Hikes in Ontario
Where to Hike in Ontario
Activities in Ontario
As Canada’s second largest province, it should be no surprise that Ontario is a fantastic place to get outside and explore the natural beauty of the wild landscapes on offer there. The province features six national parks and 280 provincial parks, providing a wealth of opportunities for day hikes and multi-day backpacking treks that can take place on over 80,000.0 km of trails. With such a large number of hiking routes and a great diversity of terrain, it’s easy to see why over 800,000 Ontarians and countless visitors utilize the trail networks in the province every year.
A hiking excursion in Ontario can take many different forms, ranging from brief hour-long strolls through a public park to a multi-day trek along the 890.0 km expanse of the Bruce Trail that cuts across the southern portion of the province. Beginner hikers and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike will feel at home here, as the main contributor to the difficulty of a hike is the overall length, as opposed to technical terrain. That is not to say that there aren’t any challenging hikes in the province, far from it; however, the lack of any mountainous terrain means that your focus will largely be on physical fitness rather than technical knowledge or prowess. Even still, the breathtaking scenery and stunning landscapes across the province make for a wonderful experience, no matter where you are or what season it may be, so why not make the wild expanse of Ontario the destination of your next hiking adventure.
Displaying 41 of 41 routes
Route guides for Hiking in Ontario
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Mono Cliffs Trail Route Guide
The Mono Cliffs Trail is an extremely popular hiking route in southern Ontario, due to its dramatic rock formations, beautiful scenery, and relatively easy access from Toronto. This route eschews the main entrance and parking area for roadside parking along 2nd Line, entering into the forest to follow an undulating trail through the tree cover that features the large sections of rock escarpment that gives the park its name. Well-marked and maintained, this route is perfect for exploring the outdoors with the family.
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Humber River Recreation Trail Route Guide
This stretch of the Humber River Recreation Trail is an 5.1mi out-and-back route that will take you from Etienne Brulé Park near the Old Mill, to the James Gardens and back. While out on the trail, you will walk along the forested edge of the river and take in some lovely views across the water. This beautiful route is popular with cyclists and walkers as a means to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
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Track and Tower Trail Route Guide
Hiking the Track and Tower Trail is a great adventure in Algonquin Provincial Park that showcases the natural beauty and diverse wildlife in the area. While out on the trail, you will hike through the beautiful woodland landscape and take in stunning views of waterfalls, powerful rivers, and scenic lakes, with a good chance of spotting the blackbears and moose that inhabit the area. This route isn’t overly difficult, yet it still features a good variety of terrain, making it a suitable adventure for beginner and experienced hikers alike.
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Decew Falls Loop Route Guide
The Decew Falls Loop is a quick and easy adventure near St. Catherines that features some amazing natural and historic elements, making it appealing to a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way past the site of an old 19th Century grain mill before looping through a serene stretch of forest to visit Decew Falls. Whether you decide to try this hike for the waterfall, the history, or the chance to just reconnect with nature, there is no shortage of fun to be had on the Decew Falls Loop.
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Centennial Ridges Trail Route Guide
The Centennial Ridges Trail is a 6.1mi lollipop hiking route in Algonquin Park that will take you uphill along the rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield. While out on the trail, you will pass through beautiful stretches of woodland terrain to reach an elevated position atop the ridge where you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the forests and lakes of Algonquin. Although parts of this hike can be tough, it is more than manageable for casual and beginner hikers looking for a bit of a challenge.
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Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto Route Guide
Hiking the Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto Trail is an amazing experience along the shores of Georgian Bay that will see you climb uphill along the rocky escarpment for some stunning views across the water. While out on the trail, you will pass through tranquil stretches of forest along the rocky and rugged shoreline, eventually arriving at the scenic rock caves of Indian Head Cove and the Grotto. While the middle portions of this trail likely won’t be very populated, the start and end points are popular tourist destinations that will see a dramatic increase in foot traffic.
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Crothers Woods Loop Hike Route Guide
Walking the Crothers Woods Loop is a great outdoor activity in Toronto that will serve as a nice forest retreat without having to leave the city limits. While trekking through this tranquil forest setting, you enjoy beautiful views of the Lower Don River and have the chance to view several species of wildlife, in particular the birds that call the woods home. You should take note of the fact that this is a multi-use trail, so keep an eye out for passing bikers and trail runners.
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Mount Nemo Loop Hike Route Guide
The Mount Nemo Loop is an awesome adventure just outside of Burlington that will allow you to explore some of the rugged terrain along the Niagara Escarpment. While out on the trail, you will hike through the charming woodland landscape and make your way up the hillside to reach the edge of the escarpment for spectacular views overlooking the surrounding farmland of southern Ontario. This is a fantastic hike with spectacular views and easy to navigate paths, making it a great day excursion for the entire family.
