Exercise while enjoying nature at Vaughan’s trails

Aug. 11, 2021 1:00 p.m.
​There’s so much to see with the Great Walks of Vaughan and StoryWalk programs
 
Looking for a place you can exercise, enjoy nature and take kids or pets – all at the same time? The City of Vaughan’s award-winning Great Walks of Vaughan program has got you covered with 12 beautiful nature trails and neighbourhood walks:
 
  • Jersey Creek Neighbourhood Walk: This 2.6-kilometre trail wraps along Jersey Creek Park, Chancellor Park and Giovanni Caboto Park and includes local playgrounds, a splashpad, sports fields and picnic areas. What makes this trail unique is it features a dinosaur-themed sandbox and outdoor fitness equipment. For photos and more information, visit the Jersey Creek Neighbourhood Walk webpage.
  • Mackenzie Glen Neighbourhood Walk: This 3.2-kilometre trail is part of the Bartley Smith Greenway and wraps around Cunningham Pond and Maple Lions Park, and features local playgrounds, splashpads, sports fields and picnic areas. For photos and more information, visit the Mackenzie Glen Neighbourhood Walk webpage.
  • Maple Nature Reserve Nature Walk: This 3.2-kilometre looped trail features an immersive nature experience over 35 hectares, including many opportunities for unique flower, plant and wildlife sightings. For photos and more information, visit the Maple Nature Reserve Nature Walk webpage.
  • Marita Payne Neighbourhood Walk: This 2.5-kilometre looped trail is part of the Bartley Smith Greenway and wraps around Marita Payne Park and Glen Shields Park. For photos and more information, visit the Marita Payne Neighbourhood Walk webpage.
  • North Maple Regional Park Nature Walk: This five-kilometre trail is situated over 80 acres in the park and is surrounded by the natural landscapes of the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Don River. For photos and more information, visit the North Maple Regional Park Nature Walk webpage.
  • Peter Rupert Neighbourhood Walk: This 2.8-kilometre trail wraps around Golden Forest Pond, Cook Woodlot and Pheasant Hollow Park and includes playgrounds, sports fields and picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy scenic landscapes, birdwatching and there is also a cycling path. For photos and more information, visit the Peter Rupert Neighbourhood Walk webpage.
  • Rainbow Creek Neighbourhood Walk: This 2.2-kilometre trail extends from Mapes Park and Rainbow Creek Park and wraps around the local playground, sports fields and picnic areas. For photos and more information, visit the Rainbow Creek Neighbourhood Walk webpage.
  • Riverwalk Neighbourhood Walk: This 1.7-kilometre looped trail extends along the Humber River and Nort Johnson Park, passing picnic areas, sports fields and the seasonal Woodbridge Village Farmers Market. For photos and more information, visit the Riverwalk Neighbourhood Walk webpage.
  • Sonoma Heights Neighbourhood Walk: This 2.6-kilometre trail wraps around the Sonoma Greenway and the area’s sports fields, skate park, playground and splashpad. This trail is also accessible around Sonoma Heights Park. For photos and more information, visit the Sonoma Heights Neighbourhood Walk webpage.
  • Sugarbush Nature Walk: This 2.4-kilometre looped trail features natural landscapes within a woodlot, a playground and community gardens. The historic Baker House is also on site. For photos and more information, visit the Sugarbush Nature Walk webpage.
  • Vellore Neighbourhood Walk: This 4.7-kilometre looped trail features scenic views around the pond and woodlot areas, heritage sites such as the Vellore Heritage Park, hall and school, and additional paths along the area’s playgrounds, sports fields, splashpads and picnic areas. For photos and more information, visit the Vellore Neighbourhood Walk webpage.
  • William Granger Greenway Nature Walk: This 8.9-kilometre trail extends from Bindertwine Park to the Boyd Conservation Area and features natural landscapes with unique flowers, plants and wildlife. For photos and more information, visit the William Granger Greenway Nature Walk webpage.
Visit vaughan.ca/GreatWalks for more information and maps of top trails or the Parks and Trails webpage for an interactive view of all trails and parks. A Great Walks of Vaughan walking trail guide (PDF) and the City’s Great Walks of Vaughan map legend (PDF) are also available.
 
StoryWalk
That’s not all – you can enjoy a nature trail and a story, together! Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) and the City’s Public Works portfolio brought the library outdoors this summer with StoryWalk – a global program that promotes literacy, health and exercise in communities around the world. As you walk along select City trails, discover large panels showcasing colourful pages of nature-based children’s books. With each step, the story unfolds one page at a time in this immersive and interactive experience.
 
StoryWalk is available at Lawford Park, Nort Johnson District Park, Mackenzie Glen District Park, Sugarbush Heritage Park and Marita Payne Park. For more details, visit VPL’s StoryWalk webpage.
 
To keep everyone safe, micromobility devices that are motorized – such as e-scooters, golf carts, Segways, electric skateboards and hoverboards – should not be used on sidewalks, cycle tracks, shared pedestrian and bike paths or recreational trails in the city. Exemptions apply to those who require motorized wheelchairs and medical e-devices to get around. The City is also reminding citizens that off-road vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes, are not permitted to operate in Vaughan. Report non-emergency activity occurring illegally in parks, woodlots and open spaces to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca with the date, location and nature of the matter. Citizens can also report concerns of e-device usage on public roadways to York Regional Police through the non-emergency phone line at 1-866-876-5423 or the online reporting form.
 
The City urges the public to continue to do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 while visiting trails. It’s important to follow all York Region public health guidelines – including practising physical distancing, washing and sanitizing hands thoroughly and often, and wearing a face mask or covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained, among others.
 
Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, including physical distancing tips and advice from Public Health officials, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
 
To receive the City’s latest updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.
 
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