Hiking Toronto for Dog Lovers

Explore the Lower Don Trails under the Bloor Street Viaduct between Carlton Street and Pottery Road.  In this 7.5 km hike, you'll pass through several iconic Toronto locations, including Cabbagetown favourites: Riverdale Park and Riverdale Farm, Wellesely Park and Necropolis Cemetery, a sculpture garden, the Don River, Pottery Road, Evergreen Brickworks and Rosedale Valley Road. I call this an epic hike because it takes you through several hiking hotspots in Toronto, but it's only a 7.5k loop in reality. Parking Because this hike takes you through several parks, there are many starting points.  We parked in a free spot at Riverdale Park West ( 387 Carlton Street ), where you'll see the entrance to the Riverdale Farm, typical Cabbagetown homes, a tree sculpture and a map of the entire area.  Riverdale Park West After parking, head down the hill to the field with the Sam Pollock ball diamond. This entire field is a permanent off-leash area for dogs. There are stairs on the ...

Explore Toronto history by taking a hike through the Tordmorden Mills Heritage Site. If you've travelled on the DVP, you've likely noticed the iconic tower. The route I recently discovered combines seeing the buildings of Todmorden Mills, hiking the trails on the site, as well as visiting the Chester Hill Lookout and a few places along the Lower Don Trail. This might seem ambitious, but we did all of this about 5 km. Parking At the bottom of Beechwood Drive off of O'Connor, there is a free parking area near the entrance of Toronto Police Dog Services. Suggested Route The route I suggest begins on Beechwood Drive. Walk south on the Lower Don Trail to Pottery Road. After crossing the street, turn left on Pottery Road to the entrance of Todmorden Mills Heritage Site. Visit the historic buildings and hike the trails up to Broadlands. Walk to Chester Hill to the Lookout.  Autumn Vibes The trails are beautiful in September and October as the days get shorter and the foliage gets...