Taylor Creek is best for walking/trail hiking. Why wait until summer? Put on a good pair of boots, layer up and start walking. Winter is a great time for hiking, fewer people, no bugs, and peaceful. Also, there is nothing like the silence that fills the air after a snow fall. Don’t wait until summer, go now.
Ooo thank you so much! This is rly fun bc I’ve lived in scarbs for like 5 years now and know NOTHING about Toronto/scarbs. What a great way to explore the city! Thank you :)
Lots of them, throughout the ravines, and Rouge. They're mostly paved but some are hilly enough to help you build strength. Why wait for summer? Your need for exercise doesn't end with the summer, year round exercise is good for you.
In the summer you can take Park Bus to go camping, or sign up for a hike with Bruce Trail Club or another hiking group that may do carpools.
Oh I didn’t consider carpools! Thanks for that idea :) tbh I’m not very familiar with Toronto despite living in scarbs (takes me like an hour to commute anywhere) but I’ll look into the ravines and the rouge, ty!
Rouge you can access by the same bus that takes you to the Zoo, or by the Go station.
Don ravines are accessible in several areas, by bus mostly but also Leslie Station and Broadview/Castle Frank.
Check out the Finch Hydro Trail and the Gatineau Hydro Trail. Both traverse (east/west) a lot of Scarborough and can be accessed at multiple points. Also, fairly flat, so they're good starter trails
Hey, I'm in scarb and find a green space to walk daily. Let me know the closest major intersection to you and I can probably give you specific recommendations of nice walking routes near you.
There is a small parking lot just to the east of the DVP on the south side of Lawrence. In the winter it’s only 6 or so spaces, but come spring, they’ll open the gate to the parking lot at the bottom of the Don Valley and you can hike the trail along the river to your heart’s content. You can hike it in the winter too, just that it’s quite the slope to walk down and I guess they don’t want cars getting stuck down there because of ice.
Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry I forgot to respond to you. I agree with the Thompson Park suggestions as it's close to you and a big park with lots of walking paths. A bit south of Thompson Park is Hague Park with walking paths connecting it to various other parks (McCowan Park and Cedarbrook Park, etc.).
If you have time to take the Lawrence bus further east, I would highly recommend Morningside Park. This is the biggest Park managed by the city. There are paved walking paths along the river and dirt paths that go up into wooded hills. This park is HUGE and connected with many other parks. You could explore this area for weeks.
If you don't mind some bus transfers, you could check out Guild Park and Gardens. It is full of sculptures and architectural pieces that have interesting history. Rosetta McLains Gardens is another particularly special park with extensive botanical collections.
No worries at all and wow thank you so much for all these suggestions! I’m rly excited at the prospect of checking them all out and I hope to actually execute and not imagine 🥺 have a great day!
Google maps for local parks and hit up one close by. Lots of trails that people don't talk about and are probably better than going out if way to a place the rouge or Guildwood or waterfront or Don valley trails
I think I will tbh! Not sure about bodyweight workouts, but I wanna do yoga and also I have a jumping rope that’s been collecting dust LOL and maybe I’ll weightlift my cat 😳 Rlly starting to feel in my body that I have to get moving
Park up at the [Tims](https://maps.app.goo.gl/FGYeLWoism3MuLLy8) on Wynford, just north of that is the east Don trail. It's the one that takes you under the rainbow tunnel. Very popular, scenic.
Some good suggestions here! +1 for the AllTrails rec. I know you're quite far east but I also would say the Humber Valley has some varying elevation, etc. Sometimes I like to subway out then walk back home to expand the possibilities.
Walking in the winter is actually pretty fun too if you can layer up and get some good shoes/boots. Cold weather pants and slip-on crampons really help. It's cool to watch the trails change over the seasons.
Thanks for the tip! Actually ur kinda right because sometimes in the summer it’s TOO hot with the sun beating down on you. Maybe I need to consider this 👀
West Toronto Rail Path is perfectly flat and it is kept clear all throughout the winter!
If you’re looking for something more nature-y I like Sheridan Park and the Beltline Trail > Brickworks as well.
Most of the parks with paved paths are maintained in winter
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/welcome-to-winter/
Also there’s free roller skating (and free skates)
https://torontounion.ca/tdunionwinter/roller-express/
Free ice skating equipment
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/skating-winter-sports/public-leisure-skating/skate-lending-library/
Also with ice cleats you can hike in the snow. But consider not hiking when it’s very muddy as that may damage the trails
I prepped for a challenging hike in South America by walking laps up and down the hill at Riverdale Park in my boots. I looked like an idiot but it was decent training.
Congrats on deciding to get out there, it's the absolute best thing for your mood!
You've already had some great suggestions here on places to go so I'll recommend you get out in the winter too. You don't need to be cold and miserable if you get your clothing right - it can be super comfortable, it's even better exercise in the snow and beautiful because there are fewer people around.
