UTM Walks

UTM Walks

Step into wellness. 

UTM Walks offer a weekly invitation to slow down, move with intention, and enjoy the beautiful trails of our campus. Co-hosted with campus and community partners, these guided walks combine physical activity with mindfulness, social connection, and learning — all in a welcoming, low-pressure environment open to all UTM students, regardless of fitness level or experience.

Each walk is a chance to meet and connect with fellow students while experiencing the many physical and mental health benefits of walking. This simple yet powerful activity can boost mood, reduce stress, enhance focus and creativity, improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones and muscles, help maintain a healthy weight, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Join us to discover how movement, nature, and community can come together to support your wellbeing!

 

Weekly Schedule - Winter 2026: 

Every Tuesdays 3 pm - 4 pm and Friday 12 pm - 1 pm

  • Location: Meet at the RAWC Lobby. We will depart as a group no later than 10 minutes past the hour.
  • Open to: UTM students

Register Here

 

Special Edition Walks:

Girls walking

UTM Walks: Move for your Mood 
Co-presented with UTM Mental Health Student Association


Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Meeting Location: RAWC Lobby
Trail: TBD
Open to: UTM students
Participant fee: Free
 
A wellness walk exploring the science of movement and mood, including the effects of nature, physical activity, and fresh air on mental well-being. This walk encourages students to engage meaningfully with their environment and with one another, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. 
 

Register Here!

Students walking
UTM Walks: Learn About Resources for International Students
Co-presented with the International Education Centre 

 
Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Meeting Location: RAWC Lobby
Trail: TBD
Open to: UTM students
Participant fee: Free
 
Engage in some light physical activity during the winter season and improve mental health well-being with the international student community and learn about resources provided by the International Education Centre.
 
tipi
UTM Walks: Learn About Indigenous Spaces and Presence on Campus
Co-presented with the UTM Office of Indigenous Initiatives

 
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Meeting Location: RAWC Lobby
Trail: UTM Nature Trail
Open to: UTM students
Participant fee: Free
 
Indigenous led hike around campus visiting various spaces and showcasing Indigenous presence on campus. Woven into the hike, you will gain cultural understanding of histories and experience Indigenous world views through storytelling on the land.
 
UTM Greenhouse
UTM Walks: Sustainability Week
Co-presented with the UTM Sustainability Office

Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Meeting Location: RAWC Lobby
Trail: UTM Nature Trail
Open to: UTM students
Participant fee: Free
 
Join fellow UTM students for a refreshing guided walk along the UTM Nature Trail in celebration of Sustainability Week. This midday walk is a great way to unwind, stay active, and learn more about the campus’s natural spaces.
 

 

Past Walks:

Walks with Campus safety

UTM Walks: Staying Safe on Campus

Co-presented with UTM Campus Safety

  • Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
  • Time: 12 pm – 1 pm
  • Location: Meet at the RAWC Lobby. We will depart as a group no later than 10 minutes past the hour.
  • Open to: UTM students
  • Participant fee: Free

Explore UTM’s scenic trails with a member of the Campus Safety team while learning practical tips and resources to help you stay safe on campus. A great way to move, connect, and boost your personal safety awareness.

Learn More

Salmon swimming in water

UTM Walks: Fall Colours and Salmon Migration at Erindale Park

Co-presented with The Riverwood Conservancy & Hart House

  • Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
  • Time: 10 am – 12 pm
  • Location: Meet at the RAWC Lobby. We will depart as a group no later than 10 minutes past the hour.
  • Open to: All UofT students
  • Participant fee: Free

Take in the beauty of fall and witness the salmon migration on this guided walk-through Erindale Park, led by nature experts from The Riverwood Conservancy. Discover the seasonal changes happening just steps from campus along the Credit River.

Learn More

Photo of student taking photo of fall leaves

UTM Walks: Guided Fall Photography

Co-presented with the RAWC Communications Team

  • Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
  • Time: 2 pm – 3 pm
  • Location: Meet at the RAWC Lobby. We will depart as a group no later than 10 minutes past the hour.
  • Open to: UTM students
  • Participant fee: Free

Join us for a relaxing walk, learn photography tips from the RAWC Communications Team, and capture the beautiful autumn colours around campus!

