Malton Greenway follows the Mimico Creek in the Malton area. This trail follows a narrow greenzone through the centre of a built up residential and commercial area. I think the idea of the trail is great and it is promoted...but the love stops there. Lots of litter along the way even though there are lots of garbage bins along the length of the path. The overhanding branches and waterside grasses of the creek are littered with tangled remains of bags and other debris. The last entry on the "greenway cleanup site" is Aug 2009....which says it all.
Most of the trail is a paved bike path. There are the rare narrow dirt trails to get closs to the creek.
South of Derry Road, into Wildwood Park, is a wide mown grass trail. This is where Wildwood Park Trail begins and his section of the trail is much more pleasant.
The trail runs mainly north south along the creek and the map provided is quite good
Web site for map http://www.trca.on.ca/dotAsset/38548.pdf
Location: Malton
Directions: Derry Road East and Goreway Dr
turn south on Goreway Dr
turn right into Wildwood Park
Parking: right at the entrance to the Park
Rattray Marsh Conservation Area is located between Lakeshore Rd and the waterfront. As you walk here you can see the Sheridan River, woodlands marshes and Lake Ontario with views toward the skyline of Toronto
The gravel trails are wide and smooth, the wet areas have well maintained boardwalk paths.
You can easily access the pebble beach and walk along the edge of the lake.
There are extensive trails through beautiful scenery so it becomes a delightful stroll or power walk hike depending on your desire. My first visit I spent over 2 hours just walking, looking and enjoying.
web site with more information on the area
http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/enjoy-the-outdoors/conservation-areas/rattray-marsh-conservation-area/
Location: Mississauga / south of the Lakeshore
Directions: Lakeshore Rd and Meadow Wood Rd
turn south onto Meadow Wood Rd.
As you come to the small bridge look on the left for the sign to the Conservation area with parking for 3 cars.
There is a stone arch to enter the trail and large sign with a trail map.
The foot of Bexhill Road is another entrance
Colonel Samuel Smith Park is right on the waterfront. As you walk here you can see Lake Ontario, the waves crashing on the shore and the Toronto city skyline.
The gravel trails are wide and smooth, and the narrow earth trails allow you to take exploratory side trips to get even closer to nature.
There is an extensive system of trails so it becomes easy to add variety to your route.
web site with more information on the park
http://kidsenergyburner.com/playgrounds/parks/colonel-samuel-smith-park-toronto-ontario
Location: Toronto / south Etobicoke
Directions: Lakeshore Rd and Kipling Ave
turn south onto
Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr
drive past Humber College
drive past the Yacht Club
Parking: at the very end of the road there is parking on the left
I know walking is a good fitness program but walking the same circuit in my neighbourhood is so boring!
I have a short attention span!
I get bored very quickly.
I want to hike different trails often!
Do any of these phrases strike a resonance with you?
Then join me as I explore my home city to find alternate places to walk for fitness.
