Long-awaited Toronto trail finally opens next week to fill major gap in network

Hikers and cyclists will soon find it easier to get around the Don Valley in Toronto without hitting a dead end.

On July 13, the City of Toronto and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) will officially open Phase 1 of the East Don Trail, closing one of the biggest missing links in the trail network and ravine system, and opening up a new way to explore one of the city's best natural spaces.

According to the TRCA, the new 6.3-kilometre multi-use trail will make it easier to hike or bike through the area, with future phases eventually creating a continuous trail connecting Toronto's north end to Lake Ontario.

Trail map. Photo: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

It's been a long hike to the finish line.

The East Don Trail has been in the works for well over a decade, having first been identified as a priority project back in 2011. Construction started all the way back in 2018, and crews have spent the past few months putting the finishing touches on Phase 1, including the final paving, restoration work and connections to Charles Sauriol Park and the Lower Don Trail.

Construction on Phase 1 of the East Don Trail. Photo:  Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

As someone who loves hiking the Don Valley throughout all four seasons, I'm pretty excited about this one. Closing the gap means longer, uninterrupted walks instead of doubling back or trying to navigate your way out of the ravine as daylight fades.

Oddly enough, Phase 2 was actually finished before Phase 1, which extended the trail north from Wynford Heights Crescent to Wigmore Park at Elvaston Drive.

Phase 3 will eventually connect the two sections into one continuous route. TRCA says design work has already started, but there is no word yet on when construction will begin.