Past Events (Goldie Walks 2021-22)

Steps Count: 15,000 steps

We started off our day with a live music performance at Toronto Reference Library.   After that, we had lunch together at a nearby restaurant.  Then we took a walk along the Philosopher's Path, a serene footpath located in the St. George campus of the University of Toronto.   Following a pleasant walk, we took the subway to Union Station, where we explored the VIA rail and UP express.  Then we walked to Eaton Centre via PATH and did a little bit of holiday shopping there.  Before we headed home, we had dinner together.  It was an enjoyable day! 

For those who are interested to explore more about the PATH, an underground pedestrian walkway network in downtown Toronto that spans  more than 30 kilometres of restaurants, shopping, services and  entertainment, please click the yellow button below. 

Steps Count: 10,000 steps

It was a very warm day.  In fact, we experienced record-high daytime temperatures for November, making us feel like walking in the summer heat with our long-sleeved clothes.  First, we met together for lunch at a restaurant in Shops at Don Mills.  Then we began our walking journey from Don Mills Trails to Wilket Creek Park, all the way to Edwards Gardens from where we returned to where we started.  It was an easy and comfortable walk.  Along the way, we saw some amazing falls colors and beautiful flowers. Our outing was combined with physical pleasure and enjoyment of sight.  

Steps Count: 8,000 steps

We went to the Hamilton Fall Garden & Mum Show, which took place in Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse.  Over 200 varieties of chrysanthemums were displayed, approximately 100,000 flowers and at least a dozen colors, from white and ivory and cream to red and yellow and orange, with a hint of pink and purple.  After the show, we went to Bayfront Park, near Hamilton's downtown core.  We walked along the lake and had a coffee break at a cafe overlooking the waterfront.  It was a pleasant place to chill out and pass our time.  At night we had dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Mississauga.  The food was delicious.  We had an enjoyable and relaxed day!

Steps Count: 13,200 steps

We drove about 40 minutes to Mississauga (about 36 km from Toronto) to start our day with all Goldie friends.  First, we met each other for dim sum lunch. After lunch, we began our relaxing walk at Erindale Park.  Leaves started to turn yellow.  It was sunny and warm; lots of fishermen were fishing for salmon.  We witnessed that some big salmon died after the difficult upriver migration.  It was interesting but sad to watch! Refreshment tea with famous yummy ice cream  was served at one of the Goldie friend's home under the clear roof top dinning table. 

After refreshment at around 4.30pm, we set off to go forest walking along the Sawmill Valley Trail near  UT Mississauga.  The forest walk was about 25 minutes one way.  It was so beautiful there.  We all enjoyed the forest walk and were excited about visiting UT Mississauga.  

The day ended with a Chiu Chow take out dinner at the Goldie friend's beautiful home with lots of fresh fruits and desserts - a fun, healthy and lovely gathering!

HALF DAY

Steps Count half day : 12,000 steps (Nanabush Trail & Petroglyph site)

Time : 2 hours; Distance : approx. 7 km

FULL DAY

Steps Count Today : 19,450 steps total (Nanabush Trail, West Day use trail and Teaching Rock site)

Distance : approx. 12.5 km

Petroglyph Provincial Park is a gorgeous and educational place for hiking.  It has beautiful lakes and interesting trails.  Situated on an outcrop of white marble on the Canadian Shield, the Teaching Rock site is one of the largest known concentration of prehistoric rock carvings in Canada. Several hundred images comprising a wide variety of realistic animal and human forms, as well as abstract and symbolic representations, give evidence of the spiritual and intellectual life of the Algonkian Indians who carved them between AD. 900 - 1400. This site is a sacred place and features their spiritual significance, for the First Nations (Nishnaabe, Ojibway) people. 

We started circulating the loop of Minnow Lake and then after lunch, some finished with a hike to McGinnis Lake, which was bright blue and green in color, one of only a handful of meromictic (layers of water that don't intermix) lakes in Canada.  It was an amazing experience in Petroglyph Provincial Park and well worth visiting again.   

Steps Count Today: 13,000 steps total

Time: 2 hours

Distance:  Approximately 10 km

Ajax Waterfront Trail is a beautiful trail for walking and biking.   It is built along the shore of Lake Ontario.  Therefore, while we walked, we could see the incredible view of the lake that was so vibrantly blue as if it washed out the sky above.  In addition, the weather was very pleasant.  Sunny sky with the gentle breeze made it easier for us to walk as far as we could.  After nearly 2 hours of walking, we had a coffee break in Nautical Village, Pickering, a waterfront community.  With enough rest, we had gained back the energy to walk up to Frenchman's Bay East Lighthouse, feasting our eyes with the breathtaking view of Lake Ontario again.  Before we headed home, we had dinner at a nearby restaurant, where we could see the sunset.  Our day was awesome!  

There are so many things you can do at Woodbine Beach Park, such as  kayaking,  paddling, playing volleyballs, cycling, walking, picnicing, dining at a restaurant, swimming, etc.   Walking on the boardwalk, which stretches a few kilometers, was fantastic.  We could boost our health with fresh air and outdoor exercise with soothing sounds and sights of the beautiful beach in the warm sunshine and light breeze.  This is the best time to visit the place.  After the walk, we had dinner at a restaurant nearby the beach.  We enjoyed the evening and will come back again.  