Learn More

Multicoloured fall trees

UTM Walks: Nature Walk & Paint Social for Grad Students 

Co-presented with the Health & Counselling Centre and Office of the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean

  • Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
  • Time: 1 pm – 3 pm
  • Location: Meet at The Spot (Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows Lounge), Maanjiwe nendamowinan (MN) 1110). We will depart as a group no later than 10 minutes past the hour.
  • Open to: UofT graduate students
  • Participant fee: Free

Learn More

Blue Jay sitting on a branch

UTM Walks: Campus Birdwatching

Co-presented with Prof. Sanja Hinic-Frlog, UTM Biology

  • Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
  • Time: 12 pm – 1 pm
  • Location: Meet at the RAWC Lobby. We will depart as a group no later than 10 minutes past the hour.
  • Open to: UTM students
  • Participant fee: Free

Join us for a birdwatching walk led by UTM Biology Professor Sanja Hinic-Frlog! Explore campus trails, observe local birdlife, and connect with other UTM students — no experience or equipment required.

Learn More

 

 

Meeting point: 

Meet at the RAWC Lobby. We will depart as a group no later than 10 minutes after the hour.

 

Registration: 

While UTM Walks is a drop-in program, we strongly encourage registration to help us manage the group size and ensure a smooth experience for all participants.

 

UTM Walks Passport: 

Earn CCR recognition by simply participating in four (4) UTM Walks throughout the year and completing a short reflection survey. Click here to learn more.

 

Collaborate With Us:

The UTM Walks program would not be possible without the support of our incredible community partners. Your unique perspective would contribute significantly to the UTM Walks experience and offer students the opportunity to learn more about our diverse campus. If you are interested/available, kindly fill out this form by Friday, November 28, 2025.

Submit Here

 

How to Prepare:

  • Register in advance to secure your spot.
  • Arrive 5-10 min early at the RAWC Lobby and check in with a UTM Moves Crew Member (in orange uniform). We depart as a group no later than 10 min after the hour.
  • Check the weather forecast and any event updates (@utm_athletics on Instagram).
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and supportive, closed-toe shoes.
  • Apply sunscreen and/or bug spray if needed.
  • Bring any personal items you may need (e.g., medications, mobility aids).

 

Event Weather Policy:

UTM Walks are designed to be enjoyable and accessible outdoor experiences. As such, walks will be cancelled in the event of rain, snow, or other inclement weather that may impact safety or comfort. Weather-related cancellations will be shared by email and posted on Instagram (@utm_athletics) at least one hour before the scheduled walk. We encourage participants to check for updates before heading out and to dress appropriately for seasonal conditions.

 

Contact: 

For additional inquiries about this program, please email: UTM Moves Program Department of Recreation, Athletics & Wellness utm.moves@utoronto.ca.

To help participants choose the right experience, each UTM Moves event includes a difficulty rating from 1 to 4. This scale reflects the level of physical activity involved and any mobility considerations, so you can participate with confidence.

Click on each event to view the specific event rating.

1

LEVEL 1 – LOW 
This event involves minimal to no physical activity. It’s open to all and accessible for participants of all mobility levels.

2

LEVEL 2 – MILD
This event includes light physical activity, such as walking short distances, moving over small inclines, or carrying lightweight items. Suitable for most fitness and mobility levels.

3

LEVEL 3 – MODERATE 
This event includes moderate physical effort that may raise your heart rate. It may involve uneven terrain, longer walking distances, or activities that require some body awareness and balance.

4

LEVEL 4 – HIGH 
This event involves higher physical demands – such as heights, water elements, small spaces, or faster-paced movement. Participants should be comfortable navigating physical challenges and have the ability to move and balance with control.

 

 

 

 

Event Rating

2

This event includes light physical activity, such as walking short distances, moving over small inclines, or carrying lightweight items. Suitable for most fitness and mobility levels.