Now that we’re deep in social distancing mode – sadly, with no end in the foreseeable future – the walls of your residence may feel like they’re caving in on you. But just because you need to keep six feet away from other people doesn’t mean that – if you’re not in self-isolation or quarantine – you can’t get outside and feel the fresh air on your face.
Not only is a nice long walk mentally beneficial during these trying times, it’s also a no-fail way to burn off that pent up energy – and the calories from your quarantine snacks. Here are 10 places to take a scenic walk in Toronto…
10 Places To Take Scenic Toronto Walks
1. Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail Water is known for its soothing properties – something that is definitely appreciated in this uncertain climate. Down by Ontario Place, the Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail features 7.5 acres of refreshing green space at Toronto’s waterfront. The 1.3 kilometre tail offers a walk/run through trees, pants, and boulders.
2. Evergreen Brickworks and Moore Park Ravine Located right in the heart of the city, the Evergreen Brickworks and the connecting Moore Park Ravine offer solid spots for a spring walk. At Evergreen Brickworks, you’ll find wooded, wildlife-filled trails, as well as a lookout that features an uninterrupted view of Toronto’s skyline. Continuing on through Moore Park Ravine offers a breath of fresh air, as you stroll through the green, tree-lined trail.
3. The Boardwalk and Woodbine Beach While congregating in groups on the beach – no matter how sweet the spring weather is – is off limits, a walk on the (wide-enough-for-social-distancing boardwalk) is not. At the breezy boardwalk and Woodbine Beach, you’ll find an 8.2 kilometre loop trail with scenic views of Lake Ontario and the social-isolating city.
4. Cedarvale Ravine and the Beltline Another convenient spot to walk within nature in the urban confines is the Cedarvale Ravine and the Beltline Trail, which runs through the heart of Toronto, alongside the picturesque Rosedale Valley Road and Bayview Avenue. This tree and bird-packed stroll comes with a history lesson: it travels the route of the former Beltline Railway commuter rail service.
5. West Humber Trail – In Toronto’s west end, you can submerge yourself in nature with a hike through the West Humber Trail, the city’s last major river valley. Getting fresh air and exercise, you’ll travel through a mix of paved, hard-packed, and grassy trails, woodlands, as well as gardens along the West Humber River.
6. Don Valley Trails – A hike down the nature-surrounded Don Valley Trails – which begin at the Oak Ridges Moraine and end at Lake Ontario, running parallel to the city core – comes with the reward of reaching Toronto’s waterfront at the bottom. There are many trail options to chose from throughout the 32-kilometre stretch of nature.
7. Broadview Avenue and Riverdale Park East – While a major city road may seem like an unlikely suggestion for a mind-clearing walk (even during social distancing), a stroll down Riverdale’s Broadview Avenue offers stunning views of Toronto’s skyline and the spacious Riverdale Park East that sits below. An area at the north end of the park has many recreational walking trails. Begin at Broadview and Danforth Ave. and make your way south.
8. High Park – As Toronto’s largest park, the sprawling High Park offers 400 acres of refreshing outdoor space in which to practice social distancing. Here, you’ll find numerous hiking trails, green space, a lakefront, and – of course – the famed cherry blossoms. While they make reliable Instagram material, the park is obviously banning group gatherings at the cherry blossom trees.
9. East Point Park – The journey to East Point Park is worth its drive from the Toronto confines, especially if you have a soft spot for butterflies – just don’t pick up any friends on the way there (see: social distancing). The park is carved out of a spacious meadow and is packed with birds of all varieties as well as monarch butterflies in the warmer months. A beach offers a peaceful spot to reflect or enjoy a packed lunch.
10. Leslie Street Spit – For a scenic walk along the water that’s full of unexpected nature, hit the Leslie Street Spit and Tommy Thompson Park – the largest existing natural habitat on Toronto’s waterfront. Your walk will include forests, marshes, wildlife, and stunning uninterrupted views of the cityscape.
NOTE: At time of writing, Canadians are not under a full lockdown or quarantine, and have not been advised not to partake in outdoor activities like walks, long dog walks, and hikes, as long as social distancing protocol is followed.
If you haven’t been diagnosed with COVID-19, haven’t returned from travel abroad, and don’t have any symptoms of COVID-19, you can go for walk. Just be mindful of spaces like apartment or condo elevators along the way; you should wait for another if there are people already in one.
*As Toronto’s COVID-19 situation remains fluid, with frequently changing regulations, some trails or parks may be temporarily closed, so check with local news sources or authorities before heading out.*
Have other scenic Toronto walks you recommend? Comment below!
No Comments