East Don Trail Phase 1 opens Sunday, closing major gap in Toronto ravine network
The 6.3-kilometre multi-use trail will connect the Don Valley's north and south sections after over a decade of planning and construction.
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Hikers and cyclists will soon find it easier to navigate the Don Valley as the City of Toronto and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority officially open Phase 1 of the East Don Trail on July 13.
The new 6.3-kilometre multi-use trail closes one of the biggest missing links in the network, creating a continuous route from Toronto's north end through the ravine system. Construction has been underway since 2018, though the project was first identified as a priority back in 2011. Finishing touches including final paving, restoration work, and connections to Charles Sauriol Park and the Lower Don Trail are now complete.
Oddly, Phase 2 was actually finished before Phase 1, extending 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, though design work is only just beginning with no word yet on construction timelines.
For regular Don Valley hikers, the opening means longer uninterrupted walks instead of doubling back or navigating out of the ravine as daylight fades.
