The East Don Parkland is part of a long chain of parks following the East Don River. The East Don Trail snakes through these ravines and green spaces providing a beautiful opportunity for hiking and biking. The Don River empties into the Lake Ontario at Toronto Harbor.
This trail is around 10 kilometers in total length, running from Shepherd Avenue to the South and Steeles Avenue to the North. The trail meanders around the Don River a number of times.
The entire trail has an asphalt surface which is good for walking, running, biking as well as for strollers.
It is well maintained, and has a parking area and restrooms at the start of the Shepherd Ave East entrance.
There are a number of flora and fauna lining the trail path and when there is not much water flow during Summer seasons, one can go into the river bank and watch the water flowing up close.
The water level on the river is quite low during Summers.
It is said that salmons can be seen swimming up the river at times. It is also to be noted that foxes and other small wildlife can be observed during early mornings to the North of the trail.
It took me less than 2 hours to complete the first part of the trail as I stopped to explore the river banks and the flora around. It was a refreshing and not very tiring hike.
Thus concludes part one of this hike, and I will complete the rest of the trail on another day.