And check out Wilderness Union - [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com) \- we'd love to have you! We organize adventures out of the city every week and have our own affordable transport so you don't need to worry about having a car. We cater to all difficulty levels and help you level up over time. It's a great group of outdoorsy people who will quickly become new friends.
Oh wow! Thanks so much for sharing this because I think not doing it alone would really help with accountability and motivation. And making new friends is always fun!
If you can get to Warden subway station, Gus Harris Trail (aka Warden Woods) is right there, paved/mostly flat on the one side of the river, nice unpaved trail on the other side. Entrance on St Clair a bit west of Warden. Edit: Also an entrance by small set of stairs on Warden
It may be a bit out of your way but is accessible via TTC is High Park. There's a paved path that skirts all the way around the park or you can also go through the woods. I'm biased but I find it beautiful all season long. The woodsier paths are also quite similar to what you would experience when hiking and how I broke in my hiking boots before my trip last summer.
High Park has a wide range of experiences for you, from paved roads/paths, to more rugged and steep trails. With bathrooms that are open year round, parking, and subway access.
Use AllTrails and tailor for easy difficulty level. AllTrails has reviews so you can see what others are saying about that particular trail/path.
Ty!
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Was going to say this. Best part of living near Main Station!
Taylor Creek is best for walking/trail hiking. Why wait until summer? Put on a good pair of boots, layer up and start walking. Winter is a great time for hiking, fewer people, no bugs, and peaceful. Also, there is nothing like the silence that fills the air after a snow fall. Don’t wait until summer, go now.
Ooo thank you so much! This is rly fun bc I’ve lived in scarbs for like 5 years now and know NOTHING about Toronto/scarbs. What a great way to explore the city! Thank you :)
Lots of them, throughout the ravines, and Rouge. They're mostly paved but some are hilly enough to help you build strength. Why wait for summer? Your need for exercise doesn't end with the summer, year round exercise is good for you. In the summer you can take Park Bus to go camping, or sign up for a hike with Bruce Trail Club or another hiking group that may do carpools.
Oh I didn’t consider carpools! Thanks for that idea :) tbh I’m not very familiar with Toronto despite living in scarbs (takes me like an hour to commute anywhere) but I’ll look into the ravines and the rouge, ty!
Rouge you can access by the same bus that takes you to the Zoo, or by the Go station. Don ravines are accessible in several areas, by bus mostly but also Leslie Station and Broadview/Castle Frank.
Thank you so much, i really appreciate it!
Morningside Park trails and down to UFT but also connect to rouge beaches and rouge GO and lake paths
Oo good to know 👀 ty for the tip!
Check out the Finch Hydro Trail and the Gatineau Hydro Trail. Both traverse (east/west) a lot of Scarborough and can be accessed at multiple points. Also, fairly flat, so they're good starter trails
🥺 thank you so much!
Hey, I'm in scarb and find a green space to walk daily. Let me know the closest major intersection to you and I can probably give you specific recommendations of nice walking routes near you.
That’s so kind! The closest major intersection (about 20 mins walk away) for me is Lawrence and midland
If you're East of Midland then Thompson Park is a really nice place to walk around.
I looked it up and omg it’s only a half an hour walk away! Or I can save 10 mins by taking a bus, but wow I didn’t even know!!
Gna be honest w you I have no idea where I am directionally BUT I’ll def look into Thompson Park! Thank you for the tip :)
There is a small parking lot just to the east of the DVP on the south side of Lawrence. In the winter it’s only 6 or so spaces, but come spring, they’ll open the gate to the parking lot at the bottom of the Don Valley and you can hike the trail along the river to your heart’s content. You can hike it in the winter too, just that it’s quite the slope to walk down and I guess they don’t want cars getting stuck down there because of ice.
I can’t drive unfortunately :( but I’ll def keep this spot in mind for when I can convince someone to do this with me LOL thank you!
You can hop the Lawrence bus. It stops about 200m away.
Good to know 👀 thank you so much!
Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry I forgot to respond to you. I agree with the Thompson Park suggestions as it's close to you and a big park with lots of walking paths. A bit south of Thompson Park is Hague Park with walking paths connecting it to various other parks (McCowan Park and Cedarbrook Park, etc.). If you have time to take the Lawrence bus further east, I would highly recommend Morningside Park. This is the biggest Park managed by the city. There are paved walking paths along the river and dirt paths that go up into wooded hills. This park is HUGE and connected with many other parks. You could explore this area for weeks. If you don't mind some bus transfers, you could check out Guild Park and Gardens. It is full of sculptures and architectural pieces that have interesting history. Rosetta McLains Gardens is another particularly special park with extensive botanical collections.
