Cherry Beach Reborn
About this Event
Discover how nature is reclaiming and restoring a Toronto waterfront transformed by centuries of human activity, and see how ecological restoration is helping protect the area's rich natural heritage.
Walk along Toronto’s eastern waterfront to explore the many layers of a landscape that has been dramatically reshaped over the past two centuries. Look across the Outer Harbour to Tommy Thompson Park and hear how a breakwater built from construction debris evolved into an important habitat for birds, mammals, and fish. You’ll also learn how invasive plants are transforming local ecosystems, and see how volunteers are removing them and reintroducing native species to help biodiversity flourish. Beyond its environmental history, you’ll explore the different communities that have found space at Cherry Beach, including its longstanding significance to Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
About the Tour Leader
After spending 20 years teaching Geography and Environmental Studies, James Abbott became a volunteer with Toronto Nature Stewards, a community of nature restoration volunteers passionate about building self-sustaining urban ecosystems. As a nature steward at Cherry Beach for 4 years, what he finds most interesting about Cherry Beach is that it is a ‘natural experiment’ - most of the vegetation there was not planted on purpose. It is rewarding to make this area a healthy environment for both humans and wildlife, and James is grateful for the opportunity to show what’s been achieved there.
Start Point: Southern end of Regatta Road (2 Regatta Rd)
Our staff and volunteers will be at the tour's starting location 30 minutes prior to each tour. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the tour to allow time for check-in. Feel free to call us at (647) 542-3450 if you are having trouble finding the start location.
End Point: Southern end of Regatta Road (2 Regatta Rd)
Length of Tour: Approximately 90 minutes
Distance and Terrain: This tour is approximately 1.2 km, with many sections on unpaved nature paths.
Ticket Price and Registration: This tour is provided for $8.00/person. The total cost is $10.05 (includes a $2.05 transaction fee). Please note that space is limited on our tours. You may not be able to join a tour group if you have not registered ahead of time. Cash cannot be accepted onsite.
This tour uses individual audio headsets. All registered participants will be provided with an individual headset that will allow you to hear the tour guide throughout the tour.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00 to CAD 11.04
