Glen Steward Ravine boardwalk path and stairs in the fall.

Glen Stewart Ravine in the Heart of the Beaches

If you’re looking for a little slice of nature in the heart of Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood, look no further than the Glen Stewart Ravine. This walking trail is an ideal escape from the bustle of the city, with a boardwalk path that winds through this small, picturesque ravine.

As a local beach resident, this is one of my favourite places to visit in the neighbourhood, and it’s worth a visit if you are in the area or you’re looking for that perfect Instagram photo spot!

Keep reading to find out more about visiting this picture-perfect ravine in Toronto.

Stairs covered in snow with bright blue skies leading down into the Glen Stewart Ravine Toronto in the Winter.

How long is the Glen Stewart Ravine Trail?

Located just south of Kingston Road and north of Queen Street, the trail is less than one kilometre long and takes just 20 minutes to stroll from one end to the other.

Of course, if you take some time to stop and admire the beauty of the ravine, you could easily spend an hour wandering the trail.

Note: There are a significant number of stairs at the north end of the trail that you will need to navigate to enter (or exit) the ravine.

Man walking his dog along the boardwalk path in the Glen Stewart Ravine Toronto.
Stairs leading up through the Glen Stewart Ravine in Toronto, Ontario on a fall day.

Glen Stewart Ravine Directions

Address: 351 Glen Manor Dr, Toronto, ON M4E 2X8

Glen Stewart Ravine is located between Glen Stewart Drive and Kingston Road in the Beaches, Toronto. The main entrance on Kingston Road is located between Glen Manor Drive and Beech Avenue. The south entrance is located off of Glen Manor Drive East, north of the Glen Manor bridge.

Taking the TTC to the Glen Stewart Ravine

If you are coming along Queen St., take the 501 streetcar or bus to Glen Manor Drive. From there, walk north along Glen Manor Drive or through Ivan Forrest Gardens until you see Glen Manor Park. From there, walk along Glen Manor Drive East (the east side of the park) for about 10 minutes until you reach the ravine entrance north of Pine Glen Road.

People sitting on a park bench in front of spring flowers at Glen Ivan Forrest Park in Toronto.
Glen Ivan Forrest Park is located near Glen Stewart Raving.

If you are taking public transportation or the TTC to the ravine, the closest stop on Kingston Road is Glen Manor Drive or Beech Ave. The 502 streetcar or 302 bus will drop you off at either of those spots.

Trillium flowers, the official flower of Ontario, can be found throughout Glen Stewart Ravine each Spring.
Ontario’s flower, the Trillium, can be found in the ravine in Spring.

Where is the entrance to the Glen Stewart Ravine?

There are several possible entrances to Glen Stewart Ravine.

Glen Manor Drive Entrance

The main entrance can be found on Glen Manor Drive, just north of the Glen Manor Bridge. Many visitors use this entrance as there are no stairs here, making it accessible with a stroller or on a bike.

Entrance to Glen Stewart Ravine off of Glen Manor Drive in Toronto in winter.
Glen Manor Drive entrance to the ravine.

Kingston Rd. and Glen Manor Drive Entrance

You can enter off of Kingston Rd., just west of Glen Manor Drive. Walking south into the ravine, you will encounter a significant number of stairs, as the elevation into the ravine is quite steep.

Glen Stewart Ravine Entrance on Kingston Road with information sign at the top of the stairs.
Glen Stewart Ravine entrance off of Kingston Rd.

Kingston Rd. and Beech Ave. Entrance

A second entrance near the North end of the trail is off of Beech Ave. at Kingston Rd. This entrance is not as steep, and while it does have some stairs, there are not as many, making the entrance (or exit) a little easier.

Balsam Ave. at Balmy Beach School Entrance

A third entrance, and probably the most picturesque route, is the entrance off of Balsam Ave., opposite Balmy Beach School. This route will take you down (or up) 140 stairs that lead you into the ravine.

Balmy Ave. entrance to Glen Stewart Ravine in Winter.
Balsam Ave. entrance to the ravine.

Glen Stewart Ravine Parking

If you are driving to the ravine, you will need to park on residential streets. You can park on Glen Manor Drive near the south entrance, on Balsam Avenue for the Balsam entrance, or on Kingston Rd. for the north entrance.

Parking on residential streets in Toronto is free but limited to three hours.

Entrance to Glen Stewart Ravine on Glen Manor Drive with parking available on residential street.
Residential parking is available at the entrance to Glen Stewart Ravine on Glen Manor Drive.

Is it busy at the Glen Manor Ravine?

It is not usually busy at the ravine. Sometimes, when the weather gets really nice or you have a sunny winter day, you can run into a number of people strolling through the ravine.

It’s also a popular route for those looking to walk from Kingston Road to Queen Street through the tranquil beauty of the trail.

Are Dogs Allowed in the Ravine?

Yes! Lots of visitors bring their dogs for a walk through the ravine. Dogs should be kept on a leash as the ravine is not an off-leash park, but many dog owners enjoy a wander through this beautiful path. Please remember to pick up after your pet!

Should I visit the Glen Stewart Ravine Fall Foliage?

Boardwalk path and stairs with views of the Glen Stewart Raving fall foliage.

Yes! The ravine is absolutely stunning in the fall. Many visitors come to enjoy the fall foliage and take some seriously enviable Instagram photos, especially around the Balsam Ave. stairs.

Is the Glen Stewart Ravine Accessible in the Winter?

The ravine is equally beautiful in the winter. The stairs and boardwalk path are not maintained, however, so they can get a little slippery with snow or ice. While the ravine is open, visitors should walk carefully along the path and up or down the stairs.

Glen Stewart Park

If you are visiting Glen Stewart Ravine in the winter, you might want to bring your skates and toboggan. Just south of the ravine is a small toboggan hill and an outdoor skating rink maintained by the community. Glen Stewart Park is a true winter gem hidden in the heart of the Beaches neighbourhood.

Skaters and hockey players on the ice at the community rink in Glen Stewart Park on a winter day under blue skies.
Skating and playing hockey in Glen Stewart Park

What else can I do in the Beaches, Toronto?

The Beaches in Toronto is a wonderful neighbourhood to explore. If you are coming to visit the Glen Stewart Ravine, I would highly recommend lengthening your trip to the Beaches to include taking a stroll along Queen Street, visiting Kew Gardens, spending the day at Woodbine Beach, or enjoying one of the many excellent patios located along Queen Street East.

Read More About the Beaches Neighbourhood

Visit one of these related posts to learn even more interesting things to see and do in this fantastic neighbourhood in Toronto.

Julie is a travel blogger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She loves to travel and has learned so much from other travel bloggers that she now wants to share her travel knowledge with others.

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