Into the Greenbelt Participants walking down a roadway between two fields.

Into the Greenbelt

Creating meaningful connections to protected landscapes.

Into the Greenbelt is an engagement program that connects diverse and often underserved communities (including youth, newcomers, and urban residents) with the natural, agricultural, and cultural systems of Ontario’s Greenbelt. Through partnerships with conservation areas, local farms, Indigenous organizations, and community groups, the program delivers guided trips, educational programming, and cultural and stewardship activities across multiple regions of the Greenbelt. These experiences help participants build environmental awareness, strengthen their connection to the land, and develop a deeper understanding of how protected landscapes contribute to healthy communities. 

The Greenbelt Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Peter Mitchell and theRBC for their vision and support in founding the program.

Inspiring Trips and Partnerships

Into the Greenbelt provides travel bursaries and funding for educational and stewardship activities and support increasing:

  • Connections to the Greenbelt and awareness of its importance to surrounding communities.
  • Access to the benefits the Greenbelt provides, including healthy outdoor spaces, activities and eating and creating long-term partnerships.
  • Experiences that serve broad interests and diverse communities.

Launched in 2016, trips offer fun, educational and adventurous outings, and highlight local food, scenic views, the chance for wildlife sightings, and the vibrant colours of nature. Focus Groups with first- and second-generation Canadians informed programming and outreach strategies to engage audiences.

Engaging Local First Nations Communities and Indigenous Peoples

A recent strategic review of the Program explored barriers to participation, in particular, for local First Nations and urban Indigenous Peoples. Going forward, the Foundation is focused on developing culturally relevant programming for Indigenous Peoples and Communities that would focus on healing, connection to the land and each other, history and traditions, and opportunities for Indigenous teachings.

What to Expect

Greenbelt trails offer hiking and biking opportunities, while visits to farms can include vegetable and berry-picking and other activities. Opportunities to paddle a canoe down a river, snowshoe through a forest, go caving, create art, or meander along a boardwalk or river valley listening to birds, create memorable and meaningful connections to the land and deliver physical and mental benefits.  

Into the Greenbelt supports an average of 25-35 trips or events per year, engaging an average of 1,000 participants. Trip hosts include Greenbelt Conservation Areas, trail associations, cycle tour groups, national and provincial parks, local family farms, Park Bus, and many others.  

Select trip itineraries are provided for groups to choose from and include information on amenities (water, picnic tables, shelter, washrooms, etc.) and opportunities for booking educational guides, training sessions such as learning to canoe, or other activities. New itineraries are developed to respond to interests. 

Into the Greenbelt promotions directly engage cultural service agencies and organizations. The Foundation also promotes the program through its Accessible Greenbelt funding stream and has collaborated with various organizations to deliver specialized programming including the World Crops Learning Gardens, Conservation Authorities, Park People, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA).