ACTIVITIES
Hikes | Workshops | Kids Activities | Displays
Thank you for your interest in the Tommy Thompson Park Butterfly Festival. All of our activities requiring registration have sold out, but we encourage you to come to the festival to explore some of the great interpretive displays, kids activities and trails. We hope to see you on Saturday!
HIKES
Butterfly Walk - registration required
Take a walk with local butterfly experts through the meadow habitat at TTP. Learn about the different species of butterflies, caterpillars and larvae you see along the way. Walks will depart from the Front Entrance and will follow the nature trail through the Baselands.
- Start Times: 10:00 a.m., 11:15 p.m, 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m.
- Duration: 1 hour, depending on species
- Distance: 2 km
- Difficulty: moderate - terrain is relatively flat but most of the hike will be along the un-graded nature trail.
- Meeting Location: Front Entrance
* There are opportunities to leave the hike early if necessary.
Family Nature Hike - registration required
Take a walk with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff to see the diversity of wildlife that thrives at TTP. You will have a chance to see butterflies, birds and plants as you walk along the nature trail. Walks will depart from the front entrance and will follow the pedestrian trail through the Baselands.
- Start Times: 11:00 a.m.,1:30 p.m.
- Distance: 2 km
- Difficulty: easy – terrain is relatively flat; most of the hike will be along the graded pedestrian trail
- Meeting Location: Front Entrance
* There are opportunities to leave the hike early if necessary.
TTP Bike Tour- registration required
A bike tour of Tommy Thompson Park led by the park manager, highlighting the various habitats and the species they support. The tour will depart from the front entrance and follow the Multi-Use Trail through the park. Bring your bike, binoculars and plenty of water!
- Start Times: 10:30a.m., 12:30 p.m.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Difficulty: easy – the Multi-Use Trail is a flat, paved surface
- Meeting Location: Front Entrance
* This tour may not be suitable for young children or beginner bikers. Please consider the distance and fast pace before registering children under the age of 12.
Peninsula D Butterfly Walk- registration required
Board the shuttle van at the entrance of the park to be transported to Peninsula D where we will take a walk through the Cottonwood forest looking for Monarchs and Red Admirals, among other species.
- Start Times: 12:15 p.m.,1:45 p.m.
- Distance: 1 km
- Difficulty: moderate – terrain is relatively flat but most of the hike will be along the ungraded nature trail
- Meeting Location: Front Entrance to board the shuttle van.
* Due to limited space in the shuttle van and the width of the nature trail, strollers will not be accepted on this walk.
WORKSHOPS
Nature Photography Workshop - registration required
A fun hike through the park with tips and pointers on the various aspects of nature photography including wildlife, landscape, and macro photography. Participants will receive guidance on basic camera operation such as settings and shutter speed to create the highest quality photos possible.
- All participants are required to bring their own digital camera. A good pair of walking shoes is also recommended. Participants are encouraged to bring any additional photography equipment they may have such as a tripod or additional lenses but these are not required for the workshop.
- Start Time: 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m.
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Meeting Location: Front entrance
* There is opportunity to leave this workshop early
KIDS ACTIVITIES
Festival Passport, Scavenger Hunt, Seed Ball Craft, And More!
DISPLAYS
Live birds of prey at the WILD ONTARIO display- Look at butterflies and insects at Toronto Entomological Association display.
- - Learn the difference between beneficial and harmful insects that live in your backyard at the City of Toronto's display
- Everything about monarchs at the Monarch Teacher's Network display
- Tips on creating a healthy yard at TRCA Stewardship
- Wildlife of TTP at TRCA's Spit Cart
