- HikeType Urban Walk
- HikeIcon https://hikes.brucetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/7/marker_urban-walks.png
- PaceTypes Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
- TerrainTypes ,Level 2 (Intermediate - some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot),Variable
- PaidOuting No
Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Maple GO station, 30 Station Street, Vaughan ON
Hike Leader(s): Felix Wan; Talise Liang Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)
Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Level 2 (Intermediate - some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance (km): 13.5 km
Description
Join us on a walk along the southern portion of the Bartley Smith Greenway Trail. We’ll walk through a mixture of residential neighbourhoods, wooded areas, and trails along the West Don River. We hope to see many species of birds, insects, and flowers, and we will pass by a lookout at Keffer Marsh.
Route map: https://onthegomap.com/s/vh797jei
The terrain is generally flat with a few gentle hills, and features a mixture of paved paths, road walking, and dirt/gravel trails. Depending on weather conditions, parts of the trail may be muddy or wet. Bring a good pair of hiking/walking shoes, as well as a lunch/snacks, at least 2L of drinking water, sun protection, and insect repellent.
Travel to the trailhead:
- By TTC/GO: Meet Felix at Downsview Park subway station by 9:00 a.m. We will make the short walk to the GO station platform to take the northbound train departing at 9:11 a.m., and arriving at Maple GO station at 9:25 a.m., where we will meet up with Talise and start the hike. The GO transfer costs an additional $0.40 (adult fare) if you tap with your PRESTO card. People coming from Union station may board the Barrie Line GO train departing at 8:52 a.m.
- By car: Free parking is available at Maple station. Note that you will need to find your way back to Maple station after the end of the hike, given that this is a linear hike.
Washrooms:
Unfortunately, the washrooms at Maple and Rutherford GO stations are closed on weekends. The nearest available washrooms are located at Finch West subway station, one stop north of Downsview Park station. The washrooms on the GO train can also be used. Soon after we start the hike, we will stop to use washrooms at Walmart (approximately km 0.6). There is also a porta-potty at km 7.6 in Langstaff Park, where we will aim to have our lunch break.
Après-hike:
There will be an optional après-hike stop at Montana’s (2011 Steeles Ave. W.), a short walk from the end point of the hike.