To the Airport along the Etobicoke Creek (16 km) (9/7/2013)

Did you know that nearly one-third of Toronto Pearson International Airport land is made up of grasslands, farms and creek valley? Or that there is an open-to-public trail that runs through it?

As part of this beginner D4 hike, we'll traverse the Etobicoke Creek Trail, which runs along the natural border between the cities of Toronto and Mississauga.

We will meet at the North-West corner of Burnhamthorpe Rd E & Mill Rd (see public transit directions below), and start our journey near the Garnetwood Park. In the first half, we'll walk along the Toronto side of the Etobikcoke Creek, covering parts of the Wood Creek Park and the Centennial Park on our way to the Airport land. We'll take a snack break at the Airport (on the grassland located at the border, not the lounge inside!). We'll return via a slightly different part along the Etobicoke Creek, covering the Mississauga side partially. The hike will end not far away from where we started. Drivers can end the hike at the Fleetwood Park (15 km), near the parking spot. The rest of us will walk an extra km through the Bloordale Park, and stop close to TTC and MiWay access.

We will not be walking on the main Etobicoke Creek Trail all the time: there are parts where the path is unmaintained; a few places might be muddy (depending on the weather), and there are a couple of hilly descents. As per the TOC difficulty rating guidelines, a 14+ km hike with a speed above 3.5 km/hr should be rated D4. I'm rating the event accordingly to avoid any complaints.

That said, a major portion of the terrain (esp. the main Etobicoke Creek Trail around the airport) is quite gentle. And the 16 km distance is not a big deal, considering the fact that the public transit is always nearby, in case your legs give up. We'll be walking at a comfortable pace of around 3.5-4 km/hr. Hence the word "Beginner".

Map
(doesn't show the return path, which runs parallel to the trail shown below)

We will meet at the North-West corner of Burnhamthorpe Rd E & Mill Rd (TTC and MiWay bus stop is across the road). This place is accessible via:

• TTC B us #50 from Islington Station
• MiWay Bus #26 and Bus #20 from Islington Station and Square One
• TTC B us #49 from Kipling Station + 5 min walk
• Car: Parking is available at the Fleetwood Park and the Garnetwood Park (2 min walk)

Note: The Bus ride from Islington to the meeting point takes around 20 min. So, plan to arrive at Islington at 9:00 am.

• This hike will go on, rain or shine
• Some parts of the trail require the dogs to be on a leash.
Photo Credits: Utkarsh
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- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
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