Photo credit: The Bruce Trail Conservancy
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Escape the city this summer and explore some of the best hiking spots around Toronto. With amazing views and biodiversity, you’ll forget that you’re only a few hours away from downtown!
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1. Grand Trunk Trail
Located in St. Marys, this trail is a former CN rail line. It has over 3.2 km of paved, accessible trail and breathtaking views from the Sarnia Bridge.
Where: St. Marys, ON
2. Inglis Falls Trail
Known as “the best waterfalls in the area”, this is a great trail to check out. Situated in the heart of Inglis Falls Conservation Area, there are 7.42 km of trails varying in difficulty.
Where: 237785 Inglis Falls Rd, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N6
3. The Grotto
This is an easy hike that leads to a stunning view of Georgian Bay. With stunning aquamarine water, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Europe. Reservations are required, so make sure to book in advance. You can also check out other trails in Bruce Peninsula National Park while you're there!
Where: 120 Chi sin tib dek Rd, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0
4. Dundas Peak
Located at the mouth of the Spencer Gorge, this lookout point has gorgeous views of the entire city. You can see landmarks like Cootes Paradise and McMaster University. It is considered to be a moderately challenging hike and will take around 45 minutes to complete.
Where: Harvest Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 4W2
5. Lions Head Provincial Park
This hike is well-known for its rock formation that resembles the side profile of a lion from a distance. As part of Niagara Escarpment, this trail contains one of the most ancient and least disturbed forest ecosystems in North America.
Where: MacGregor Point Provincial Park R.R. 1, Port Elgin, ON NOH 2C5
6. Rockwood Conservation Area
There are two hiking trails to choose from: Pothole Trail and Cedar Ridge Trail. This area has a very unique geological history and features glacier bluffs, potholes, and caves. If you’re looking for an easier hike, these trails are definitely worth checking out!
Where: 161 Fall St S, Guelph/Eramosa, ON N0B 2K0
7. A.Y Jackson Trail
Named after Canadian painter and founding member of the Group of Seven, this trail is home to one of northeastern Ontario’s largest waterfalls. With panoramic views of the falls, surrounding forests, and an ancient crater, it’s easy to see why Jackson was inspired to paint this trail.
Where: ON-144, Greater Sudbury, ON P0M 1R0
8. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
This provincial park is located on the gorgeous Bruce Trail. There are numerous hiking trails within the park, along with lookout points, ponds, crevice caves, and 30 metre cliffs. Make sure you book a reservation in advance because daily vehicle permits are required.
Where: 795086 3rd Line EHS, Shelburne, ON L9W 5Y2
9. White River Suspension Bridge Trail
This epic trail spans 18 km, making it a day-hike. But with impressive views, a wooden boardwalk, and an adrenaline-pumping suspension bridge, it’s definitely worth it. If the weather is nice, you can stop at Playter Harbour campsite for a snack and a swim.
Where: Pukaskwa National Park, Heron Bay, ON P0T 1R0
10. Bond Lake Loop
It’s hard to believe that this spot is only an hour away from downtown Toronto! As part of the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve, it’s home to mature forests, wetlands, meadows, and kettle lakes. There are a variety of recreational trails to choose from that are all low in difficulty.
Where: 12611 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1A4
11. Hermitage Trail
This trail will bring you to the ruins of the Hermitage, a once magnificent stone mansion that was destroyed by fire in 1934. Rumour has it that this place is also haunted, so stick around at night to do a ghost walk. While you’re there, also check out the 4 metre tall Hermitage Cascade waterfall.
Where: Sulphur Springs Rd, Hamilton, ON L9G 1L8
12. Mount Nemo
This park is a favourite for nature-enthusiasts due to the unique escarpment-edge ecosystem and incredible biodiversity. There are many climbing routes as well as cliffs, crags, and caves to be explored. Reservations aren’t required but recommended.
Where: 5317 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7P 0A5
13. Tay Shore Trail
This paved trail spans 18.5 km and is registered as part of the Trans Canada Trail. Throughout the trail, there are informative plaques outlining the natural and historical aspects of the municipality. The trail also conveniently passes through their downtown village, where you can stop for lunch.
Where: Tay, ON
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