Finding the great outdoors in the city is always top of our list. And it’s often a quick sell – promise of adventure, space to run and lots of fresh air.
Toronto has tons of trails that you can hop on right from downtown and so many are accessible for little hikers in TOw. We got our latest dose of nature in the Glen Stewart Ravine, an easy escape in The Beaches neighbourhood. It’s the real deal as far as nature in the city goes – the path is well maintained but not overly groomed. One end to the other is just over half a kilometre with elevated boardwalks, small bridges, stairs, streams and little waterfalls. Once you’re in, you forget you’re surrounded by busy streets of cars and streetcars.
TRIP TIPS:
Getting there: There are (at least) four access points: 1) from Glen Manor Dr. E on the south end 2) Balsam Ave from the east 3) Beech Ave or 4) Kingston Rd from north. All have stairs except from Glen Manor Dr. You can also start the hike from farther south at Queen St. W through Ivan Forrest Gardens. If you’re driving here, there is free residential parking. Paid street parking along Queen St. E or take Queen Streetcar. Do-able with an all terrain-style stroller, minus the stairs.
Potty time: No toilet options or port-a-potties. Nature pee or pop into one of the businesses on either end.
Snacks: No picnic areas per se but very easy to stop along the route for a snack. Be sure to leave no trace.
In the hood (Queen Street): Queen St. E is lined with restaurants, stores and businesses. West of Ivan Forrest Gardens is Mastermind Toys, 4Cats Art Studio and to the east Ed’s Real Scoop. If you’re walking from north to south, cross Queen St E. and head straight to the Beach Boardwalk.
In the hood (Kingston Rd): A small but busy area with stores, restos and cafes. Among them, you’ll find Ava’s Appletree, a cloth diaper store offering natural baby products
