East Don Parkland Trail

 Although the first of June called for rain later in the afternoon, we never saw a hint of it.  It was moderately warm with sapphire blue skies threaded with white lace.  Preparing to get rained on I wanted us to set out early Saturday morning so I could get a good dose of vitamin D and catch a few shots with my dusty camera.

Speaking about vitamin D, did you know that it’s pretty common for Canadians to develop a deficiency due to our inclement weather and long winters covering our skin up when we go outside.  

A deficiency can cause bone pain, tiredness and even depression.  So a good vitamin D supplement in the cooler months just to get yourself back on track if you develop these symptoms is a good idea (1000mm).

We started our trail at the corner of Don Mills Road and McNichol Avenue and walked northwest through Duncan Creek park until we reached Leslie street.  It was only 1.5 km walk and certainly not enough to feel like it was worth the trip so we crossed Leslie and did the East Don Parkland trail as well before going for lunch.

The East Don Parkland Trail is about a 6 Km hike, through moderately trafficked walk starting from Leslie and Steeles to Leslie and Sheppard.  It is mostly a paved, shared pathway with cyclists, joggers and trail blazers.  It is located in the valley so it will always be parkland as there’s nothing else that can really be done to it since condominiums won’t be built in a valley. 

It’s just wonderful that the City has the vision of keeping this land as it is and there are so many parks and trails in Toronto that feel at times that you’ve traveled a distance outside of the city to get the same natural settings as you experience here.

Niagara Parks Commission Trail (Niagara Falls)

The next time you're in the Niagara Falls area sightseeing or trying your luck at the casino, take a long walk along the Niagara Parks Commission Trail Route along River Road.  There's a tourist attraction as part of the Rapids in the Niagara River where you can take a chute down and walk along the about a half mile of a wooden boardwalk, where you'll see the grand rapids up close.

It's exciting to watch and to listen to.  The roar of the powerful cyclonic water smashing against rocks can be terrifying, but that's about all you get down there and for the money, I don't really think it's worth it even if it's a one-time deal.   Along River Road you'll be able to see some good views as well as stretch your legs after a long drive. 

Here are just a few:









By the way on the way back towards the hyper action of the casino and other Niagara sites, you can check out the Olympic Torch Run Legacy Trail which runs perpendicular to Palmer avenue from Niagara Parkway northeast to Niagara Falls City Hall (it's not very long)  only 1and a half kilometres, but it's worth noting.


By the way:

If you are a die-hard tourist though and really need to say you've done it, then you'll walk along to 4330 River Road.  The Attraction is called, "White Water Walk"