Garden to Ravine to Park (9.9 + 4.1 km, 200th hike)
Details
Attendance policy is enforced for this hike. See below for details.
It's a throwback to our first hike, almost 4 years ago! It encapsulates what our group is about: a bit of nature rambling, urban sights, and lots of food. Since then, all 3 landmarks of the hike have changed drastically.
- Garden: Allan Gardens closed in October 2022 for restorations until May 2025. The towering plants are gone from the Palm House, replaced by an event venue.
- Ravine: Lower Don River Trail closed in March 2023 and is "scheduled to open in Spring 2026", 2 years later than originally planned.
- Park: The northwestern side of Thorncliffe Park closed for subway construction in April 2024. The plaza where Iqbal supermarket was located has been taken over by Metrolinx. Fret not, Iqbal moved to a modern location 500m away.
Even with all the changes, we'll stay close to the original route. Starting from Toronto's oldest public greenhouse,
we'll make our way to gentrified Cabbagetown, lined with an assortment of restaurants. A fast hike through the Don Valley brings us to Thorncliffe Park, with a heavy South Asian presence.
For those who want to end there, there is a choice of tantalizing Afghan kabobs, Arabian rice dishes, and Pakistani curries.
To celebrate our 200th hike, we're tacking on a bonus 4 km segment. It's more challenging—see below. The reward is opulent dim sum that can compete with the best in the GTA. Reserve you spot at a separate event.
Highlights
- Allan Gardens (depart 10:30am)
- Bluet Bakery
- Chennai Masala Cafe / La Gloria Mexican Coffee
- Rayah
- Riverdale Farm (depart 11:13pm)
- Lower Don Valley trail or Riverdale trail
- Todmorden Mills (depart 12:10pm)
- Donaconda trail
- Millwood bridge
- Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy
- Costco / Iqbal
- Bamiyan Kabob / Mandi Afandi (depart 1:25pm)
- Bunny Run trail
- E.T. Seton Park Archery Range
- Science Centre
- Crosstown Place
- The Queen Seafood Cuisine (arrive 2:30pm)
Neighbourhoods
Garden District > Cabbagetown > Lower Don Valley > Todmorden Village > Thorncliffe Park > Flemingdon Park > Banbury-Don Mills
Map
Main section:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1afPn6poyb3DLm5pnItMSIE7Fb9wwGqY&usp=sharing
If Lower Don River Trail does not open in time for the hike, we'll take the orange route on the map, along Broadview Ave, between Riverdale Farm and Todmorden Mills.
One steep climb at Beechwood Drive.
Bonus section:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1u7v7MUha8QhhPdg2oMEFdws8v0C_WhI&usp=sharing
We'll be on mountain biking trails in ET Seton Park. Some narrow and steep trails. Expect muddy and slippery conditions from rain and melted snow. You can skip the nature trails and take an alternate route east on Overlea Boulevard and north on Don Mills Road.
How it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.
We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way.
Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike.
Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers.
See our About section for more info.
Attendance policy
Please check in with an organizer when you arrive. 24 hours before the hike, we'll note down who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be marked as no-show. Repeat offenders will be banned. Please change your RSVP if you can no longer attend.
If you got off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.