Ravine Days

Toronto’s ravine system is one of the city’s most important natural features, weaving through neighbourhoods and connecting people to nature in the heart of an urban landscape. Ravines are more than green space; they are living systems that support the health of the city, its wildlife and its communities.

Ravines are important because they:

• Offer space for recreation, relaxation and connection with nature.
• Support physical and mental well-being for residents.
• Keep neighbourhoods cooler and help reduce the impacts of extreme heat.
• Hold cultural and historical significance, including Indigenous connections to the land.
• Support biodiversity by providing habitat for plants and wildlife.
• Help manage stormwater and reduce flood risk across the city.
• Contain Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs), which are spaces that require special protection to preserve their significant ecological value.

Learn about Toronto’s Ravine Strategy and how the City is working to protect, restore, enhance and celebrate Toronto’s ravines.

Ravine Days brings together City-led and community-driven events that showcase and celebrate Toronto’s unique ravine system, and invites you to explore them your way.

Ravine Passport

Pick up a Toronto Ravine Passport, available while supplies last at all Toronto Public Library branches, the Toronto Botanical Garden and select Ravine Days Events. Use your passport alongside the interactive Ravine Days Map to learn more about ravines and explore at your own pace.

Document your journey with notes and sketches as you adventure through the ravine system.

Plan Your Visit

Before making your way into the ravines, consider the following:

• Plan your route; take advantage of nearby Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) stops and park facilities.
• Pack a water bottle and plan your bathroom breaks since many of our ravines do not have easy access to washrooms and drinking water.
• Visit during the daylight hours as many trails are not lit to minimize artificial light impacts on wildlife.
• Check the weather and avoid visiting during storms, which can lead to hazards such as flooding and falling tree branches.
• Stay on official trails and use proper footwear such as running shoes or hiking boots to tackle stairs, slopes and uneven surfaces.
• Consider wearing long pants and sleeves to protect yourself against hazardous vegetation like poison ivy and giant hogweed, as well as tick bites.
• Apply bug spray and sunscreen.

Learn more about park, trail and natural spaces etiquette.

Joining an Event

Join guided tours, workshops, arts and cultural activities, wellness programs and other community-based experiences happening across the city during Ravine Days. Visit the Ravine Days Events to see what’s on. Events will be added throughout the summer and into the first half of Ravine Days, so check back regularly for updates.

Organizing an Event

By participating in Ravine Days, non-profit organizations and community groups can reach new audiences and be part of a city-wide celebration of Toronto’s ravines. The City promotes Ravine Days widely and encourages residents to explore the events and activities featured on the Ravine Days calendar.

Whether you’re organizing guided tours, nature tours, workshops, arts and cultural activities, wellness programs or other community-based experiences, we encourage you to submit your event and help showcase Toronto’s ravines during one of the most beautiful times of year to explore them.

The City provides support for groups interested in organizing an event, including guidance on planning in natural areas, ecological considerations and no-fee permit requirements.

Organizers can submit their events to be included in the City’s Ravine Day Events calendar.

What to Consider When Planning an Event

When planning an event in Toronto’s ravines, organizers should consider environmental protection, participant safety, accessibility and permit requirements. Events should be designed to respect and minimize impact on natural areas.

• Plan your route; consider accessibility and comfort factors (e.g., stairs, trail conditions, washroom access, parking availability) so participants know what to expect.
• Check sunset times before your event. Most ravine trails are not lit to minimize artificial light impacts on wildlife and the forest can get dark quickly under the canopy.
• Monitor the weather and have a plan in place for weather cancellation or a rain date.
• Encourage participants and pets to stay on designated trails to help protected sensitive natural areas.
• No-fee park permits may be required depending on the type and scale of the event.

See park, trail and natural spaces etiquette.

Permit Requirements

A permit is not required for events with 25 people or fewer.

No-Fee Community Activations (May to October)

Events with more than 25 people require a permit. From May to October, individuals, community groups and not-for-profit organizations can host smaller-scale, single-day activities in parks without paying a booking fee through the No-Fee Community Activations program. Activities must be free, open to the public, have a maximum of 100 attendees and support at least one of the following themes:

• Learning about or experiencing nature.
• Sharing Indigenous knowledge.
• Encouraging physical activity and wellness.
• Promoting community participation and social inclusion.
• Celebrating arts and culture.

Pre-Approved Park Locations

To streamline the application process, a pre-approved list of park locations have been chosen. General parkland in these parks can be booked for the approved activities outlined in the No-Fee Community Activations Guidelines.

Visit One-Time Booking of Parks & Recreation Facilities under the No-Fee Community Activations section to view the list of pre-approved parks and picnic sites.

How to Submit an Event

Organized events can be submitted to the City’s Ravine Days Events listing.

To submit your event as a Ravine Days event:

• Click submit an event.
• Read and accept the terms.
• Fill out your event information.
• Submit at least 14 days in advance of the event day.

In addition to Ravine Days events, the City offers opportunities throughout the year to explore, learn about and care for Toronto’s urban forest and natural areas:

• Community Stewardship Program
• Tree Planting and Stewardship Events
• Forestry Talks and Tours
• Trails
• Cycling Network Map