Autumn on the Dave Kerwin Trail, Newmarket: A Family Walk Along the New Boardwalk
We visited Canada in October and discovered the quieter, leaf-strewn charm of the Dave Kerwin Trail in Newmarket. What started as a short family outing quickly became one of our favourite fall escapes – an easy, stroller-friendly walk through mixed woods, meadows, and the striking new elevated boardwalk that was recently added to the trail. Whether you’re chasing fall colour, hunting for a short family hike near Toronto, or curious about the boardwalk everyone’s talking about, this little trail delivers a big slice of autumn – and it’s perfect for kids, dogs, and photographers alike.
Why Visit Dave Kerwin Trail in Autumn?
Autumn is easily the most beautiful time to explore the Dave Kerwin Trail in Newmarket. By October, the trees lining the trail shift into glowing shades of amber, red, and gold – creating a colourful corridor that feels like stepping into a postcard. The cooler weather makes the walk comfortable for families, and the soft blanket of fallen leaves adds that unmistakable Canadian fall atmosphere.
This is also when the trail feels calm and peaceful, especially during weekday mornings… unless, of course, you’re visiting with kids who turn every pile of leaves into a playground – just like mine did.
If you’re searching for fall walks near Toronto, this is one of the easiest and most accessible options.
Our Family Experience on the Trail
We parked by Environmental Park and started our walk on the forested side of the Dave Kerwin Trail. The path felt calm and inviting. Golden leaves covered the ground like a soft autumn blanket. Cool air drifted through the trees and carried that earthy fall scent. Light filtered gently through the branches and created a warm glow around us.
The kids ran ahead with pure excitement. They stopped to collect bright leaves and pointed at squirrels jumping between trees. At one point, we also spotted several small white caterpillars crawling across the path. The kids watched them closely and asked a hundred curious questions. We followed slowly and enjoyed the peaceful rhythm of the forest. Every step felt cozy and relaxing, like a quiet escape from the world outside.
After finishing the forest loop, we continued toward the Clifford Perry Boardwalk. My cousin had shared the news about it, so we were excited to see it. The shift from dense woods to open boardwalk felt refreshing. The long wooden path rose above the wetlands and offered wide, colourful views.
From the railing, we saw birds moving between branches and leaves drifting across the water. The kids leaned over carefully and tried to spot anything that moved. The moment felt simple but memorable.
The trail was not long, but it gave us everything we wanted. It was peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for an easy family outing on a crisp autumn day in Canada.
What to Expect on the Dave Kerwin Trail in Newmarket
The trail is about 3 km long and classified as easy, making it ideal for a short family outing. You’ll find:
- Mixed terrain: paved paths, elevated boardwalk, and natural forest trails
- Stroller-friendly sections: especially the paved and boardwalk areas
- Dog-friendly access: a common spot for pet owners
- Beautiful wetlands and wooded areas: great for photography
- Quiet neighbourhood surroundings: safe and convenient
Because the trail loops through different types of scenery, it feels varied despite being short.
The New Boardwalk – A Beautiful Upgrade
One of the newest and most exciting features of the Dave Kerwin Trail is the elevated boardwalk, which was completed as part of its recent enhancement project. This long wooden walkway lifts you above the wetlands, offering a different perspective of the forest and giving the trail a fresh, modern feel.
For families, the boardwalk is fantastic: smooth, stroller-friendly, safe, and visually stunning in autumn. The kids loved stopping at different points to look over the railings, spot birds, and watch leaves floating across the wetlands below.
If you’re writing for local readers in Ontario or the GTA, this boardwalk adds a “new attraction” element – perfect for drawing clicks and search traffic.
Best Time to Visit the Trail
While the trail is open year-round, here’s what you can expect:
Autumn (mid–late October)
- Peak fall colours
- Leaf-covered paths
- Soft golden light for photos
- Comfortable weather for kids
Time of Day
- Morning: calm, quiet, great for photos
- Late afternoon: warm golden tones (“magic hour” look)
Days
- Weekdays are better if you want fewer people around.
