Toronto Ravines by TTC: Eight Subway and Bus Entrances

Take Line 2 to Old Mill. The City’s Humber River, Old Mill and Marshes walk loops through the Humber River Valley from roughly Bloor Street south to Lake Ontario, and it suggests starting at the Old Mill subway station. The City lists Old Mill as the nearest TTC station for it. Want the lakefront instead? The TTC sends visitors to Humber Bay Parks from Old Mill by the 66B Prince Edward bus, and describes them as scenic waterfront parks known for skyline views, trails and birdwatching. Our Humber River trail guide goes further upstream.

Take Line 2 to Royal York, then the 48 Rathburn or the 73B and 73C Royal York bus northbound. The City says James Gardens is close to the Humber River and next to Ecologically Significant Lambton Woods, and is known for formal gardens, stone pathways, spring-fed pools, streams and mature trees. The City adds that the Humber River Recreation Trail follows the length of the historic Humber, with many access points, including James Gardens.

Take Line 2 to High Park Station and head southwest into the park. The City says bus route 203 High Park operates seasonally between the station and other destinations in the park, and the 506 Carlton streetcar also runs between Main Street Station and the High Park Loop. The City says approximately two-thirds of High Park remains in a natural state, and that environmental management within the Ravine Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy protects it. The City’s Western Ravines and Beaches walk starts at the High Park subway station and includes Rennie Park Ravine. Plan the full day with our High Park guide.

This one is a ravine you follow in your mind as much as underfoot. The City’s Garrison Creek walk starts at Christie Pits Park, across from Christie station, and follows the now-buried creek valley to Lake Ontario, visiting Trinity Bellwoods and Fort York. The City says Garrison Creek once flowed in a large deep ravine from north of St. Clair Avenue to the lake. Finish at the fort and read our Fort York guide.

Take Line 2 to Broadview. The City’s Don Valley Hills and Dales walk starts at Broadview subway station and passes Riverdale Farm, the Prince Edward Viaduct, Chester Springs Marsh and Todmorden Mills. The TTC route to Todmorden Mills is the 8 Broadview bus northbound from the station, then a walk down Pottery Road.

The City calls Todmorden Mills a secret place hidden in the Don River Valley. Its grounds hold a 9.2 hectare wildflower preserve whose trail winds through upland forest, bottomland forest, swamp, pond and meadow habitats. General admission to the heritage site is free.

Take Line 1 to Davisville, then the 28 Bayview South bus. The City calls Don Valley Brick Works Park a former quarry that is now a flagship natural environment park, and says its trails connect to the Belt Line Trail by a paved ramp. Evergreen also runs a free shuttle bus, seven days a week all year, between Broadview Station and the Brick Works. Our Evergreen Brick Works guide has the rest.

Take Line 1 to Lawrence. The City’s Northern Ravines and Gardens walk starts at Lawrence subway station and leads through the Lawrence Park, Chatsworth, Blythwood and Sherwood Park ravines. For a bigger green space, the TTC sends visitors to Sunnybrook Park on the 162 Lawrence-Donway bus from Lawrence Station. The City describes Sunnybrook as a 154-hectare park whose ravine land is home to Glendon Forest, an Environmentally Significant Area, and one of the top spots to see birds in the city. The City also lists Sunnybrook Park among its ten Ravine Strategy priority investment areas.

Take Line 5 to Laird, then the 51 Leslie bus northbound. The City says Edwards Gardens has perennials and roses on the uplands and wildflowers, rhododendrons and an extensive rockery in the valley. Its Wilket Creek Trail links to Wilket Creek Park and Sunnybrook Park, so you can stitch two entrances into one walk.