North Toronto Trails Hike/Walk

Hi friends,

On this first day of one of the better months in our clime we plan to re-visit the North Toronto trails, beginning at the Yonge/Lawrence library and Alexander Muir gardens, passing through Blythwood ravine, Sherwood park, Sunnydene, and onwards.

This is a very beautiful trail which we last walked last fall, and we look forward to revisiting it. Here is some more info on the walk:

The Northern part of Toronto (around the border formerly dividing the municipalities of Toronto and North York, formally amalgamated in 1998) has a lush and under-rated trail system, including large gardens, ravines, parks, hiking trails, lookouts, etc.

We will start in front of the Locke branch of the Toronto Public Library (Yonge st. side), which is right next to Lawrence subway station. From here we will walk a few minutes to Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens, which is where the nature portion of the walk/hike will start.

As noted here, "Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens might be a bit less known than some of the other public gardens in Toronto, but it's just as breathtaking with stone balconies and crushed brick walkways surrounded by lush greenery." It was created in 1933 and made an international list of "25 best urban design projects."

From here, we continue on trails passing through the following ravines/parks:
- Blythwood Ravine Park
- Sherwood Park
- Sunnydene Park

After crossing Bayview, we will try to end up at either Sunnybrook park, *or*, if our timing works out, we may make it to Glendon Forest. These are all connected by trails and paths. In the event that the stairs down from Bayview are closed, we will look for a work-around, or go and loop back and rest a bit.

At the halfway point, we will turn around and pass back through the general trail we came (maybe a slightly different path, but generally parallel to our first half)- to wind up by the ending time back at the starting point of the hike (Alexander Muir gates, and then Locke library/Lawrence station).

Probably a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring some water, and a snack if that is something that helps you feel comfortable.

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Btw: If this is your first walk with us, or if you have not paid for membership this year, kindly send $10 for membership (by e-transfer to hsptorontomeetup@gmail.com . This is good for the entire 2025 membership year- we usually do walks every 2-3 weeks during the spring/summer/early fall, and every 3 weeks in winter.

Look forward to seeing you :)