Colonel Samuel Smith Park Early Spring Outing - Public Walk

Date: Saturday, March 28

Time: 10 am to 1 pm

Leader: Peter Sproule

Description: Please join us for a leisurely walk around Colonel Sam Smith Park. Meet at 10:00 am at the main parking lot at the "Power House" (the building with the tall chimney). We'll say goodbye to the winter waterfowl and greet some early spring migrants as they return for the spring. This outing will be around 3 hours long.

Who should come: The outing will be geared to newer and intermediate birders, but birders of all experience levels are welcome. The more eyes the better! Newer birders will learn identification tips. 

Registration is required - spaces are limited. Please cancel your registration if you can't make it, to allow for waitlist registrations.

Facilities: Public washrooms are available at the Powerhouse parking lot (as of this writing).

Accessibility: The route will be mostly on established gravel and paved paths, but wet weather leading up to the day could cause some of the trails/areas to be a little muddy. The route can be adjusted to avoid the muddy areas. Depending on the size of the group, we may cover 3 to 5km

What to bring: Binoculars and/or camera, water, snack if desired, hiking shoes in case of recent wet weather.

Where and when to meet: Meet at 10 a.m. at the Powerhouse parking lot. Large chimney viewable from the entire park.  No parking fees on the weekend. 

How to get there: 

TTC: From Kipling subway station, take the 44 Kipling South into the park – the Powerhouse lot is a short walk to the south from the bus loop.

Driving and parking: Parking lot is on Col Sam Smith Drive (basically Kipling Ave south of Lake Shore Blvd – look for the tall chimney.) No parking fee on weekends at this lot

What to bring: Please bring binoculars and/or camera if you have them. Remember to dress appropriately for the conditions. It can be much cooler by the lake. Water and snack suggested.

Contact: Peter Sproule - pbsproule (at) rogers.com

Early Spring Migrants: Colonel Samuel Smith Park 

Date and time:  Saturday, April 11, 2026, 8:00 am to 10:30 am

Leader: Brian Bailey

Description: On this outing, we will be looking for early spring migrants on water and on land. On the lake, we can expect to see good numbers of Red-necked and Horned Grebes, along with a variety of other waterfowl. On land, we should find kinglets, sapsuckers, a variety of sparrows, and other early migrants. 

What to wear and bring: There can be a significant temperature difference between the waterfront and the north end of the park, particularly if it is windy. We will visit the parking area between the lake viewing and the inland portions of the walk for anyone wanting to pick up or drop off extra gear or clothing.

Bring water, snacks, binoculars

Accessibility: The terrain is mostly flat gravel, dirt, and grass. Ongoing shoreline rehabilitation means that some mud is also likely.

Approximate distance covered on foot: 4 km.

Meeting Place: Meet at the south parking lot (where Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive ends).

Public Transit Directions: The 44 Kipling South bus runs from the Kipling subway station to Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School on Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive. It is a 5-minute walk from the bus loop down to the south parking lot. From the 507 501 streetcar, exit at Kipling Ave and either transfer to the 44 bus or walk 10 minutes south to the south parking lot.

Driving Directions: From the intersection of Kipling Avenue and Lake Shore Blvd W, take Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive to the end. The parking lot is on the left where the road ends.

Parking: Free parking is available in both lots.

Washrooms: There are public washrooms at the Powerhouse (beside the north parking lot). They are not wheelchair accessible.

Contact number 647-761-2711

Lower Don Parklands Early Migrants and Waterfowl

Date and time: Sunday, April 26, 8 am - 12 pm

Leader: Kevin Seymour

Description: Join us on an outing through the Lower Don Parklands in East York to look for early migrants including Eastern Phoebe, Kinglets, Hermit Thrush and possibly a few early warblers. The route will include the Cottonwood Flats, the Sun Valley Loop and part of Crother's Woods. If there is time we can visit Crother's Pond which is pretty reliable in that season for Wood Ducks. 

Accessibililty:  The majority of the paths are wide, flat and easy, and maintained by the city. The Sun Valley loop has gravel and two steep sections, only one of them paved. Access to the location, if walking, includes quite a steep walk down and then up Bechwood Drive to exit.

What to bring: Water, snacks, footwear for possible muddy paths, binoculars

Directions:

By car, park at the bottom of Beechwood Dr., just beyond the Police Dog Services compound.

By TTC, take any 100, 25 or 8 bus northbound from Broadview station, get off at the Beechwood exit (the one before the Pape exit), then walk down Beechwood Ave and meet the group just beyond the Police Dog Services Compound.

Please note: Registration is required for all walks. Space is limited, please cancel your registration if you are unable to attend.