Featured Hotels Near Don River Watershed Trail

Recommended is The Drake Hotel, a design-forward boutique hotel just steps from the Don River Watershed Trail entrance. It offers spacious family rooms, an outdoor terrace, and locally curated art installations. The hotel’s eco-conscious materials and proximity to the University of Toronto and Art Gallery of Ontario make it ideal for cultural and nature lovers. Guests can easily access the trail via a 5-minute walk, perfect for morning jogs or evening strolls along the green corridor. Additionally, free bicycle rentals are available, enabling seamless exploration of nearby wetlands and riverside habitats.

Fairmont Royal York and Sheraton Centre Toronto Downtown both provide complimentary shuttle buses directly to major trail entrances, with a journey time of just 10 minutes. Located adjacent to the Toronto Convention Centre, these hotels are ideal for business and leisure travelers. Furthermore, Hotel X Toronto offers electric bike rentals, allowing guests to effortlessly ride along the trail toward the lakeshore, passing through Westside Wetlands and enjoying serene views of flowing streams and native wildlife. This makes it a top choice for eco-conscious adventurers.

Beyond the main path, explore the Willow Creek Section of the Don River Trail, featuring shaded groves of native trees and prime birdwatching spots—frequent sightings include red-tailed hawks and blue jays. Interpretive signage details the region’s hydrology and conservation efforts. Nearby, Riverdale Park West hosts a community farm and children’s nature classroom, offering weekly Junior Nature Guided Walks for families. For deeper exploration, take the TTC 504 streetcar to "Don Mills Road" or "Highway 407" stops and walk five minutes to access lesser-known trail branches, immersing yourself in the city’s rare wilderness ambiance.

Start at The Drake Hotel, enjoy breakfast in your room, then head to the Don River Trail entrance. Walk north to Humber Bay Park East, pausing at Birch Grove Bench to witness misty mornings and waterfowl flying across the river. In the morning, join a guided workshop by the City Forest Initiative, learning about local flora and soil preservation techniques. Return to the hotel for afternoon relaxation at the rooftop café, sipping coffee while gazing at the skyline merging with the green corridor. End your day in Distillery District, dining at a heritage brewery restaurant, blending urban charm with nature-inspired experiences.

Join the "Starlight Trail Night" event hosted by Toronto Parks & Recreation at the East Branch of Don River Trail, where telescopes and astronomy guides help visitors observe constellations. Low-impact lighting ensures safety without disrupting the night sky. Additionally, Riverdale Park features seasonal nighttime light art installations, using interactive projections to tell ecological stories. For quiet reflection, try the Midnight Mindful Walk, led by trained instructors through the forested trails, combining breathwork and mindfulness in a peaceful urban wilderness setting.

Visit the Cedar Hill Overlook in the Rosedale Ravine section—the highest point along the trail—offering panoramic views of the winding river and autumn foliage. Golden hour light creates dramatic sunbeams and perfect conditions for long-exposure shots of flowing water and silhouetted trees. Another prime location is the Lansdowne Avenue Bridge, where the old railway ruins blend with the stream below, especially striking during winter snowfall. Lastly, Don Valley Brick Works Park combines industrial remnants with restored wetlands, creating a unique backdrop for documentary-style photography. Use a tripod and polarizing filter for enhanced depth and clarity.