WELCOME TO URBAN GEOWALKS

INSTRUCTIONS
ENTER
Explore Geology and Environment in the City

A Guide to Ontario's Urban GeoWalks

Discover the geology and natural environments hidden in plain sight with the Geodiversity Education Foundation's Urban GeoWalks. Explore city streets, parks, buildings and public spaces while uncovering the rocks, geological materials, natural features and urban environments that connect Ontario's cities to a much deeper geological and environmental story.

Contribute an Urban GeoWalk

Have an urban geological or environmental walk you'd like to share?

Help expand our collection of geoscience and environmental experiences by submitting an Urban GeoWalk or field trip for consideration.

Download Submission Form
▶ Video Instructions

Watch our instructions to learn how to follow an Urban GeoWalk, navigate its stops and discover geological and environmental features throughout the city.

Urban GeoWalk video instructions
⌕ What to Take

We recommend bringing a hand lens or magnifying glass, comfortable walking shoes or sturdy footwear, a camera, notebook and pen, and clothing appropriate for changing weather conditions.

The Geodiversity Education Foundation encourages responsible exploration: take pictures, not samples, and leave your rock hammer at home.

! Safety
Urban exploration brings its own hazards, including road traffic, busy intersections, uneven surfaces and areas where geological and environmental features may be close to active streets or other public infrastructure.

Stay on established sidewalks and paths wherever possible, obey pedestrian signals and remain aware of vehicles, cyclists and other surroundings. When observing outcrops or geological and environmental features near roads, remain as far from traffic as possible. Avoid climbing unstable rock faces or structures, and visit stops with at least one other person whenever practical.

★ Urban GeoWalks Rating Guide

Each Urban GeoWalk includes information about its approximate difficulty, duration and accessibility to help you choose an experience that is right for you.

Difficulty

Rated from 1 to 5, from easiest to most challenging. A rating of 1 represents an easy walk, while 5 may involve longer distances, more demanding terrain or a higher level of fitness.

Duration

Indicates the approximate amount of time needed to complete the Urban GeoWalk and explore its featured geological and environmental stops.

Accessibility

Rated from 1 to 3. Level 1 means all or many stops are easily accessible; Level 2 means some stops are easily accessible; Level 3 indicates that stops may not be easily accessible.