The Don River isn’t just water—it’s the soul of Toronto’s evolution. From misty mornings to golden sunsets, it flows quietly, witnessing the city grow, change, and thrive. Every ripple tells a story: of land, people, and the enduring bond between nature and urban life.




















Everything you need to know about Don River
Stay at The Don Valley Hotel, located just steps from the Don River Greenway. This eco-conscious property offers rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river’s natural corridor, perfect for watching seasonal changes and local wildlife. The hotel provides complimentary bicycles to explore the Don River Trail, a key route through Toronto’s urban green belt.
It features an eco-dining restaurant serving locally sourced, organic ingredients and hosts monthly river conservation workshops that educate guests on the ecological importance of the Don River watershed. Whether you're enjoying a morning walk or sunset views, this hotel delivers a seamless blend of urban living and nature immersion.
From the Don River corridor, take the TTC 501 Queen Streetcar or 504 King Streetcar to stations like Danforth Avenue or Rosedale Avenue, then transfer to the subway—just 20 minutes to Union Station, the city’s main transit hub. From there, access major shopping districts, museums, and theatres.
Alternatively, the Don River Trail is a fully paved greenway connecting Scarborough to downtown Toronto, ideal for biking or walking. Many hotels offer free e-scooter shuttles, enabling low-emission travel into the city core. Enjoy both seamless transit connectivity and sustainable mobility while exploring the heart of Toronto.
The Don River corridor offers immersive outdoor experiences including nature walks, birdwatching tours, and waterfront education workshops. Each spring, Don River Wetlands Park hosts the "Wildlife Safari," where visitors use binoculars to spot rare species like Red-winged Blackbirds and Great Blue Herons.
In summer, guided kayaking excursions navigate the river’s calm stretches, offering close-up views of riverside forests and wildflowers. Fall brings the "Leaf Discovery Day," combining nature art projects with environmental learning. Organized by the Toronto Naturalist Society, many events are free and include kids’ gear kits, making it a top choice for family adventures and deep engagement with Toronto’s urban green artery.
Near the Don River, families love visiting Don River Family Park and the Toronto Children’s Museum, both accessible via the scenic Don River Greenway. Stay at Don River Family Resort, which features a kids’ indoor playroom, family camping zone, and outdoor BBQ pavilion, plus spacious family suites and crib rentals.
Daily parent-child nature workshops—like "Discovering Stream Life" and "Creating Tree Art"—engage children in hands-on ecological learning. Weekends host family movie nights and craft markets for a cozy, inclusive vibe. The resort also offers wheelchair-accessible facilities and pet-friendly policies, ensuring comfort for all travelers. It’s a top pick for urban family getaways.
Yes, several hotels along the Don River embrace sustainable operations. For example, Don River Eco Boutique Hotel uses solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation, with rooms featuring biodegradable toiletries and bamboo furnishings.
The hotel runs a plastic-free initiative, replacing single-use plastics with reusable tableware and packaging. Guests earn eco-vouchers for participating in community tree-planting events and can attend monthly low-carbon living workshops.
All dining services source ingredients directly from local farms, minimizing carbon emissions. These efforts not only reduce environmental impact but also empower guests to become green travel advocates, helping preserve the Don River’s ecological health for future generations.
The most scenic night views along the Don River are from Brooklyn Bridge and Don River Cultural Plaza. At night, the illuminated bridge and its shimmering reflection create a mesmerizing light maze on the water.
The plaza features an interactive projection wall that hosts a dynamic city story show every evening at 8 PM, narrating the river’s history through music and visuals. Well-lit nighttime walking paths ensure safety and beauty, perfect for couples or family strolls.
Some premium hotels offer riverside dinner packages with rooftop viewing seats, allowing guests to savor gourmet meals while soaking in the serene and romantic ambiance of the Don River at night—a must-see highlight of Toronto’s urban nightlife.
See what other travelers say about Don River

This property is absolutely fantastic—well-furnished, thoughtfully equipped, and so much more than just a place to sleep. They even had a spare toothbrush and toothpaste ready, which was such a thoughtful touch. The kitchen cabinets were stocked with essentials, making our stay incredibly smooth and enjoyable. Right around the corner is a grocery store with delicious hot meals you can grab and eat on the go—perfect for a quick bite after exploring. It's within walking distance of the subway, major landmarks, trendy restaurants, and peaceful parks. We loved the convenience and vibrant neighborhood vibe. We’d definitely come back again—truly one of the best stays we’ve had in Toronto.

The Avalon Suites Yorkville is an absolute gem! The room matched the photos exactly, and being right in the heart of downtown Toronto makes it incredibly convenient for shopping at high-end boutiques nearby. I loved how easy it was to get around—just a short walk or quick subway ride away. With its great value, comfort, and prime location, this place exceeded my expectations. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Toronto.

