Join us for a hike along one of Ontario's historic railway bridges, which has been converted into an elevated park. You’ll be able to enjoy some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Southern Ontario.
The town of St. Thomas was key to the development of the railway across Canada as it connected the USA, especially Detroit, to Toronto and Montreal. However, with the decline in rail travel at the turn of the century, St. Thomas has converted its 100-ft high railway bridge into an elevated park similar to the High Line in New York. As we trek through this scenic landscape, you’ll discover traces of the railways’ impact on the region's history and have the chance to spot a wide variety of birds soaring overhead—perfect for birdwatchers among us. Art enthusiasts will be delighted by the stunning murals and sculptures created by local artists that we’ll encounter along the way.
After our 9 km hike, we’ll relax at the Railway Brewing Co., a local brewery, where you'll find an impressive selection of drinks to sample.
This is 9 km hike of easy difficulty over flat terrain with some sections of stairs. We will cross high over a waterway seeing beautiful art before walking through farmland and woods.
7:50 - Meet at Petro Canada on Keele and Bloor
8:00 - Leave we will not be waiting for latecomers so please arrive on time
8:00 - 10:15 - Drive to the trail head. St Thomas Elevated Bridge Parking Lot
10:15 - 14.15 - Hike with stops for lunch and photos
14.15 - 14.30 - Drive to Railway City Brewing Co
14.30 - 16.00 - Enjoy each others company
16:00 - 18.30 - Drive back to Toronto
18:30 - Expected arrival time at Keele Station
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Shoes
Hiking boots are strongly recommended for this trip.
Clothing packing list
Pack at least a litre of water for the hike.
Please bring a packed lunch
There are non-alcoholic options available at the bar and nobody is under any obligation to buy food or drink at any of the stops. And another reminder, if you're driving, don't drink.
No Reservations are required.
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear (ankle high hiking boots) and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Heights - Keep away from any steep drops.
Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times, follow the instructions of the guides and download both the map referenced above as well as What3Words. You can't rely on having reception while out in the woods.
Ticks - Tick season has started again and they're active in the area we're visiting. Black Legged Ticks have the risk of carrying Lyme disease so it's important that you check yourself thoroughly after each hike. You're also recommended to have your legs covered so it's harder for them to latch on. Learn about checking for ticks here.
The Indigenous history of St. Thomas, Ontario, and the surrounding area is deeply rooted in the presence of various Indigenous nations, including the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee. Long before European contact, these communities thrived by hunting, fishing, and farming, establishing rich cultural practices and trade networks that reflected their deep connection to the land. However, with the arrival of European settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries, Indigenous peoples faced significant disruptions. Treaties were signed under duress or misunderstanding, leading to the loss of traditional territories and altering the social and economic fabric of Indigenous life in the region.
The construction of railroads in the 19th century profoundly impacted local Indigenous communities. While the railroads provided some opportunities for trade and economic engagement, they also facilitated settler colonization and encroachment on Indigenous lands. This expansion often resulted in the displacement of Indigenous peoples and a significant reduction in their access to natural resources. The alteration of the landscape disrupted traditional ways of life, exacerbating tensions between settlers and Indigenous groups. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of these historical impacts, with efforts focused on reconciliation and restoring Indigenous voices in discussions about land use and development in the region.
