a cool, shaded canopy ideal for escaping the city heat.
Even winter has its charm, with snow-covered landscapes offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere. While some trails might be less accessible, the quiet beauty of the snow-dusted trees provides a different, yet equally captivating, perspective on this urban wilderness.
Wildlife and Nature in the City
The ravines are a testament to the possibility of coexisting with nature within a bustling metropolis. The Evergreen Brick Works area, in particular, has made efforts to integrate nature and community programming, highlighting the importance of these green spaces.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit