Toronto Hike Schedule

Car Hike: Strawberries and a Stroll

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): We will meet at the parking lot of Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area (7200 Appleby Line, Milton).

Hike Leader(s): Monica Pasquali Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Variable
Distance: 5 KM

Description

Enjoy two wonderful things in one day: a stroll along the Bruce Trail at Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area followed by a visit to Springridge Farm for lunch and to pick up some strawberries to take home.  First we’ll do an out-and-back hike of the Rattlesnake Point Side Trail, enjoying the scenic southerly views along the way.  After returning to our cars, those who would like to join me in extending their day of fun will make the 5-minute drive to reach Springridge Farm where kids can play in the “Fun Farmyard”, or if you’re looking for something more leisurely you can simply buy a delicious lunch or treat from the farmhouse bakery and enjoy it in the great outdoors.  Before heading home, you might also want to purchase some freshly-picked strawberries since June is strawberry season here in Ontario!

Children under 13 years of age are encouraged to join their parents/guardians on this hike so they can fulfill the requirements for the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club’s Summer Junior Hiker Badge (https://www.iroquoia.on.ca/index.php/hiking/junior-hiker-program/) – all family members who are planning on joining us should register for the hike, including children.  You should bring enough water and food for a 3-hour hike, comfortable hiking shoes, sun and bug protection, appropriate clothing for the weather, and money if you intend to join us at Springridge Farm after the hike to play or eat.

Note that you must book and pay for a 3-hour time slot for parking at Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area (https://www.conservationhalton.ca/parks/rattlesnake-point/).  When you make this reservation, please choose the 9:00 am – 12:00 pm time slot.  Time slots may fill up fast so you should make this reservation as soon as you register for this hike.

Also note that there is a $12 fee for people aged 2-92 who visit the “Fun Farmyard” at Springridge Farm (https://www.springridgefarm.com/).  These fees can be paid upon entering this area of the farm.   There is no fee associated with visiting the farm market, bakery, or gift shop – you only pay for what you purchase in these areas of the farm.

Neilson Park to Marie Curtis Park - Etobicoke Creek Trail (make-up hike from June 11th)

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Transit users meet us at Kipling Subway upper floor bus platforms near the washrooms by 9:05 am. We will be boarding the 49 Bloor West TTC bus for a 9:16 departure. Coming directly to the hike, meet us by 9:35 am at Neilson Park Creative Centre, 56 Neilson Drive, Toronto. Neilson Drive runs north off of Dundas St. W, west of the 427 HWY and The West Mall.

Hike Leader(s): Andrew Proczek; Thomas Swales Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat, Other (Refer to Description), Variable
Distance: 11.5 km

Description

Join Tom Swales and me for a scenic romp along Etobicoke Creek to the Waterfront. Starting from Bloor St. & Markland Dr. to the Neilson Park Creative Centre, the route will be entirely in nature along a winding, up and down, dirt path until the Middle Road Bridge at around 4.5 km, after which we will be mostly on paved path with a few off path dirt trails near the creek. Please be advised that the trail is uneven in places with a short sloping section near the start where hikers will need to exert caution. Once we arrive at Marie Curtis Park we will do a short loop on the west side of the creek through a wooded area and then cross back over to meet up with the beach boardwalk before finishing the hike at Long Branch TTC loop. Hiking shoes are a necessity and hiking poles will be an asset. Public washrooms at either end of the hike, at Neilson Park and at Marie Curtis Park. There will be an optional pub stop at the end of the hike. Anyone coming to the Neilson Park Creative Centre by car, I will accompany you by transit and make sure you make it back to your car at the end of the hike. Bring a Presto Card or change for the bus. Transit users will be able to catch a Go Train from Long Branch Station or a bus from the Long Branch Loop back to the Subway.

The route: https://onthegomap.com/s/fhamqdi1

Urban Walk: Ajax to Whitby

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Durham Waterfront Trail

Hike Leader(s): Brian Rideout Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 17 km

Description

Urban Walk: Kingsway / Humber River

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Grenview Blvd. entrance of the Royal York subway station.

Hike Leader(s): Roger Harris, Marie- Josée Roy Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 11 km

Description

We will walk through the historic Kingsway and South Kingsway neighbourhoods, passing through Home Smith Park, King’s Mill Park, and South Humber Park.

Except at The Queensway and Riverside Drive, most of the route is shaded. Public washrooms are available at kms 2.5, 6 and 7.5.

We’ll finish at Jane subway station. Drop-outs are available at Old Mill subway station (km 4) and Stephen Dr./Cloverhill Rd. bus stop (km 7).

Please pack one litre of water, a lunch or snacks, a hat and sun screen.

Public washrooms are available at kms 2.5, 6 and 7.5.

Toronto, Toronto Islands

Hosting Club: Toronto

Location (Google Maps): Meet inside the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, foot of Bay Street, beyond the cashiers selling the ferry tickets, in the open area with the benches and Muskoka chairs. From Union Station take the LRT one stop to “Ferry Docks” or take bus number #19 or #72 on Bay Street southbound to the Queens Quay. Walk across Queen Quay south through the park to the ferry terminal.

Hike Leader(s): Miriam Stevens, Tom Swales Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 8-12 km

Description

After a day’s work, come and “cool off” on the Toronto Islands free of fumes and traffic to enjoy the view of the city skyline and Toronto’s own beautiful island parkland oasis away from the city. Pack a dinner for a sit-down picnic. Note that food is not available for purchase on the islands early in the season. Bring a warm jacket and flashlight. Return ticket for the ferry is approximately $8.70, $5.60 for seniors. The hike will take place rain or shine. Toronto Island Evening Hikes will take place every Thursday in May and June, same time and meeting place. The route and time we return to the city may vary depending if the ferries are running on the Spring or Summer (starts in May) schedule.  Contact Hike Leaders via the Contact form for further information or to confirm the current ferry schedule that will be in place the week of the hike. Registration is not required for this hike – just meet the Hike Leader at the above location.