Closure check: September 5, 2026. Betty Sutherland Trail is closed until December 2026 for the Hwy 401/Leslie Road interchange reconstruction and has been removed from this list — see our running guide for details. Lower Don Trail's Riverdale Pedestrian Bridge connection is also closed pending a fall 2026 repair closure.
From paved valley paths to forested singletrack, here are the best places in North York to catch peak fall colours—plus distances, walk times, difficulty, and options for families, joggers and cyclists.
In southern Ontario, fall foliage typically begins in late September and peaks between early and mid-October. Cooler nights and sunny days boost the intensity of red and purple tones, while maples, oaks, and birches put on their most vibrant displays.
North York's ravines run a week or so behind the open parks. Sheltered valley floors — Wilket Creek, Burke Brook, the East Don — hold their canopy longer than exposed ridges at Downsview or Earl Bales, so a walk that looks past its peak up top is often still worth it down in the valley.
Two changes matter for anyone planning a longer walk this autumn.
Phase 1 of the East Don Trail was completed in July 2026, leaving the route fully paved from Taylor Creek through to Bermondsey. Phase 2 finished back in November 2020; Phase 3, which joins the two, is in detailed design. Once it lands, the corridor will run unbroken from Lawrence Avenue East to Lake Ontario. TRCA project page.
The Loop is a planned 80 km circular trail stitching together the Don and Humber valleys, the Finch Hydro Corridor and the waterfront. Preliminary hub concept designs were delivered in April 2026; full-scale construction is scheduled for spring 2028 through winter 2030. It will not change your walk this October, but it is the reason several ravine connections are being redesigned. looptrail.ca.
The best time to photograph fall colours is during the "golden hours"—early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM)—when soft, angled light makes colours glow and reduces harsh shadows.
Many of these trails—especially Sunnybrook Park, Edwards Gardens, and the Lower Don Trail—offer excellent photo opportunities with varied landscapes and natural framing.
These trails showcase North York's natural beauty during autumn. Chinook and coho salmon run the Don and Humber in the same weeks the colour turns, roughly mid-September to late October — our salmon run guide covers the 2025 season and the viewing spots, which do not move year to year.
Flat, paved and family-friendly; a great circuit for walkers, joggers and cyclists with benches and viewpoints.
Best for: Families with strollers, beginner cyclists, casual walks
Time ~1 hr Easy Paved • Multi-use
Mature forest with wide paths and rolling terrain. Stroller-friendly sections, playgrounds and picnic areas nearby.
Best for: Families with kids, nature walks, picnics
~1 hr Easy–Moderate Mixed surface • Multi-use
Scenic loop past wetlands, meadows and riverside woods. Flat and accessible; popular for family walks, jogging and cycling.
Best for: Birdwatching, jogging, family cycling
1–1.5 hr Easy Asphalt & gravel • Multi-use
A beautiful valley loop linking Sunnybrook, Wilket Creek, Edwards Gardens and the Toronto Botanical Garden.
Best for: Photography, scenic views, longer walks
1.5–2 hr Moderate Mostly paved • One steep hill
Paved multi-use trail along the Don River. Flat and scenic; ideal for jogging, cycling or a leisurely walk.
Closure note: the sloped pathway connecting the trail to the Riverdale Park Pedestrian Bridge is closed, and the City has a temporary full trail closure planned for fall 2026 after Thanksgiving weekend to finish that connection — check toronto.ca before you go.
Best for: Cycling, jogging, river views, salmon viewing (fall)
1–1.5 hr Easy Paved • Multi-use
Quiet paved path through residential areas and parkland. Great for a quick walk or jog with fall foliage.
Best for: Quick walks, jogging, dog walking
45 min–1 hr Easy Paved • Multi-use
Quiet wooded park with gentle trails. Less crowded; perfect for a peaceful fall walk.
Best for: Peaceful walks, avoiding crowds, meditation
30–45 min Easy Natural surface
Manicured gardens with paved and gravel paths. Stunning fall colours, benches and photo opportunities.
Best for: Photography, romantic walks, accessibility
30 min–1 hr Easy Paved & gravel • Accessible
Ratings and review counts are from AllTrails, checked June 2026. Distances are the full out-and-back or loop as AllTrails records them, which is sometimes longer than the walk most people actually do.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | AllTrails | Why it's good in fall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Don Parkland (Leslie section) | 10.5 km out-and-back | Easy, flat | 4.5★ · 1,692 reviews | Paved and wide the whole way; newly continuous after the July 2026 Phase 1 completion. |
| Edwards Gardens + Wilket Creek | 3.7 km out-and-back | Easy | 4.5★ · 1,185 reviews | The widest mix of species in North York, so the colour range is the best of any single walk. |
| Sherwood Park (Burke Brook) | ~4 km | Easy-Moderate | 4.4★ · 648 reviews | Long boardwalks under 150-year-old trees; feels remote despite being minutes from Yonge. |
| Blythwood Ravine | 4.5 km | Easy | 4.5★ · 557 reviews | Old-growth corridor along Burke Brook, entered from Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens. |
| G. Ross Lord Park Loop | 5.1 km loop | Easy | 4.0★ · 274 reviews | 350+ acres of sugar maple, wetland and meadow — the most reliable red in North York. |
📸 Exploring North York's fall trails this weekend? Share your favourite spots and photos with #NorthYorkGuide on social media!