Cedarvale Ravine Hike: Grounding in Change

Join Christie, Caitlin and Valentina for a meditative and creative walk through the changing landscape, a seasonal ritual of grounding, reflection, and release. This hike is a slow, intentional journey designed to connect us with the cycles of nature and the deeper rhythms within ourselves. Along the way, we’ll pause for four guided activities, each rooted in the themes of presence, life and death, memory, and release.

All ticket proceeds will be donated to Na-Me-Res organization.

"Through a culture-based approach that addresses the holistic needs of its clients, Na-Me-Res’ (Native Men’s Residence) mission is to provide outreach services and permanent housing to Indigenous men experiencing homelessness in Toronto, while providing outreach and support services to the broader population."- Na Ma Res' Mission Statement

During this hike we will learn about 'The Medicine Wheel Garden' at Hillcrest Park (located south west of Cedarvale Ravine), and it's connection to Cedarvale Ravine. Please note: While we’ll speak about 'The Medicine Garden' and its significance, we won’t be visiting it directly on this hike.

“The Medicine Wheel Garden is Toronto’s first Aboriginal community garden. It began in 2013 when Elder Jacqui Lavalley named this green space “Mashkikii;aki’ing” (Medicine Earth). It is a one-of-a-kind sacred space that gives the men of the Apaenmowineen program an opportunity to learn more about gardening and Aboriginal medicinal plants.

It nurtures teamwork, healthy living, and employment skills. They also reap the rewards of their hard work as the harvested plants and vegetables are used for cooking and healthy meals for the Na-Me-Res residences. Growth in this garden comes not only from the plants but also from the participants’ hearts.” - Medicine Wheel Garden, Programs, Na-Me-Res

Who will be guiding you:

Valentina (she/her) is a committee member of 'Friends of Cedarvale', focusing on developing and programming, and a Lead Steward with Toronto Nature Stewards, where she also contributes to the Learning Circle, shaping training and education for new stewards in partnership with the City of Toronto. Her work is rooted in community, care, and building connections between people and places. By day, Valentina is a product designer, bringing the same curiosity and systems-thinking she applies to design into her stewardship and community work. She enjoys walking through Cedarvale Park and Ravine, where she finds inspiration in the quiet embrace nature offers.

Caitlin: I’m Caitlin, I go by Cait and use She/Her pronouns. I am a multi-disciplinary artist who moonlights as a software delivery consultant to pay the bills. My art work focuses on the medium of dried flowers; to me they are symbolic of the cyclical nature of life and death. Part of my intention with this medium is to combat the stigma and fear around death. Currently, I am focused on creating a body of work based on my studies of the art style Mannerism and my experience with inflammatory skin conditions. I live near the ravine and, since moving to this area, find myself in Cedarvale almost every day. I am building a Herbarium (pressed flora catalog) of the many species I find in the ravine through the seasons. My favourite part of the ravine this year was the addition of a pair of Ravens, who I like to think speak to me when I enter or visit near my home when I don’t walk the trail.

Christie (she/her) is a Toronto-based natural dyer, weaver, space maker and creative co-producer for entrepreneurs, third + fourth space steward and coaches. She is a co-founder of 'Sonder Taller', a workshop space exploring community and land intimacy through chocolate-making and land-based artist collaborations. Her current practice explores the shifting landscapes of care, cultivating practices rooted in the wisdom of play, community and our inner gardens. She’s also an urban gardener, urban hike guide, writer, illustrator and Director of Marketing at 'Reset'; infusing play and expanding joy into the process of marketing and making.

*All activities are optional, and gentle guidance and suggestions will be facilitated to help us be present together with the land and with our memories.

Embrace the autumn season together with intention and remembering!

Let's Hike T.O. is a hiking community open to everyone with a focus on newcomers, people of colour, and young adults.  All are welcome on our walks!

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Start Point: Near St. Claire West Station. The exact meeting point will be shared with ticket holders closer to the date. We will set off at 3:30 pm. Plan to arrive at the start point at 3:15 pm sharp, as we aren't able to wait for latecomers. 

End Point: Near Eglinton West Station. The exact location will be shared with ticket holders closer to the date.

Length:  3 km

Pace of hike: 3 km per hour - Relaxed

Difficulty: Beginner

Terrain Type: Some slight hills, rock terrain, grassy and possibly some wet puddles

Dog-friendly: Yes (Dogs Must Remain on a Leash at All Times)

Family-friendly: (suitable for young people 17 and under) Yes

Stroller-friendly: (paved trails accessible for strollers) No

Requiring hiking boots: Recommended but not essential.

Requiring walking poles: Not required.

What To Expect:

Hike leader: Christie (she/her), Caitlin (she/her), Valentina (she/her)

Registration fee: $5 + service fee though if you cannot afford it, please contact us at letshiketo@gmail.com to request a discounted ticket based on your circumstances.

Limited tickets: This hike is restricted to 20 registrants. Tickets will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, are non-refundable and can’t be transferred to future events.

Pre-hike email: Registrants will receive additional details by email the day before the hike, such as what to bring on the day, what to wear, etc.

Weather precautions: The hike will take place regardless of rain, wind, or snow, so please dress accordingly! We will only cancel or postpone the hike if weather conditions are considered extreme or dangerous, in which case registered hikers will be informed 48 hours in advance.

Questions? Email LetsHikeTO@gmail.com