Staying at the Globalstay Elegant Downtown Apartments in Toronto was an absolute delight—far beyond my expectations! The view from the window is breathtaking, offering a perfect blend of city skyline and peaceful surroundings. Located right in the heart of downtown, everything is within walking distance: great restaurants, shopping, and public transit are just steps away. The condo is beautifully furnished with all the essentials you could need—kitchenware, Wi-Fi, clean linens, even a cozy living area. It felt like home from day one. I’m already planning my next visit to Toronto just to come back here. Highly recommend for anyone looking for comfort, convenience, and a stunning urban experience.

Absolutely loved my stay here! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to Yonge Street and minutes away from the subway, making it super easy to explore downtown Toronto. The condo-style unit was spacious, clean, and well-equipped with everything I needed, including a full kitchen—perfect for cooking meals without leaving the building. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the soundproofing kept things quiet, so I slept like a baby. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout my visit, and check-in/check-out was smooth and hassle-free. For the price, this place offers amazing value—ideal for families or groups looking for comfort and convenience. Definitely coming back!

The apartment offers an incredible view of the CN Tower and the entire city skyline—truly breathtaking. Located just a 2-minute walk from Union Street Station, it's also within easy reach of the Blue Jays stadium and the iconic CN Tower. The location is perfect for both sightseeing and exploring downtown. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Toronto.

Staying at The Clarence Park Hotel in downtown Toronto was an absolute highlight of my trip. Right in the heart of the city, it's incredibly convenient for getting around—just a short walk to major attractions and transit hubs. The rooms are spacious, with private bathrooms, which is a big plus for comfort and privacy. I especially loved the rooftop terrace—it’s perfect for relaxing with a drink or just enjoying the view. Free breakfast is a nice touch, and having access to laundry machines on-site made things so much easier during my stay. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout. Overall, this hotel delivers great value and a truly enjoyable experience—I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Toronto.

An ideal overnight stop in Toronto. We found the hotel easily enough after initially walking the wrong way from the station—classic tourist move. The room was spotless, cozy, and had that modern vibe I love. Plus, the building’s location is fantastic—right in the heart of dining options, so we never had to go far for a good meal. One minor quirk (if you can even call it that): the frosted glass bathroom door looks sleek and contemporary, but at 5 a.m. during jet lag, flipping on the light felt like summoning the sun itself—my husband woke up instantly, startled by what he thought was dawn breaking through the room. Hilarious, really! We ended up using our phone flashlights instead, which worked perfectly. Overall, this stay was excellent—great comfort, smart design, and a convenient location. Would absolutely recommend and come back again.

Staying at Hyatt Regency Toronto was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk or quick transit ride into downtown, making it super easy to explore restaurants, shops, and attractions. I was especially impressed by the beautiful fall views from my room, which added a peaceful, scenic touch to my stay. The staff were friendly and efficient, the rooms were clean and well-appointed, and everything felt thoughtfully designed. It’s not just a hotel—it’s a comfortable home away from home. I’d absolutely return here on my next trip to Toronto.

Absolutely recommend this hotel! Located right in the heart of Yorkville, it's incredibly convenient for exploring downtown Toronto—just a short walk to shops, restaurants, and attractions. The room was stylish and well-thought-out, with attention to small details that make a big difference, like the quality of linens and thoughtful touches throughout. The pool is compact but clean and inviting, especially in the evening when the lights come on—it creates such a relaxing vibe. The fitness center is modest in size but fully equipped and well-maintained, perfect for a quick workout. Staff at the front desk were friendly and efficient, and the valet service was seamless. With the location, amenities, and pricing, this place offers incredible value. I’ll definitely be staying here again on my next trip to Toronto.

My stay at Fairmont Royal York Hotel was absolutely outstanding! From the moment I walked in, the service was impeccable—friendly, efficient, and genuinely attentive. The location couldn’t be better, just steps away from major attractions and downtown Toronto’s vibrant energy. The room was spacious, beautifully decorated, and incredibly comfortable, with a plush bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. I especially appreciated the thoughtful touches throughout the hotel, like the complimentary welcome drink and the well-curated minibar. Breakfast was a highlight—fresh, diverse, and delicious. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this hotel delivers on every level. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Toronto. A true gem in the city!

Staying here was perfect for catching a Toronto Raptors game—right in the heart of downtown and just a short walk from the arena. The room itself was comfortable with a good bed, clean bathroom, and modern enough amenities. That said, some of the public areas do feel a bit dated, with older furnishings and decor. Parking is pricey at $60 CAD plus tax, but it’s valid until 2 AM the next day, which is helpful if you’re planning to stay late or leave later. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you’re visiting for sports or sightseeing, especially with the unbeatable location and great value for the convenience.

Staying at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites was a great experience. The location is fantastic—just minutes from downtown by public transit, yet surrounded by a peaceful, green environment. The hotel itself feels modern and well-maintained, with spacious rooms and comfortable beds that made for a restful night’s sleep. Whether you're here for a short business trip or just exploring the city, this place offers the perfect balance of convenience and calm. I’d definitely recommend it to travelers looking for a quiet yet central base in Toronto.
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