Urban Hike Through David Balfour Park and Downtown Toronto to Indigenous Legacy Gathering

Join us for a hike in the days leading up to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Taking place the Saturday before September 30, this hike offers an opportunity to honor and acknowledge the significance of these important observances.

We will be starting at David Balfour Park and walking 45 minutes along David Balfour Park Trail and about one hour through Downtown Toronto to the Indigenous Legacy Gathering at Nathan Phillips Square that the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre is hosting.

David Balfour Park has a long history with Indigenous peoples and was an important hunting ground, specifically for the Mississaugas, who maintained the area as a meadow to attract animals into the environment. The trail is beautiful at this time of year with fall colours.

The highlight of the hike will be attending the Indigenous Legacy Gathering, an event that honours and appreciates the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures. Open to the public, this gathering is not only a celebration but also an enlightening educational experience. We will be ending our hike at 12:30 p.m., when you'll have the chance to enjoy the gathering's festivities at Nathan Phillips Square.

This hike is being led by a Let's Hike T.O. volunteer, who does not identify as Indigenous, though aims to learn more about and educate herself on Indigenous culture, customs, and contributions both past and present.

You are invited to wear an orange shirt and bring funds to support the vendors at the event if you're able. You can learn more about the event at the Indigenous Legacy Gathering webpage.

All proceeds from this hike will be donated to the organization hosting the Indigenous Legacy Gathering -  Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre. The centre is a cultural agency that provides counseling, material assistance, and other direct services to First Nations people as well as to encourage and enhance spiritual and personal growth.

Let's Hike T.O. is a hiking community open to everyone with a focus on newcomers, people of colour, and young adults.  All are welcome on our walks!

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Start Point: David A. Balfour Park (75 Rosehill Ave, Toronto, Ontario) [Google Maps Link] - We will set off at 10am. Plan to arrive at the start point 15 mins before departure time as we aren't able to wait for latecomers. 

End Point: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St West)  [Google Maps Link]

Length: 8 km

Pace of hike: 4km per hour - Moderate

Difficulty: Intermediate

Dog-friendly: No

Family-friendly: (suitable for young people 17 and under) Yes

Stroller-friendly: (paved trails accessible for strollers) No

Requiring hiking boots: No

Requiring walking poles: No

What To Expect:

Hike leader: Nana (she/her)

Registration fee: $5 + service fee though if you cannot afford it, please contact us at letshiketo@gmail.com to request a complimentary registration based on your circumstance.

Limited tickets: This hike is restricted to 15 registrants. Tickets will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, are non-refundable and can’t be transferred to future events.

Pre-hike email: Registrants will receive additional details by email the day before the hike, such as what to bring on the day, what to wear, etc.

Weather precautions: The hike will take place regardless of rain, wind, or snow so please dress accordingly! We will only cancel or postpone the hike if weather conditions are considered extreme or dangerous, in which case registered hikers will be informed 48 hours in advance.

Questions? Email LetsHikeTO@gmail.com