Hike at Scenic Cedarvale Ravine - POSTPONED to Sun Aug 17

Hi friends,

(POSTPONED due to weather- please note new date: August 17)

We plan to re-visit Cedarvale Ravine and park. This is a hidden gem community ravine and park offering a signature "city-within-a-park" feeling, with a young urban forest hidden beneath steep ravine walls in midtown Toronto.

Eco-Highlights: Regenerating regrowth forest, planted since the 1970s after clearing, featuring species like red maple, oak, white spruce, sumac, Manitoba maple, mountain ash, and aspen. Hidden wetlands with cattails and wet meadows lining the trail—great habitat for birds in summer. These ecology-rich pockets feel surprisingly wild for the heart of the city (don't worry, the path is very dry!)

History: this route was once planned for a highway (the Spadina Expressway) but the ravine was saved after community resistance led by noted Toronto figure Jane Jacobs, RIP.

Early August is a perfect time to visit this particular ravine, since much of the walk is in shade. As well, there are peak opportunities to see birds and wildlife native to the little wetlands alongside the path.

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Route: We will meet at St Clair WEST subway station, at the HEATH street entrance/exit (please see on google maps), at the starting time. This exit faces onto a little park and we will gather just outside of the exit.

From there we will walk North-West through the ravine and park, to its terminus, before looping back. This walk features mixed terrain; it begins in the park, then goes down a few steps to the ravine; then it continues through ravine land (compacted dirt path) for a short distance, then returns to park again at the end.

We will probably take a break and sit down for about 20 minutes or so in a shaded area at the park at this point (we will also take some breaks throughout), before looping back.

It is not a difficult walk/hike. But keep in mind that some portions are on a hard dirt (not paved) path.

Washrooms should be available near the turn-around point, and we will stop there to allow this to happen.

"Deep lateness" note: We won't start walking until 15 mins after meet time, to allow for unforeseen delays. However, if you're more than 15 mins late, it will be easy to catch up with us: just walk north through the park and ravine, and doubtless you can catch our group if you speed-walk!

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Important: If not yet a member for 2025, please send $10 for your membership, to hsptorontomeetup@gmail.com before the event. This allows you to attend all of our meetups throughout 2025. Thanks

Please dress for the weather and bring water / a snack if you will need. It is suggested that you wear a hat and/or consider sun protection!

Look forward to seeing you :)