**SOLD OUT**- Crothers Woods & Sun Valley City Escape

Come join us on this hike that connects Crothers Woods, Sun Valley, and Cottonwood Flats, three natural areas within the Lower Don River Valley—one of Toronto’s most scenic and ecologically rich ravine systems. Crothers Woods is a 52-hectare Carolinian forest remnant, rare in Toronto, known for its maple–beech canopy, forested hillsides, and technical singletrack trails used by hikers and cyclists. Sun Valley was once a landfill, closed in 1965, and has since been restored into meadow and young woodland habitat through decades of replanting and natural regeneration. Cottonwood Flats was used as a city snow dump until 1999 and has since become a 7-hectare parkland of open meadow, wetland, and forest—a striking example of nature reclaiming industrial land.

What I think makes it fun/adventurous: The route features varied terrain: forested paths, winding up and down dirt trails, and wooden boardwalks along the Don River. So, it's a little bit of everything! Though not as scenic as it is in the spring/summer and fall, its quiet stillness at this time of year and tucked-away feel offers a sense of being “lost-in-the-woods” without leaving the city.

Regarding special equipment: Nothing is required. However, the hike is quite technical in certain sections so a trekking pole might be handy!

Let's Hike T.O. is a hiking community open to everyone with a focus on newcomers, people of colour, and young adults. All are welcome on our walks!

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Start Point: Loblaws, 11 Redway Rd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P6. LINK. Plan to arrive at the start point at 1:45 pm sharp as we aren't able to wait for latecomers.

End Point: Loblaws, 11 Redway Rd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P6. LINK.

Length: 6 km

Pace of hike: 3.5km per hour - Relaxed

Difficulty: Beginner

Terrain Type: Mostly rocky, muddy terrain with multiple up and down trails (not steep); there's a brief section of the hike where the terrain is relatively flat (once we enter Sun Valley and venture into the Cottonwood Flats).

Dog-friendly: No

Family-friendly:(suitable for young people 17 and under) No

Stroller-friendly: (paved trails accessible for strollers) No

Hiking Boots: Absolutely essential - hikers MUST have these to take part.
Walking Poles: Recommended but not essential.
Ice cleats/crampons: Not required.

What To Expect

Hike leader: Stacey(she/her)

Registration fee: $4.08 + Eventbrite fees though if you cannot afford it, please contact us at [email protected] to request a discounted ticket based on your circumstances.

Limited tickets: This hike is restricted to 15 registrants. Tickets will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis and are non-refundable.

Pre-hike email: Registrants will receive additional details by email the day before the hike, such as what to bring on the day, what to wear, etc.

Weather precautions: The hike will take place regardless of rain, wind, or snow so please dress accordingly! We will only cancel or postpone the hike if weather conditions are considered extreme or dangerous, in which case registered hikers will be informed 48 hours in advance.

Questions? Email [email protected]

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