Steps Count today: 8,000 steps total

Toronto Island Park is a great place away from city's hectic life.  It has beach areas, picnic spots, boardwalk and bike rental for anyone who wants to explore  and enjoy the scenic and nature-dense islands.  We took the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Centre Island, where we began our walk to Hanlan's Point.  Then we turned around and walked all the way to Ward's Island, where we had our dinner before we took the ferry back to downtown Toronto.  Toronto Island Park is a beautiful place to capture the amazing views of city landscape.  We were glad that we were able to explore most of the island over the course of multiple hours.  

Steps Count today: 6,000 steps total

High Park is a good place for visit.  It is the largest park in Toronto with lots to offer, such as its breathtaking lakes, zoo, beautiful Canadian flag flower beds, and walking trails, etc.  Since we went there on a weekday, it was less crowded than weekends.  We really appreciated the peacefulness of the natural environment.  Although it was very hot, the day was gorgeous that brightened our mood.  To quench our thirst and lower our body temperature after our walk, we relaxed at a cafe in the park and had some cold drinks to keep us hydrated before we headed home.  

Steps Count today: 7,600 steps total

We went to a resort with a spectacular view of Lake Simcoe.  It was a great place to walk, shop, dine and relax next to the marina.  We had an enjoyable lunch in one of its restaurant.  It was a perfect getaway destination for families and friends.  After exploring the resort, we drove to Barrie Waterfront Trail, where we had a nice short walk.  We had a simple day that helped us unwind, recharge and reconnect with friends after a busy week.  

Steps Count today: 10,500 steps total

Burlington Waterfront Trail is a beautiful trail to walk on.  It has an amazing view of the lake.    Brant Street Pier, located at the waterfront, is the city's icon and provides 360-degree view of the area from the observation tower.   It was so refreshing to walk on the pier and along the shoreline.  After the walk, we had lunch at a restaurant in Spencer Smith Park.  Then we visited a candy store and followed by walking around Streetville, Mississauga.  Before we parted, we had an early dinner together at a Chinese restaurant.  Our day was filled with good exercises and delicious food.  

Steps Count today: 4,730 steps total

Edwards Gardens is a good place for short walk in summer.   It is a small garden that you can easily finish walking the entire place without feeling exhausted.  Also, it has a lot of shady areas that keep you from the hot sun.  It took us less than an hour to complete the walk.  Although we were not too tired upon completion, the rising temperature outdoor increased our cravings for cold drinks and sweet food.  Therefore, we went to Shops at Don Mills for desserts after the walk.  It was a good way to fight the summer heat of these days!

Steps Count today: 13,000 steps total

It was a sunny hot day with a light breeze.  The weather was  perfect for strolling  along Toronto Waterfront Trail.  We set out from CN Tower and walked all the way to William G. Davis Trail, Trillium Park.  Then we walked back to where we started and stopped by a cafe for coffee near Toronto Music Garden on the way.  It was a good exercise for us.  Although we were a bit tired towards the end of the day, we enjoyed the walk and each other's companionship.  

 The Scarborough Bluffs is a desirable destination for anyone who wants to get away from the hectic city life. We started our visit to this scenic place by walking from Bluffer's Park, which features beaches, lookout areas, and the beautiful views of marina.  We were amazed by the crystal clear water and the sedimentary rock.  Beside the lovely sandy beach of Bluffer's Park, where Cathedral Bluffs Yacht Club is situated,  we were grateful to be given a tour of the non-profit and self-help club, helping us understand more about the facilities and some boat-owners' sailing experiences.  Before we headed home, we decided to enjoy the stunning view of marina one more time over dinner at a nearby restaurant.  The Scarborough Bluffs is a great place for us to escape from the dull daily routine.   

Cherry blossoms  are beautiful  in nature, but they are very short-lived.  Before the blossoms start to fall, we went to Centennial Park to see the deciduous tree with  stunning white and pink flowers.  The park has one of the largest collection of cherry trees in Toronto.  Both sides of the road  were packed with the gorgeous plants.  We took many pictures of these colorful and photogenic flowering trees.  Besides cherry blossoms, we also visited the Centennial Park Conservatory, which houses a variety of plants and seasonal flowers.  We just enjoyed the interesting plant collections.  

It was a cloudy day with occasional showers, but we just wanted to go out and walk without worrying too much about the weather.  As usual, after lunch together, we took a short walk around Wychwood Park, one of Toronto's oldest gated communities.  Not before long, hail started to fall.  We walked as quickly as we could.  Although the weather did not cooperate, we got the exercises that we needed after months of staying indoor during the winter season.  Then we paid a visit to one of our Goldie's friends' home.  We chatted over drinks and desserts.  It was a great way to spend our afternoon together!

East Don Parkland, Toronto, November 5, 2021 (Friday)

PATH, Toronto, from Union Station to Dundas Station, November 26, 2021 (Friday)

Downtown Toronto and CN Tower, December 17, 2021 (Friday)

Shops at Don Mills, Toronto, December 24, 2021 (Friday)