Sunnybrook Park and Burke Brook Ravine Loop

The full loop is approximately 5.2 km long and generally takes around 1 hour and 22 minutes to complete. This duration can vary based on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The trail offers a varied terrain, featuring both paved and gravel paths, especially in the ravine sections. You'll wander up and down hills, through cool, shaded forests and open, sun-drenched playing fields. Some sections include boardwalks, and there can be steep, challenging areas, particularly the descent into the ravine from Bayview Avenue, which can be difficult and muddy at times.

While some parts of the trail, especially the flats along Burke Brook, are easy, other sections are quite challenging. The descent into the ravine from Bayview Avenue is described as "steep and at places difficult," and some muddy areas might even require a knotted rope for assistance. Beginners should be prepared for varied conditions and potentially challenging slopes.

You'll pass through the historic former estate of Joseph Kilgour, with remnants like elaborate stone gates and a reconstructed log cabin. The Kilgour barns, now a public riding school, are also visible. The trail winds through the beautiful Sunnybrook Park and along Burke Brook, offering views of a Carolinian Forest and, from certain points, parts of the Toronto skyline.

Yes, the route connects to a larger network of paths. You'll find sections that overlap with trails like the Northern Ravines & Gardens Discovery Walk, Secret Hidden Trail, Roller Flowster, and the Burke Brook Ravine Boardwalk, among others. It also links to the broader Don Valley trail system.

The trail offers diverse scenery, from wild ravines to well-maintained garden settings and open grassy lawns. You'll walk through a Carolinian Forest with mature trees over 150 years old. The area is an Environmentally Significant Area, so keep an eye out for wildlife such as snapping turtles, Great Blue Herons, and Red-winged Blackbirds, especially near the wetland areas.

Parking is available at various points around Sunnybrook Park. For public transport, the park is accessible via several TTC bus routes that connect to subway stations. Check the TTC website for the most current routes and schedules to plan your approach.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. Sunnybrook Park also features designated off-leash dog areas, making it a great spot to bring your canine companion. Please ensure your dog is leashed in other areas and that you clean up after them.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming plants, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage. Summer is great for shaded sections, and winter offers a unique, serene experience, though some steep sections can become very muddy or icy, requiring extra caution. Consider visiting during drier periods if you prefer to avoid challenging muddy conditions.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access Sunnybrook Park or hike this trail. It is a public park managed by the City of Toronto, open for everyone to enjoy.

Be aware that the descent into the ravine from Bayview Avenue is particularly steep and can be difficult, especially after rain when it gets muddy. One section even has a knotted rope to assist hikers. If you prefer to avoid the steepest slopes, consider starting your hike from a different access point within Sunnybrook Park and exploring the easier, flatter sections along Burke Brook first.