One of the most beautiful and "northern-feeling" areas I have ever seen
in Toronto is in the East Don Parklands. This trail consists of a few
hills but is also an easy one and a moderate trek taking you well over
an hour to finish on foot.
There are several small footpaths along the way (like all trails) running off the main trail where you
will be transported into landscapes reminiscent of Algonquin near some
wetlands and bogs, and at other times in the midst of majestic and
secluded forests and a rushing river.
I found more wildlife in this little bit of trail than I had in dozens
of larger ones in the city. It is very well preserved and enjoyed. We
heard a Chinese man playing his flute to the trees in a cultural
offering. We
saw turtles happily swimming upwards towards the creek bed, and frogs
sitting unbeknownst to onlookers beside some tasty grubby treats. We
smelled acres and acres of lilacs which scented most of the
way.
Other than the Humber Trail out west in city, I think you will find this to be on your favorite list as well.
The
East Don Parklands is part of a watershed which I mentioned before in
my blog. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a river system
and in Toronto that ultimately ends up in Lake Ontario. So no matter where you
live you are in a watershed.
The trail actually starts from German Mills Creek (a tributary of the
East Don) just north of Steeles, but I ran out of time so will have to
extend just a little bit to cover the area north of Steeles next trip in
the area.
The East Don watershed travels south and wiggles southwest and southeast
from Steeles to York Mills Road passing through East Don Parkland,
Alamosa, Villaways and finally through the Betty Sutherland Trail park
(see this blog).
The
Don River is one of many rivers and streams that flow south from Oak
Ridges Moraine into the Lake. Its three main tributaries are Taylor
Massey Creek, West Don and the East Don.
The
Don River and its contribution to the watershed covers over 360 square
kilometres, and this area is home to over 800,000 people and 80% urbanized.
That puts this watershed under a lot of pressure.
There is a continual effort by the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority and many local volunteers to help out by planting trees and
shrubs every year. This aids in the collection of
pollutants, keeping them from the water, it is also known as a tree canopy. Currently
the tree canopy covers over 7%; this number is set to rise in the future
as more and more people are becoming aware of the overall importance of
the watersheds and the natural environment to nature, wildlife and
ultimately to our own health.
I found this article from last year in the Toronto Star about the importance of
tree canopies in cities, and thought it was worth sharing.
Happy Trails!
After dinner, we decided to go for a walk through the Mount Pleasant Cemetery (been here before see blog), located in the heart of Toronto. 
I was elated to find something at least a little different. I saw an Eastern Grey Squirrel, which is less common than the typical black squirrel I have seen around. This one looked as though it was praying. Fitting for a cemetery, I suppose. There were lots of vibrant colours around from lilacs to Maple trees, which was a nice change from the more common greens found in the late spring and summer time.
Some interesting finds tonight were the interesting "FREE MASONS" which had some masonry work toppled over? A very small grave stone etched, "MOTHER FATHER" which I found very very sad. In keeping with Father's Day coming up this weekend, I am hoping to be able to take my own father out to a trail which I think he'll enjoy that is close to him, and easy for him to walk through.
I also saw a tombstone marked, "King Stark" which can only be appreciated by die-hard Game of Thrones fans!!
Just for a point of interest, there are several guided tours than can be personalized to suit your schedule. This goes on all year long. In the guided tours you will hear about some of the nations leading citizens and families. Some of whom went on to achieve wealth and fame in Canadian and Toronto history such as the Massey and the Eaton families. Others are William Lyon Mackenzie King (Canada's longest serving Prime Minister, Mary Pickford (world's first movie star), while still others will be names are unknown to almost everyone today. 
Whether you are part of a guiding tour on going for a stroll on your own, there is over 83 hectares of land space dating back over 130 years ago, full of
mature trees and shrubs inhabiting all kinds of species of birds and
squirrels. All in all there are several picturesque and dramatic views as the
geology contains several plateaus, ravines and valleys that you will enjoy. 