How to Get There & Where to Park
There are two easy access points:
- Woodspring Avenue entrance
- Gilpin Drive access
Parking can be limited, so it’s best to come early or visit on weekdays. Both entrances offer quick access to the loop, making it easy for families with kids to avoid long walks before the walk.
Tips for Families Visiting the Dave Kerwin Trail
- Bring a stroller only if you plan to stick to the paved and boardwalk areas.
- Wear proper shoes – fallen autumn leaves can be slippery after rain.
- Keep kids close on the elevated boardwalk, even though it’s safely designed.
- Bring snacks and water – there are no facilities along the trail.
- Great for photos – take advantage of the forest backdrop and open boardwalk views.
This trail is an easy win for families wanting a nature escape without committing to a long hike.
Final Thoughts – A Quick, Colourful Family Escape
If you’re in the GTA and want an easy autumn outing, the Dave Kerwin Trail in Newmarket is an ideal pick: short, accessible, and now even more memorable thanks to the new elevated boardwalk. It’s the kind of place where little legs burn energy, cameras catch golden light, and parents get that satisfying mix of nature & convenience. Pack a thermos, bring a camera, and plan for a relaxed hour or two – you’ll leave with pockets full of leaves and a few great family photos.
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Khoi Nguyen
Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.
17 Comments
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Melanie E
That sounds like such a beautiful place to walk. I am looking for more places for long walks as it can be so lovely to be out in nature and very therapeautic. The trail looks wonderful and teh walkway so pretty. Fall would be a great time ot visit withteh Autumnal colours x
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Khoi Nguyen
It really is such a peaceful place to walk, especially if you enjoy being surrounded by nature. Fall is my favorite time to visit too, the autumn colors make the whole trail feel extra calming and beautiful.
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LisaLisa
WOW, Dave Kerwin Trail sounds like a great place to enjoy a good walk with the family, I love a goof trail. Such a beautiful place to walk and I know we would enjoy this, I would love to see a white catipliar!
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Khoi Nguyen
It is a lovely trail for families, especially if you enjoy an easy and scenic walk together. And yes, spotting a white caterpillar was such a fun little surprise, it made the walk even more memorable.
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alejandra
great tips to visit Dave Kerwin trail! It looks like such a calm, relaxing plan to do alone or with family and friends. Thanks for sharing!
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Khoi Nguyen
Thank you so much. It really is a relaxing spot whether you visit alone or with loved ones, and it is nice to have places like this to slow down and unwind.
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jerry godinho
Thank you for such an inviting look at Dave Kerwin Trail. your description really captures how accessible and enjoyable this green space is for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers of all ages. I loved learning about the smooth, easy paths through forested areas and the new elevated boardwalk that offers a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. This guide makes me want to plan a visit right away, whether to enjoy a peaceful stroll, watch birds, or soak up some fresh air in Newmarket.
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Khoi Nguyen
I am so glad the description resonated with you. The boardwalk really adds something special to the trail, and it is such a great space for a gentle walk, birdwatching, or simply enjoying some fresh air.
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Rosey
I love that the path was stroller-friendly. That makes things more peaceful right from the get-go. 🙂
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Khoi Nguyen
Yes, the stroller friendly path makes such a difference, especially when visiting with young kids. It definitely helps the walk feel more relaxed from the start 🙂
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Jas
This looks like the perfect family outing! Fresh air, smiles, and time together, can’t beat that!
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Khoi Nguyen
It truly is a wonderful family outing. Simple moments like fresh air and time together often turn into the best memories.
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Ebony
Our family was just talking about visit here! We canT wait to try your travel tips!
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Khoi Nguyen
That is perfect timing then! I hope the tips help make your visit easy and enjoyable, it is such a lovely place for a family walk.
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Nikki wayne
This is a wonderful trip to share as we need a rest and relaxed day ahead.
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Khoi Nguyen
It really is a great spot for a slow and relaxing day. Fresh air, gentle walking, and nature always feel like the best kind of reset.
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Sonia Seivwright
That trail sounds like such a gentle escape, especially by the river. I’m picturing a slow walk, crisp air, clearing my head, maybe bringing my daughter for an easy wander.