Urban Walk: Don River Valley through Four Parks

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Summerhill Subway Station

Hike Leader(s): Ted Moriarty Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot)
Distance (km): 8

Description

Please join me for a morning hike through two historic neighbourhoods and four beloved city parks. We will begin by walking through the century homes and row houses of the Summerhill area, then descend into the Don River Valley park system. We’ll explore David Balfour Park, Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Moore Park Ravine, and the Brickworks. From there, we will continue south and hike up out of the valley into Toronto’s storied Rosedale neighbourhood. The hike will conclude at Castle Frank Station.

Route map:
https://onthegomap.com/?route=019eae15-c935-7912-9192-174734407143&context=share

The hike features several hills, but for the most part it is downhill until the Brickworks. To complete the hike, we will climb a long, steep path to reach the Rosedale area. To avoid this final ascent, hikers can take the complimentary shuttle bus from the Brickworks, which drops passengers off by Broadview Station.

Please bring snacks and at least 2 L of drinking water.

Travel to the trailhead:
Meet Ted at the Summerhill Subway Station exit turnstiles. There is only one exit from this station.

Washrooms:
There are no washrooms at Summerhill Station. The closest subway washroom is at Bloor–Yonge Station (two stops south). During the 8 km hike, we will stop at three public washrooms located at approximately kilometres 1, 3, and 5.