5 Stroller Friendly Places to Walk in East York

05/02/2016

Though spring is always exciting, it is even better as a new mom. For most of the winter, we have hunkered down inside, feeling the piles of toys close in on us. When we ventured out, it was with the help of giant baby snowsuits, weather shields and blankets. Now, the sun is shining, the temperatures are in the double digits and the snow has finally melted, fallen then melted again. Quick! Time to get outside before it snows again.
But where to go? We have walked around our neighbourhood so many times that we could do it in our sleep. (And probably did some days!) Now we are looking to venture out into the city, but want to bring the stroller along. (To hold the caffeine, obviously!)
Well good news! I’ve got a list of great trails that are both scenic and stroller-friendly. So grab your baby, break out the sun hats and call your mom squad.

Here are my favourite places to take the stroller out for a walk:

Evergreen Brickworks

Our family enjoying the boardwalk at Evergreen Brickworks.

Where is it?
550 Bayview Ave, Toronto

There is pay parking, which can get quite busy on a Saturday morning, or you can take the free shuttle which leaves every 30 to 45 minutes from the parkette just north of the Bayview subway station.
What’s awesome about it?

So much! First, there are several stroller-friendly trails. You can take in the turtles playing in the pond while walking around the boardwalk. If you are feeling ambitious, you can take a path up the hill to enjoy the scenic view while you try to pretend you are not dying from walking up the hill. If, like me, you are too pale to be exposed to too much sunshine you can take a ramp up to the forest trail. It also connects to several nearby parks and trails, if your little one falls asleep and you want to keep them that way.

When you get tired of walking, there are some other great spaces to enjoy as well. There is an outdoor kids space, a great shop and a weekend farmer’s market and Sunday antiques market. There is also a restaurant onsite, which has takeout beverages and baked goods. Oh, and if your pooch wants to come along, there is also an off-leash dog park. (They need to stay on leash on the trails though.)
http://www.evergreen.ca/about/

Sunnybrook
Where is it?
1132 Leslie Street, just north of Eglinton and Leslie. There are a few lots of free parking, or you can take the 54 Lawrence East or 51 Leslie bus to the Leslie St. at Eglinton North side stop and walk a minute to the entrance of the park.

What’s awesome about it?
My favourite thing about Sunnybrook is the sheer size! This is a giant park in the heart of the city. There is a huge system of linking trails, many of which are paved, so you can bring the stroller. If you bring the carrier, you could walk all day. There are also picnic spots, if you would like to stop and have a snack. (I usually do.)
There are washrooms, bottle filling stations and several sports fields to have a game of catch. (Or drop, if you are playing with me.) We like to bring our dog to the large off-leash dog park, and to stop and watch the horses at the stables nearby.
This is the kind of place to have a family day or to have a playdate with your mom friends.
http://www1.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/complex/28/index.htm

Taylor Creek
Where is it?
There are several entrances to this park, but my favourite for the stroller set is on Haldon Avenue, just off Cosburne. There is free parking. If travelling by transit, you can take the Cosburn 87 bus.
What’s awesome about it?

First, the trail is beautiful. It is a paved area that circles around a creek, which keeps it cool in the summer. It is shady and quiet, with a few places to stop and sit. It is a multi-use trail, so be aware of the bikers. This trail is so scenic that it will remind you of the days you used to go hiking without children attached to you, but is so easy with the stroller.
In fact, one of my favourite things about this trail, is that it is wide enough for several strollers to walk together and not take up the whole trail. So bring your mom squad to this trail! (Bring your dogs on leash as well, if you like!) It is busier on the weekend, so mat leave mammas may want to hit is up mid-week.
http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/taylor-creek-trail

Beaches Boardwalk

An installation on the Beach this winter. Photo Credit: Dan Cook
Where is it?
Go south until you hit the water! Just kidding. Enter through the park on Queen St. East between Waverley and Lee. There is street parking on the side streets, but this can be tricky, so leave time. Alternately you can take the Queen streetcar.

What’s awesome about it?
In the summer, this is a little slice of heaven. There is a 3 kilometer boardwalk, which is wide enough to walk 2 strollers wide while you take in those beautiful lake views. It can be a bit cooler than the rest of the city, so bring a sweater if it is not warm. The boardwalk can be a bit bumpy, but this can help with those naps.
There are lots of benches to stop and feed baby or just sit and take in the views. There is also an off-leash dog park near Kew beach and another at Cherry Beach, both with access to the water for dogs who love to swim. You can take your kids in the water too! Or they can play at the amazing playground at Queen and Kippendale Ave.
One of the great things about this trail is that it is so close to Queen Street. You can find coffee, snacks and shopping right next to the boardwalk!

http://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/the-beach-village/

Don Valley

Beautiful fall colours in the Don Valley. Photo Credit: Dan Cook

Where is it?
There are many trails around the Don Valley and lots of entrances. Our favourite is at the end of Beechwood, off O’Connor. This entrance has a few parking spots. You can also enter on Pottery Road, by the train tracks. For public transit, take the 70 O’Connor bus to Pottery Road and walk down the hill.

What’s awesome about it?
This is a multi-use trail, so you can bike or push the stroller with ease. There are many winding trails that stretch along the Don River and into the surrounding forest. This one can be a bit more of a workout than the other trails listed, so no sandals here!
One of our favourite things about these trails is that there is a variety of birds and wildlife to see on the walk and we enjoy the variety of terrain. This is a great spot for the nature lovers. Bring the camera!
http://www.biketrain.ca/toronto-hub/cycling-in-toronto/61-don-river-valley-trails

Newbie Mom Liz is the proud mom of a six month old son and a 3 1/2 year old chocolate lab. She lives in Toronto with her wonderful husband and the aforementioned dependants. Currently she is on maternity leave, and writing her thoughts in a blog for you lovely people.

You can read more posts from her at: Newbiemomsite.com