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.

This family-friendly hotel is perfectly located in downtown Toronto, just minutes away from Yonge-Dundas Square and CF Toronto Eaton Centre. With indoor pools, water slides, and a kids' club, your little ones will have endless fun. Adults can unwind at the sauna or fitness center. What’s more, childcare services and kids' menus make family trips a breeze. The spacious rooms come with free WiFi and all essential amenities. For business travelers, there are meeting rooms and event spaces available. Whether for work or leisure, this hotel has got you covered.
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

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.

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.

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.

Staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto was an absolute highlight of my trip to Canada. From the moment I walked in, the elegant ambiance and impeccable service set the tone for a memorable experience. The location is fantastic—just a short walk from downtown attractions, shopping districts, and public transit, making it easy to explore the city. My room was spacious, beautifully designed, and incredibly comfortable, with plush bedding that made for a restful night’s sleep. Breakfast was a standout—diverse and delicious, offering everything from fresh pastries and local specialties to classic continental options. The quality of ingredients was obvious, and the presentation was flawless. Every detail, from the attention to service to the serene atmosphere, made this stay feel truly special. It’s rare to find such luxury combined with genuine hospitality, and I’d absolutely return. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Toronto.

I absolutely love staying at Sonder properties whenever I travel for work, and this stay at The Elm Apartments Downtown in Toronto was no exception. The apartment exceeded all my expectations—spotless, incredibly comfortable, and packed with modern amenities. The bed was perfect for a good night's sleep, and every detail felt thoughtfully designed. What really stood out was the location: literally steps away from St. Patrick subway station, making it effortless to explore downtown Toronto and nearby attractions. A short, pleasant walk takes you right into the heart of the city, where the iconic CN Tower is just around the corner. The 24/7 chat support through the platform was responsive and helpful whenever needed. Overall, it’s an ideal choice for travelers who value cleanliness, convenience, and a seamless urban experience. I’ll definitely be back.

The Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto is brand new with stunning views and a very welcoming atmosphere. The staff are incredibly friendly and always ready to assist—whether it’s for water or any other request, they’re prompt and warm. Breakfast quality is solid overall, though I noticed there were no vegetables and the variety was quite limited compared to other Marriott properties we’ve stayed at. Still, it’s one of the best locations for travelers relying on public transit—just a short walk from the train station and the bus stop heading to Niagara Falls. This convenience alone makes it our top pick for this trip, especially when considering value and location. Highly recommend for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize easy access to transportation.
Explore more amazing destinations