'Fall'-ing through Sherwood Forest to the Don

This loop weaves together four of Toronto’s most beautiful ravines: Sherwood Park, Wilket Creek, Glendon Forest, and the West Don Valley. The route follows a continuous green corridor across Midtown. The route offers forested trails, open meadows, and tranquil creeks that make you forget you’re still within city limits. It’s the perfect half-day adventure accessible entirely by public transit. Starting at Sherwood Park, you’ll follow Burke Brook through maple and oak forest before crossing Bayview Avenue into the Wilket Creek Trail. This section meanders beside the creek toward Edwards Gardens and the Toronto Botanical Garden.

A short paved connector west along Lawrence Avenue brings you to the Glendon Forest Trail, which descends steeply through hardwood forest to the West Don River. From here, the West Don Trail winds south beneath a cathedral of trees, with bridges and quiet clearings ideal for rest or photos. The loop closes by following the Sunnybrook fields and ravine connectors back toward Sherwood Park.

Autumn transforms this route into a living painting. Sherwood’s dense canopy burns gold, while Glendon’s hillsides burst with beech and birch hues. Fallen leaves soften the path, and the crisp air enhances the scent of the forest floor. In summer, the route is lush and shaded; in spring, expect wildflowers and high water in the creeks.

Burke Brook boardwalks are magical in early morning light, while the bridges of Glendon Forest glow golden by mid-afternoon. The West Don footbridge offers reflections of red maples in October, and Sunnybrook’s open fields make for sunset panoramas.

These ravines trace ancient water routes of the Don River watershed, part of the Dish with One Spoon territory, a sacred agreement among the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and allied nations to share the land peacefully and responsibly. Archaeological sites along the Don reveal hearths and fishing weirs used by the Huron-Wendat and Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. Walking this loop is a chance to reflect on that enduring stewardship and the continuing connection of Indigenous peoples to these lands.

We will start at 9:00 am, when sunlight filters through the ravines and the city is still quiet. You’ll reach Edwards Gardens around midday. This is perfect for a rest stop. We will finish by early afternoon when the west-facing slopes of Sunnybrook glow in warm light. This route embodies Toronto’s “city in a forest” spirit, an immersive, restorative walk connecting history, ecology, and reflection in one loop.

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: Sherwood Ave Trailhead. Yonge and Alexander Muir rd. We will set off at 9:00 am. Plan to arrive at the start point at 8:45 am sharp as we aren't able to wait for latecomers. 

End Point: Sherwood Ave Trailhead. Yonge and Alexander Muir rd.

Length:  13 km

Pace of hike: 4.5km per hour - Moderate

Difficulty: Intermediate

Terrain Type: Minor rocky, muddy terrain, and some paved or gravel areas.

Dog-friendly: No

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

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

Requiring hiking boots: Absolutely essential - hikers MUST have these to take part.

Requiring walking poles: Not Required.

What To Expect:

Hike leader: Rory (he/him)

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 circumstance.

Limited tickets: This hike is restricted to 30 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