Toronto Discovery Walks

As the weather and nature are constantly changing, our exercise habits may be following a similar path. As it gets cold and dark outside, wouldn’t you rather be cuddled up in a warm blanket drinking a delicious tea (or a PSL, something I’m currently obsessed with)? I think it’s important to spice things up, and be creative with your workouts – don’t stick to the same old, try something new!

Recently, my boyfriend and I walked the ‘Northern Ravines and Gardens‘ Discovery Walk. This is a program featuring trails all across Toronto, aimed to encourage exercise and for Torontonians to experience the green spaces in their backyard. Spattered throughout the walks are posted signs featuring important facts about the path you were on. For instance, we learned that Sherwood Park actually contains remnants of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest!

Obvious benefits of exercise aside, these walks are a great way to spend an afternoon with a friend (furry ones included) and to discover the hidden green gems of the city.

If you are planning on going on one of these walks, here are some things I would recommend:

• A map. I’ve done two of these walks so far, and would have gotten lost had it not been for this very important piece of paper. While you would expect many signs to be posted (similar to the one below), there aren’t and you could find yourself needing to cross a small body of water (true story!).
• Comfortable shoes. Flats, heels, sandals… these aren’t going to cut it.  I wore my Nike Frees+ which are so incredibly comfortable (and as a bonus, I tracked my walk with NikePlus).
• Warm clothing. Weather dependent.
• Water and snacks. This 6km walk didn’t need snacks. But our 14km (one way!), on the other hand, required lots of snacks (we tackled the Central Ravine, Belt Line, and Gardens back in July).