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Booth’s Rock Trail Route Guide
Hiking the Booth’s Rock Trail is a fantastic experience in Algonquin Provincial Park that will take you up to an amazing lookout with arguably some of the best views in the park. While out on the trail, you will make your way through a scenic stretch of woodland terrain featuring beautiful pine trees before climbing up to a stunning lookout with views over Rock Lake. Well-marked, maintained, and easily accessible, this is a fantastic day-hike that is suitable for almost all skill levels.
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Lion’s Head Loop Hike Route Guide
The Lion’s Head Loop is arguably one of the most popular hiking routes in the entire province of Ontario, and it is for good reason. This amazing trail will take you across a rocky and rugged bluff for breathtaking views overlooking the shimmering waters of Georgian Bay before ending the hike with a relaxing stroll through a lovely stretch of woodland terrain. This trail is usually very busy and runs over capacity, so be sure to arrive early to enjoy at least a few of the beautiful views in solitude.
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Glen Stewart Park Trail Route Guide
Hiking the Glen Stewart Park Trail is a quick and easy outdoor experience in the east end of Toronto that can be enjoyed by hikers of all ages and skill levels. Along the trail, you will experience a tranquil woodland atmosphere, as you make your way past mature trees that line a scenic ravine that is dissected by a quaint stream. While this route is accessible year round, portions of the trail can become icy in the winter and muddy in the spring, making it less than ideal to hike during these periods.
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Ball’s Falls Loop Route Guide
The Ball’s Falls Loop is one of the most popular day-hikes in the Niagara Region due to its compatibility for hikers of all skill levels and fascinating historical buildings. The trail unfolds on the scenic Niagara Escarpment and takes hikers through a rich natural landscape, including waterfalls and the Twenty Mile Creek. Hikers can explore relics of the old milling operations that once thrived here, orchestrated by the prominent “Balls” family that settled the area. A fascinating 19thcentury village is available for hikers to explore, home to the Ball family home, a small church, various mills, a blacksmith shop and more!
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Hemlock Bluff Trail Route Guide
The Hemlock Bluff Trail is a quick and easy hiking route in Algonquin Provincial Park that will see you traverse a good variety of terrain along its short length, including a beautiful stretch of mixed forest. While out on the trail, you will make your way through a tranquil woodland setting in a clockwise direction before enjoying some amazing views overlooking the calm surface of Jack Lake. With easy-to-navigate paths and beautiful scenery - including the chance to spot wildlife - this route is perfectly suited for a fun family hike in Algonquin.
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Eugenia Falls and Hoggs Falls Loop Hike Route Guide
The Eugenia Falls and Hoggs Falls Loop is an amazing gem of a hike in Ontario that will take you through the Beaver Valley to visit two stunning waterfalls. This 7.8mi trail sets out from the quaint hamlet of Eugenia, the home of a would-be gold rush in 1852, and travels along the Boyne River for scenic woodland views and the chance to swim below Hoggs Falls. With easy-to-navigate terrain and beautiful views, this route is perfectly suited for both casual and experienced hikers alike.
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East Don Parkland Trail Route Guide
Hiking the East Don Parkland Trail is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring a small slice of nature in the heart of North York. While out on the trail, you will follow along a well-maintained path along the banks of the East Don River, crossing over it at several points by means of a series of charming bridges. With almost no elevation gains present throughout the trail, this route is perfectly suited for hikers of almost every skill level. While the paths are largely paved, there may be a few sections of gravel that could slow travel for those with wheelchairs or strollers.
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Canterbury, Sherman, and Tiffany Falls Hike Route Guide
Hiking the Canterbury, Sherman, and Tiffany Falls Trail is a fun, family-friendly experience near Ancaster that will take you along a stretch of the Niagara Escarpment to visit a series of waterfalls. While out exploring the trail, you will make your way through a beautiful stretch of woodland terrain, before visiting the Canterbury, Sherman, and Tiffany waterfalls. This hiking route is a perfect escape for when you need to get away from the city and reconnect with the natural world.
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Lookout Trail Route Guide
Hiking the Lookout Trail is a great outdoor experience in Algonquin Provincial Park, thanks to its short overall distance and breathtaking views that sweep across the landscape. While out on the trail, you will make your way along a short loop that climbs uphill at a steady pace until you reach the lookout atop a bluff. Here, you will experience a great sightline across the countless trees and lakes that make the park such a beautiful place to visit. Try hiking this trail during the autumn, when the vast expanse of green trees shift to a myriad of yellow, orange, and red hues.
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Pretty River Loop Trail Route Guide
The Pretty River Loop Trail is a fantastic hiking route near Collingwood that will lead you through the beautiful terrain that can be found within Pretty River Valley Provincial Park. While out hiking this trail, you will make your way along the winding banks of the Pretty River before climbing uphill to one of the high points along the Niagara Escarpment for some amazing views overlooking the picturesque Grey County landscape. Try timing this hike for late-April to May when the trilliums along the trail are in bloom.
