April 2026 Site Checks Along the Don

Today was a beautiful Good Friday to be outside with highs of 20’C expected. Since I haven’t checked the East Don Trail since December and there was some other construction happening along the Lower Don Trail, I took out Raccoon – my Brodie gravel bike – for its first ride of the year!

Given the weather, there were a fair number of other cyclists out. When I arrived at the East Don Trail, I noticed the entrance from the Taylor Creek Trail is still not paved.

There was a small lip on the other side of that bridge which meant a final paving was still needed from this point to Bridge #2 which was only completed as of December.

A lot of fence poles could be seen including next to the Garfield mural.

A few construction vehicles could still be seen while you can see where a future rest stop will be built.

Some fencing in this area has already been completed. I wonder how long it will take to finish the remaining sections.

This rest area has some fencing already with some seating expected to be put in later on.

Bridge #2 was finished back in December which makes this trail fully rideable now that the snow has melted, though some care is still needed with that small lip.

There is still a short stretch immediately north of Bridge #2 that needs some asphalt.

Even though the trail north of the tunnel was already done for some time, there are still a couple of rest areas that are under construction.

Can’t get enough of this huge switchback structure!

A look south from the top of the switchback.

The switchback structure with ramps on both sides visible.

The hill leading up to Bermondsey had a fair bit of mud and sand to contend with.

Time to head back down the Don.

Lots of fencing because of the ongoing Ontario Line construction.

Construction activity can be seen on both sides of the trail. This is looking south.

It’s nice to see some new trees planted in the clearcut area, though it will take decades to reach maturity.

On the Urban Toronto forums, I have seen a few folks share a lot of photos of that long switchback ramp to make it easier to access Riverdale Park from the Lower Don Trail. This is the first time I was able to see it relatively close.

Some panels with artwork and Indigenous phrases can be seen from Bayview, though I would need to wait until the Lower Don Trail is reopened – hopefully later this spring – to see them up close.

Here’s the other part of the switchback which is close to the Don River crossing.

This arch bridge for the Ontario Line is nearing completion.

This multi-use path on the south side of the Eastern Avenue bridge was completed last fall.

Hopefully in a few years, this path can be extended west along the Adelaide ramp to connect to the existing Richmond-Adelaide cycle tracks which will end at Power Street for the time being.

If you can go for a ride this afternoon, do it given the warm weather will be gone tomorrow for the next few days! Meanwhile, got my fingers crossed that both the East Don Trail and the Lower Don Trail improvements can be completed within the next couple of months.