Winter Don Trail Riding

On Monday, I found out on the Urban Toronto forums that Bridge #2 on the East Don Trail (Phase 1) was finally installed; making it one of the last major pieces of infrastructure needed to complete the trail. Since I was also curious to check out how the trails are in the winter months, I went to check out that new bridge, as well as some of the trail conditions along the way.

A drone shot of Bridge #2 shared by TwinHuey on Urban Toronto on December 9, 2025

The Rosedale Valley Road trail was plowed pretty good. However, it could use some resurfacing which is expected in 2026.

However, there were a couple of icy spots along the way including this part under the Bloor Street bridge which required some slowing down.

Why do we have a “No Winter Maintenance” sign when the Bayview Avenue trail does get it? LOL! 😂

The Lower Don Trail does not get winter maintenance which made navigating it on my hybrid bike Rusty slow and rough, though trying to stay within the wheel track area helped a bit. Since this – along with the upcoming East Don Trail – will be a major bike route from downtown to Scarborough, the City of Toronto may want to reconsider this in the future.

At least the Beechwood to Forks of the Don stretch is now open again.

The East Don Trail entrance – however – does have very good wheel tracks thanks to the use of heavy construction equipment. This made riding that trail to Bridge #2 a lot smoother.

When I went by this trail on November 27, I noticed the base asphalt layer was put in, though the final layer will have to wait until the spring which shouldn’t take long.

And here’s a photo at the same spot today.

A construction vehicle with some metal pieces left covered in the snow.

Just part this site, the base asphalt layer showed where a future rest stop would be placed per this November 27 photo. It wouldn’t have been noticeable today.

At last, the southern approach to Bridge #2 has been completed! However, there is still a lip which will require navigating with care until the final paving has been completed.

This is the same spot as of November 27.

The good quality wheel tracks disappear after crossing the bridge. While the winter views from the large switchback structure would have probably been nice, I decided to turn around here.

One last look at the new bridge ramp before returning to Forks of the Don.

The stairs leading up from Taylor Creek to Coxwell were treacherous with the bike channel being practically useless. I used this to get some takeout from Little Coxwell Restaurant nearby which does delicious Pad Thai, but would otherwise recommend taking a different access point to get on/off of these trails.

Despite some treacherous trail conditions, it was pretty nice being out on the bike today. Just make sure you have some long johns on when it’s -7’C (or below) outside and layer accordingly.

After getting takeout, the Danforth cycle tracks were well plowed.

The Ontario Line construction at Pape ensured safe passage for those who bike.

While it’s great to see the East Don Trail navigable again with that bridge completed, I will want to wait until the spring before riding it end to end; preferably after the final resurfacing and other finishing touches get done. If the City of Toronto can start construction on the Bermondsey to Eglinton gap of The Meadoway next year, this trail experience will become even better.