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Hiking in the GTA and beyond
30
items Trails I keep coming back to-local favourites, hidden gems, and spots that never get old no matter how many times I hike them.
Sections
4
GTA Trails
Waterfalls & Trails
Trails worth the drive
Stroller Friendly
GTA Trails
Trails close to home with forests, hills, and scenic spots making it easy to get out and enjoy nature without going far.
A Durham region staple with lots of entrances to choose from. Each has its own share of inclines/hills to choose from and some lovely lookout spots.
Seaton Hiking Trail
A local staple with a ton of trails to choose from, just pick a trailhead entrance and enjoy the hike. Lots of hills/inclines to challenge you and intensity the hike.
Rouge National Urban Park
This is my go to trail in Whitby for a nice quick scenic hike, wooden stairs can truly make it a workout.
Heber Down Conservation Area
Such a serene location with multiple trails to choose from for easy walking to the sound of flowing water from nearby creeks/waterways.
Orono Crown Lands
A great go-to spot any time of year with mixed forest, rolling hills, and soft woodland paths. Multiple interconnected routes make it easy to choose your adventure whether you’re in the mood for a short walk or a longer hike.
Glen Major Forest/Walker Woods
A peaceful scenic hike through mixed forest, hills and woodland paths. Mix and match loops for longer or shorter hikes minimum 1 hour.
Wilder Forest and Wildlife Preserve
A gem located in Ajax with quite a few entrances and paths along the banks of Duffins Creek. Rope hill is can be a bit of a challenge for some especially if scared of heights.
Greenwood Conservation Area
A year round trail with lots of loop options to choose. Great for all levels of hikers though will share some trails with bikers.
Durham Regional Forest
There’s a reason Uxbridge is known as the Trail Capital of Canada. With over with over 300 km of scenic trails there’s something for everyone: hills, horses, forests etc.
Uxbridge Trails
Connecting to the Bruce Trail, this area truly has something for everyone from casual walks to longer, more challenging hikes. There’s no shortage of rolling hills, forests, open meadows, winding creeks, seasonal waterfalls, and plenty of history wov...
Dundas Valley Conservation Area
Quite a few entrances to choose from that take you through a variety of terrain with views that don’t disappoint.
Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve
Such a gem of a trail that’s absolutely stunning in the fall. I can’t get enough of the views. There are multiple trailheads and several interconnected trails you can mix and match for hikes from about 1 to 3 hours. Rolling hills and forest paths mak...
Mount Nemo Conservation Area
This forest has it all hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, educational and nature appreciation activities. With hundreds of kilometres of trails, the Ganaraska Forest is maintained year-round so visit anytime...
Ganaraska Forest
Waterfalls & Trails
Chasing waterfalls can be picturesque, beautiful trails with gorgeous waterfalls along the way.
Located off the Bruce Trail this is lovely waterfall for photos while not leaving soaked. Also accessible as a short walk from the “parking lot” if you’re just there for the photos.
Tiffany Falls
Located off the Bruce Trail, pictures don’t do it justice. The trail to the this waterfalls is a combination of paved road, crushed gravel and dirt path.
Sherman Falls
Along the Bruce trail this site offers an historic escape with the added bonus of the falls, definitely make as day of it exploring the trails, area and activities offered.
Ball's Falls
Two amazing waterfalls but very tricky to get to depending on the path you take. You will hear the waterfall. The trail I initially took lead to the upper falls and I had to use a rope to scale down the wall to the actual falls. Once down it’s easy t...
Decew Falls
Trails worth the drive
Trails worth the extra time on the road that result in l amazing views, cliffs, and landscapes.
A moderately challenging hike through forest and rocky terrain that leads to one of the most iconic lookouts in Ontario, every lookout is worth it.
Lions Head Lookout (McCurdy Trailhead)
There are so many hiking trails and foot paths to explore. Depending on the trail you'll walk through dry forest, marsh, park-beach, and savannah.
These are the perfect trails for mindful hiking, just observing the various species of plants, insects ...
Point Pelee National Park
My go to trail when I lived in Kingston, the view is well worth the effort to the top especially in the fall.
Rock Dunder Nature Reserve
Lovely lookout spots especially in the fall. Several trails where some are surrounded by forest while others are more open field.
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Home to rolling trails, forested paths, and big bluff views overlooking the Nottawasaga River valley. You’ll find a mix of easy and moderate routes, quiet woodlands, lookout points, and great spots to stop and take it all in , perfect for ever level ...
Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area
A trail with over 10 waterfalls but if you like walking to the sounds of flowing water this is an ideal spot. Hard not to stop and take pictures every few steps.
Watkins Glen State Park
Stroller Friendly
My go-to spots perfect for fresh air, easy exercise, and exploring nature with a stroller and little ones.
My go-to park in downtown west Toronto with wide paths and tons of green space. Walks can be as long or short as you want, and it never gets boring -just take a new path/entrance. There’s a free mini zoo and a playground, plus lots of dog park areas ...
High Park
An easy, relaxed walk on paved paths with some gravel areas and lots to look at for little ones. There’s always something happening so check before you go to see what’s on matches your vibe. Plenty of space and sections to take your time. Paid parkin...
Evergreen Brick Works
Paved paths or boardwalks along Toronto’s waterfront.
Toronto Waterfront Trail
My go to trail in Whitby for a family nature walk with sightings of so many types of birds (feeding optional but encouraged to see the variety) and deers.
Lynde Shores Conservation Area
Easy flat trail in Ajax passing through housing area, community play park. I typically park at Food Basics or at the community centre.
Millers Creek Trail
An easy, stroller-friendly option with wide paved paths for a smooth push in the west end of Toronto. There’s lots of open green space to wander or relax, plus a playground for kids, making it a great low-key spot for a casual walk.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Paved paths or boardwalks. Make a day of it by also visiting the kiddie amusement park or zoo.
Toronto Islands Trail