Carved by receding glaciers 12,000 years ago, Toronto’s Ravine Network consists of 110 square km (42 sq. miles) of parks, gardens, meadowlands, beaches and waterways, to make up the largest urban ravine system in the world. At 30 times the size of Central Park in New York City, there is so much to discover. U.K.’s The Guardian (Dec. 2018) showcased this unique gem and why it must be celebrated & protected.
From October 1st - October 10, Toronto’s Ravine Days will inspire you to set out on foot, or better yet, by bike or ebike, to take in all that is on offer.
Get background on Trails & Natural Areas, perfect for walking, hiking, cycling and in-line skating; Toronto’s Ravine Strategy; and an in depth tutorial on Toronto’s Ecosystems & Biodiversity.
An informative calendar of Ravine Days’ Events, with activity details, maps and further resources for your trek, may be accessed here.
Some of this year’s highlights:
October 1, 2002: Evergreen Brickworks Farmers’ Market, 8am - 1pm
Cycle via The Don River Valley Park - from many points north, west, east & west - to The Evergreen Brickworks’ Farmers Market, Toronto’s largest farmers’ market. If you cannot make the market on October 1, it will be open to welcome you every Saturday, throughout the year.
Besides scoring some fantastic local products & delicious made-to-order meals visit the “Sipping Container” for a pint of craft beer, cider, organic coffees & teas. Explore the historic 52,000 sq. ft kiln building & the John Price Brick Press. Hike/ bike to the top of the former quarry for fantastic views of Toronto or through the dense forests of Mud Creek. Be sure to check out the painted turtles, red-wing black birds and other wildlife spotted recently in the surrounding environs.
September 16 - November 30, 2022 : Sandra Brewster - Roots
There is also always public art on display at Evergreen Brickworks. This autumn, don’t miss the work of celebrated Toronto artist Sandra Brewster & her outdoor photographic installation “Roots”. Sandra places a spotlight on the long history of Black presence in the urban wilderness. Her photographs may be viewed throughout the location.
Photo Credit: Ultimate Ontario
October 2, 2022, TRCA Adventures of Salmon, 10am - 3pm
Cycle along the trails of the Highland Creek watershed to learn about Salmon Migration, Salmon Species, and the life cycle of Salmon. Yes, salmon do run and jump in various areas of Toronto’s urban wild. Zygg Ebikes - with their long battery range of pedal assist - make exploring as many locales as possible a breeze!
Be an engaged, conscientious citizen. Take part in scheduled Nature Tours and Clean Ups throughout Ravine Days :
October 6, 2022, Black Creek Invasive Species Workshop and Clean Up, 1pm - 4pm
Discover the secrets of Indigenous remedies & delights in Black Creek’s Community Farm, Medicine Wheel Garden & Food Forest. Help keep the area beautiful with an all-day clean up.
October 6th, 2022, Litter Clean Up in Rouge National Urban Park, 10am - 12pm
And finally, visit Toronto Botanical Garden & Wilket Creek Park / Ravine:
October 8th, 2022, Guided Tours Wilket Creek Ravine, 10 am onwards
Photo Credit: Toronto Botanical Garden
Sign up for an expert horticultural & ecological tour of The Toronto Botanical Garden and one of Toronto’s most popular sections of the ravine system. The new paths & bikeways have been widened & expanded, as well as several new picturesque bridges, which makes cycling through Wilket Creek, Sunnybrook, Serena Gundy and E.T. Seaton Parks a dream.