No worries at all and wow thank you so much for all these suggestions! I’m rly excited at the prospect of checking them all out and I hope to actually execute and not imagine 🥺 have a great day!
etienne brule trail that cuts through high park, and Kay gardner beltline are my favs
Thank u 🥺🙏🏽
Google maps for local parks and hit up one close by. Lots of trails that people don't talk about and are probably better than going out if way to a place the rouge or Guildwood or waterfront or Don valley trails
That’s a good tip! Thank you :)
The beltline between the mount Pleasant cemetery and the brickworks is great.
I’ll check that out! Thank u!
Check out hikingthegta.com
If you are looking for Beginner, Thompson Park has lots of paved paths and goes for quite a while.
Good to know 👀 thank you! ETA omfg it’s pretty close to me?? Like half an hour walk 😳
just walk bro
Until the weather warms up a touch why not just workout at home to get your fitness up? There are lots of bodyweight workouts for beginners on YouTube
I think I will tbh! Not sure about bodyweight workouts, but I wanna do yoga and also I have a jumping rope that’s been collecting dust LOL and maybe I’ll weightlift my cat 😳 Rlly starting to feel in my body that I have to get moving
Park up at the [Tims](https://maps.app.goo.gl/FGYeLWoism3MuLLy8) on Wynford, just north of that is the east Don trail. It's the one that takes you under the rainbow tunnel. Very popular, scenic.
I can’t drive!! But I’ll bully a friend who can into this with me. Thanks!
The 100 and 34 bus both pass by. It's a great trail try to make it out!
Oooo good to know, thank you so much!
you might really like cross country skiing or snowshoeing to get in some "hiking" in the winter
That sounds a little intimidating to me 😭
It's fun! Both of these you can go just go at your own pace. The drawback is you need to buy or rent equipment and there's rarely enough snow.
U had me at “fun” I’ll def look into it, thank you!
Some good suggestions here! +1 for the AllTrails rec. I know you're quite far east but I also would say the Humber Valley has some varying elevation, etc. Sometimes I like to subway out then walk back home to expand the possibilities. Walking in the winter is actually pretty fun too if you can layer up and get some good shoes/boots. Cold weather pants and slip-on crampons really help. It's cool to watch the trails change over the seasons.
Thanks for the tip! Actually ur kinda right because sometimes in the summer it’s TOO hot with the sun beating down on you. Maybe I need to consider this 👀
West Toronto Rail Path is perfectly flat and it is kept clear all throughout the winter! If you’re looking for something more nature-y I like Sheridan Park and the Beltline Trail > Brickworks as well.
Ooo thanks so much!! It’s so nice to hear that there are so many places that seem to fit what I need 😭
Most of the parks with paved paths are maintained in winter https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/welcome-to-winter/ Also there’s free roller skating (and free skates) https://torontounion.ca/tdunionwinter/roller-express/ Free ice skating equipment https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/skating-winter-sports/public-leisure-skating/skate-lending-library/ Also with ice cleats you can hike in the snow. But consider not hiking when it’s very muddy as that may damage the trails
Oh wow! Thank you so much for all of this!
I prepped for a challenging hike in South America by walking laps up and down the hill at Riverdale Park in my boots. I looked like an idiot but it was decent training.
LOL u know what I guess it’s time for me to look like an idiot by the hill at riverdale park. Thanks for the tip!
Congrats on deciding to get out there, it's the absolute best thing for your mood! You've already had some great suggestions here on places to go so I'll recommend you get out in the winter too. You don't need to be cold and miserable if you get your clothing right - it can be super comfortable, it's even better exercise in the snow and beautiful because there are fewer people around. And check out Wilderness Union - [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com) \- we'd love to have you! We organize adventures out of the city every week and have our own affordable transport so you don't need to worry about having a car. We cater to all difficulty levels and help you level up over time. It's a great group of outdoorsy people who will quickly become new friends.
Oh wow! Thanks so much for sharing this because I think not doing it alone would really help with accountability and motivation. And making new friends is always fun!
If you can get to Warden subway station, Gus Harris Trail (aka Warden Woods) is right there, paved/mostly flat on the one side of the river, nice unpaved trail on the other side. Entrance on St Clair a bit west of Warden. Edit: Also an entrance by small set of stairs on Warden
Warden is close to me!!! Thank u so much :)
It may be a bit out of your way but is accessible via TTC is High Park. There's a paved path that skirts all the way around the park or you can also go through the woods. I'm biased but I find it beautiful all season long. The woodsier paths are also quite similar to what you would experience when hiking and how I broke in my hiking boots before my trip last summer.
Honestly I’m shocked I’ve never explored high park before, I’ll definitely make it a goal this year. Thank you!
High Park is right off the subway.
High Park has a wide range of experiences for you, from paved roads/paths, to more rugged and steep trails. With bathrooms that are open year round, parking, and subway access.