Nice little area that has a parking lot and small picnic area and has the trail head opening for the East Don Trail

Did you know that dip in the Don Valley Parkway at Lawrence Ave E where you see the Rainbow Tunnel is actually park land that you can walk? There is a little driveway entrance (and tiny parking lots) east of the DVP off Lawrence which is convenient but parking near Eglinton Ave E gives you a big dramatic hill to walk down to begin and end your walk. Either way, you follow the Don River and among tall trees and you can imagine you are somewhere wild for a few minutes. I actually enjoy walking along it in winter too. You will eventually reach the Rainbow Tunnel that you see from the DVP. Now as cool as seeing the Rainbow Tunnel up close is, I found the other tunnel past the Rainbow even more of a find because you have no idea that you drive over it on the DVP! It is simple infrastructure but connects the east and west side along the DVP and the west side is a different style of park altogether with ponds instead of flowing water. Parking is available on the west side too. NYC has The High Line but Toronto has all its ravines and trails to its credit bridging neighbourhoods and environments. Check it all out and discover a bit of magic at home! Update May 2020: Construction is improving the access and walkability of this area with strong bridges and wide paved paths. Once completed it will be one of the best mid city nature areas for many to enjoy. Update October 2020: C19 has encouraged many of us to enjoy time spent outdoors and the fall colours have been particularly spectacular this year. Update October 2023: This year the colours are not as intense as in previous years, but the completion of the construction of paths and bridges south of Wynford has elevated Charles Sauriol Conservation Area to one of the city's best particularly for the autumn season.

I happened to come to this North York conservation area when it wasn't busy. Less than a third of the free parking spots were occupied; a good sign. Driving often on the Don Valley Parkway, I really didn't give much thought to the parkland and trail system that flanked the Don River system. I have seen the "rainbow tunnel" heading northbound many times. Now I know where it is on the trail. Today, I took time on this blistering hot and humid day to venture outdoors to this woodland area. I had to share the paved paths with a few cyclists but more people were on foot. It was quite enjoyable, quiet, and relaxing! An amazing feeling not having to wear a mask outdoors.

2022 April 4★ A very nice open area of green space in the city. Mature trees and along side the Don river stream right beside it, you'll enjoy walking though this area. Several bridges cross over the river at multiple areas and it's connected to several communities providing much needed green space. The river was once surrounded by vast tracts of forest, interspersed with wetlands meadows. But over the last 200 years, human settlement has brought hills, golf courses, housing developments, roads and rail have changed the look of the watershed. The East Don Trail runs through a relatively natural area of the Don River watershed, the Charles Sauriol Conservation Reserve. Milne Hollow at Lawrence Avenue East is the northern gateway to the conservation reserve and the north entrance to the East Don Trail. The trail connects Milne Hollow to Wyford at the south and across the river and the Don Valley Parkway to Moccasin Trail Park. With few large, undeveloped stretches of land nearby, the natural areas found in the Charles Sauriol Conservation Reserve provide good places for wildlife. Along the trail, there are a number of different types of habitat - the upland forests on the valley slopes, open meadows and young trees in Milne Hollow, and a wetland near the CP Rail The diversity of habitats means you may many kinds of wildlife on your visit, such as deer, beaver, fox, hawks, and many species of migratory birds. Free Limited Parking is available at certain areas around the entryways.

Beautiful park in the middle of the city. Great trail and Riverside.

One of my absolute favorite hikes in Toronto! It's a nice easy walk, with a slight steep at the end yut if you don't want to do it you can turn around. The rainbow bridge is a nice add on to the views.

Really beautiful area to go for a walk or even bike and see all the nature around you. I can just imagine how amazing it would look once all the trees grow their leaves but there's so many different bird species that can be found along the trail. I've spotted other animals like beavers and chipmunks and there's always something new to be found.

Lovely trails, Water bodies, full green and free parking too! Nice location in Scarborough.

Very serene place. Paved narrow roads all the way. No proper signage though but you won't get lost. Clean and green. Yes, just greens all around with water flowing along the way. Not much flowers.

Park is absolutely beautiful, i was told there is fishing certain times too.

Beautiful area for a peaceful walk, jog, run, etc. Absolutely gorgeous during the winter months with the snow.

Nice place to jog, run, walk and just chill with the nature but you must also be cautious for snakes, i found 2 species of snakes within a week. They are all juveniles tho. A lot of birds, chipmunks, squirrels, ducks, spiders, bugs etc but do not worry these creatures will not jump on you (well not yet 🤣) a little bit crowded during weekends. It gets a little muddy on some part of the trail. People I met ehile walking will greet you good morning, so be nice and acknowledge them too. Have fun!

I walk through these areas and think of what it must have been like to cottage and experience the don the same way this areas namesake experienced it. But not just him but the pioneers that he wrote about and work up did to preserve the don valley area. These walks are some of the best in Toronto. From Milnes hollow, you could junction to so many places in the city and connect with other trails up and down the don.

Oct 2022 Nice flat trail along don river, beautiful all year round, especially in autumn. Still be able to spot some salmon in the water. Parking at lawrence ave is quite limited, can hear the noise from highway in the first section of the trail.

Great place to hang out all year round. A lot of space for families to come and have a picnic . Nice trail for bicycles and joggers. There is a beautiful lake on the south side and a narrow river going through the east side. If you like outdoor activities you should definitely try this place out. Better come early in the morning to catch some fresh air.

This park is going to end up being my favourite walking and biking spot, it's peaceful and not a lot of people there so it's good. Just get your mosquito spray out after 7pm. I think this would be a good place for bird watchers.can't wait for it to be completed

This has to be one of the most beautiful places in the city to go for a walk and not feel like you’re in the city at all. It is great for all ages and has places to sit shopping the way if needed

Nice trails! Very good for a family walking! River is just beside you! And you can walk I think until downtown Toronto

Great park with beautiful bridges, river views. There are a lot of hills here… There are not public washrooms at the park.

A long peaceful trail, it was majestic with snow. You can use the main trail or do the loop by using smaller paths.

One of the best biking trails in Toronto. It’s a gorgeous path in the fall. I come down to watch the Salmon migration. Also, the downhill is a dream but you might have some trouble cycling back up!