The Don River runs through a 11.5 km green corridor in the heart of the city — a genuine urban wilderness with birds, coyotes, and wildflowers twenty minutes from downtown. The trail system is free and connects to dozens of parks.
Free: Corktown Common to Evergreen Brick Works · Season: year-round
The Don Valley is Toronto's great secret — an 11.5-kilometre ribbon of genuine wilderness running through the heart of the city, carved by the Don River over thousands of years. The trail system that follows the river valley is completely free, open year-round, and offers one of the most unexpected experiences in Toronto: walking through dense forest, spotting wildlife, and forgetting you're in a city of three million people.
What to Expect
The Don Valley Trail is not a manicured park path. It is a genuine wilderness trail — dirt, gravel, boardwalks, and occasional mud. The valley is one of the most ecologically significant areas in southern Ontario, home to species that have disappeared elsewhere in the region. Red-tailed hawks circle overhead, coyotes hunt in the undergrowth, and the spring wildflower displays are genuinely spectacular.
The trail system is actually a network of interconnected paths. The main Lower Don Trail runs from the lakefront at Corktown Common north to the Evergreen Brick Works, approximately 8 kilometres one-way. From there, branch trails continue north through Taylor Creek Park, Ernest Thompson Seton Park, and eventually connect to the extensive trail network of the East Don Valley.
The valley's geography is dramatic. Steep wooded slopes rise on both sides of the river, creating a genuine canyon effect. In places, the only signs of the city above are the distant sound of traffic and occasional glimpses of buildings through the canopy.
Key Sections
Corktown Common to Riverdale Park: The southern section starts at Corktown Common, a stunning modern park built on reclaimed industrial land. The Common features a waterfall splash pad (free in summer), sports fields, and direct access to the Don Trail. Heading north, the trail passes under the Richmond and Adelaide Street bridges — massive concrete structures that feel like urban cathedrals — before emerging into the more natural sections.
Riverdale Park East to Evergreen Brick Works: This is the most popular section. Riverdale Park East offers one of Toronto's best free skyline views (directly across from the downtown towers). The trail continues north through wooded ravines, past the historic Don Valley Brick Works (now Evergreen Brick Works), and into the quarry gardens. The full section from Corktown to Evergreen is about 8 kilometres.
Evergreen Brick Works to Sunnybrook: Beyond the Brick Works, the trail continues through Ernest Thompson Seton Park and into the deeper valley sections. This area is less frequented by casual walkers and offers the best wildlife spotting. Deer, foxes, and a remarkable variety of bird species are regularly seen.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: The valley is extraordinary in spring. Wildflowers carpet the forest floor in succession — trilliums, trout lilies, bloodroot, and jack-in-the-pulpit. Migratory birds pass through in waves. The river runs high with snowmelt.
Summer: Lush, green, and humid. The canopy provides shade but the valley traps heat. Morning walks are most comfortable. The Corktown Common splash pad is a popular summer stop.
Fall: The valley's mixed forest turns spectacular colours — oaks, maples, and birches create a palette of gold, orange, and red. Fallen leaves carpet the trails. This is arguably the most beautiful season in the valley.
Winter: The trails are not maintained in winter but remain passable. Cross-country skiers use the open sections after snow. The frozen river and snow-covered forest create a serene, almost monochrome landscape.
How to Get There
The trail has multiple access points:
- **Corktown Common:** Walk south from King Station or take the 121 River Street bus
- **Riverdale Park East:** Walk south from Castle Frank Station on Line 2
- **Evergreen Brick Works:** Take the 28 Bayview South bus from Davisville Station
- **Taylor Creek Park:** Access from Victoria Park subway station
Accessibility
The Don Valley Trail is not wheelchair accessible. The surface is dirt and gravel, with stairs, roots, and uneven terrain. Some sections have steep grades. The trail is suitable for reasonably fit walkers and trail runners. Sturdy footwear is essential.
Nearby Attractions
- **Riverdale Farm:** Adjacent to Riverdale Park East — a free working farm in the city
- **Evergreen Brick Works:** At the trail's midpoint — free quarry gardens, farmers' market (Saturdays), and industrial heritage
- **Cabbagetown:** The historic neighbourhood above the valley — walk up the stairs from Riverdale Park for beautiful Victorian streets
- **The Beaches:** Continue east from the valley for the lakefront neighbourhood
Photography Tips
The skyline view from Riverdale Park East is the classic Don Valley shot — downtown towers rising above the valley greenery. Spring wildflowers make for beautiful close-up nature photography. The bridges over the valley (particularly the Prince Edward Viaduct on Bloor Street) offer dramatic vantage points. Fall colours in the valley are spectacular.
Practical Tips for Tourists
- Wear sturdy walking shoes — the trail surface is uneven
- Bring insect repellent in summer — the valley has mosquitoes
- The trail can be muddy after rain — avoid light-coloured footwear
- Cell reception is spotty in the deeper valley sections
- There are no services (water, food, washrooms) along most of the trail — bring supplies
- The trail is shared with cyclists — stay to the right
- Dogs are welcome on-leash; there is an off-leash area in Crothers Woods
Visitor tip
Start at Corktown Common (waterfall splash pad is also free), walk north to Evergreen Brick Works. The full trail is ~8 km one-way. Return by TTC.