A spring walk along Sawmills Creek (Mississauga, Ontario)

What to expect

This unpaved, flat trail offers abundant exposure to wildflowers for families with children in strollers and pre-schoolers who are not yet ready to walk continuously for any length of time. The path runs along the creek – you’ll enjoy the sounds of rushing water in early spring.

This 9 km trail does not offer a short loop; plan your walk accordingly. You may hear some faint traffic noises. 

“This hike wants you to stop and look rather than walk,” observed my friend Irene.

Wildflowers (May) 

You will observe at least six typical spring time flowers for our region. Watch for the familiar White Trilliums (Trillium grandiflorum), the Ontario provincial flower.

Also observe different colour violets, including the purple Dog Violet (Viola conspersa), and Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica) – a tiny but gorgeous little flower that’s one of the earliest to appear in spring.

You may also see a small patch of Marsh Marigolds (Caltha palustri). It looks like a regular Buttercup you see in meadows, only it grows in muddy water. Watch for this very early flower in swamps, marshes and along streams.

Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema) and early Wild Geraniums (Geranium maculatum) also grow along the trail.  

If you go a bit earlier in the month, you will be able to spot Bloodroot and Trout Lilly. If you’re a bit later, don’t forget to lift the large leaves of the May-Apple (Podophyllum peltatum).  Surprise! You’ll see a pretty white flower hidden under the “umbrella.” Apparently, pioneers used to collect these flowers to make jam.

Photo 1: Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)

Photo 2:: May-Apple (Podophyllum peltatum) - coming

Photo 3: Wild Geraniums (Geranium maculatum)

Photo 4 (below): Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

This plant is not related to the annuals that grow in the garden such as the American marigold (Tagetes erecta).

When to go

This pretty walk will offer a range of spring flowers from late April until late May. Watch the garden crocus. When it’s in full bloom, it’s time to start searching for the first wildflowers on trails such as this one.

How to get there

Take HWY 403 to Erin Mills Parkway; left (east) to Burnhamthorpe; right (south) on Mississauga Road to Dundas. The drive from the highway exit to the trail head takes about 5 minutes. You can park at Springbank Arts Centre. Don’t miss the entrance; it’s just after the University of Toronto sign and below the church on the hilltop. The city expects you to pay for parking -- it’s rather expensive – but many visitors seem to be taking their chances here. You could also study a city map for alternative access points to the trail to avoid parking fees or tickets. Walk about 250 meters north on Mississauga Road and cross the road at the stoplights to reach the trail head.

More…

After your hike, you may consider walking up the hill to stroll through the historic graveyard behind St. Peter’s Anglican Church. The church building dates back to 1887, but people have been worshipping at this congregation since 1825.

Tired? You can enjoy a bite to eat or a Starbuck coffee at a chic strip mall, 2 minutes from the trailhead at Dundas and King Forest Dr. (Left out of the parking lot; right on Dundas).