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High Park Trail Route Guide
Hiking the High Park Trail is a wonderful experience in the west end of Toronto that will expose you to a vast area of woodland terrain that serves as a retreat for many people to escape the hectic environment of the city. While out walking the trail, you will make your way through mature forests, experience views across serene bodies of water, and pass by a number of well-maintained gardens and recreation spaces. Although this trail is certainly accessible year-round, the best time to visit High Park is during the April to May window, when the Japanese cherry trees in the park reveal their picturesque pink blossoms.
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Queenston Heights via Bruce Trail Route Guide
The Queenston Heights via Bruce Trail Hike is a fun adventure in Niagara Falls that will provide a bit of respite from the tourists and allow you to reconnect with nature. The trail sets out from Queenston Heights Park and leads you through a wonderful stretch of woodland terrain along the escarpment. This route is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon outdoors while getting some exercise in a peaceful setting.
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Bat Lake Trail Route Guide
The Bat Lake Trail is a nice and easy hiking route within Algonquin Provincial Park that provides some beautifully scenic views of the surrounding woodland landscape and the chance to hike along several small lakes. While out on the trail, you will make your way through a variety of terrain, including forested paths, creekside walkways, and wooden boardwalks. The route also features a few short climbs; however, the majority of the terrain is perfectly suited for a fun family hike.
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Flowerpot Island Loop Trail Route Guide
Hiking the Flowerpot Island Loop Trail is a fun experience near Tobermory that will see you take a scenic boat ride to a small island to explore its inland forests and coastal areas. While out on the trail, you will be able to check out the namesake of the island, a series of unique rock formations that have weathered severely over time and now resemble giant flower pots towering above the water. Pair this hike with a weekend of camping on the island for the ultimate outdoor experience.
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Toronto Waterfront Trail Route Guide
Also known as the Martin Goodman Waterfront Trail, the Toronto Waterfront Trail is a long multi-use route that provides a great recreation space for people in the city to get out and enjoy the outdoors. This trail will take you along the shoreline of Lake Ontario from the Humber Bay to Harbour Square Park, providing access to countless public spaces, businesses, and recreation areas along the water’s edge. With little in the way of elevation gain, well-maintained paths, and beautiful scenery, this route is perfectly suited for a fun family outing in the city.
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Scarlet Tanager to Hemlock Valley Hike Route Guide
The Scarlet Tanager to Hemlock Valley Hike is a moderate length route near St. Catherines that will lead you through the beautiful terrain of Short Hills Provincial Park. While out on the trail, you will make your way through serene stretches of woodland terrain and traverse some of the short hills that provide the park with its name. This is a quiet trail that is perfect for a weekend stroll to clear your head and reconnect with nature.
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Niagara Whirlpool Trail Route Guide
The Niagara Whirlpool Trail in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is best known for introducing hikers to the spectacular, naturally occurring Niagara Whirlpool. The Whirlpool formed over 4000 years ago and is located in the Niagara Gorge, which unfolds downstream from the world-famous Niagara Falls. The 1.3mi out-and-back trail leads hikers on a steep descent into the plunging depths of the Niagara Gorge, along an undulating trail, toward the Niagara River. Surrounded by beautiful forest scenery, hikers will be beckoned toward the rapids by the sound of the rushing whirlpool, turbulently swirling in the distance.
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Beaver Pond Trail Route Guide
The Beaver Pond Trail is a quick and easy adventure in Algonquin Provincial Park that will lead you around a charming lake for beautiful views across the water. While out on the trail, you will traverse some pleasant woodland terrain around the lake and witness the effect that the local beavers can have on the landscape. While this is a fairly short and easy hike, there are some sections of uphill hiking along uneven terrain, making it unsuitable for those with limited mobility.
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Spirit Rock Trail Route Guide
The Spirit Rock Trail is a fantastic hiking route near Wiarton at the south end of the Bruce Peninsula that will provide you with stunning views overlooking Georgian Bay. While out on the trail, you will trek through a lovely stretch of woodland terrain and experience beautiful views of the water and nearby town of Wiarton. An easy-to-navigate route and very little elevation gain makes this hike perfectly suitable for people of all skill levels.
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Leslie Street Spit Trail Route Guide
The Leslie Street Spit Trail is an amazing hiking route in Toronto that will take you through Tommy Thompson Park along the shores of Lake Ontario. While out on this hike, you spot a wide range of wildlife species like beavers and various types of fowl, in addition to experiencing beautiful views across Lake Ontario and the ever-changing Toronto skyline. Made up of easy-to-navigate paved and gravel pathways, this trail is perfectly suited for hikers of all ages and skill levels, including those with wheelchairs and families with strollers.
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Whiskey Rapids Trail Route Guide
Hiking the Whiskey Rapids Trail is a great family-friendly experience in Algonquin Provincial Park that will take you through a beautiful stretch of woodland terrain to reach the edge of a river. While out on the trail, you will have the opportunity to hike along the banks of the Oxtongue River, where you will spot the rippling waters of the Whiskey Rapids. As the trail sits in close proximity to the water, make sure to bring bug spray for this hike.
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Horse and Marr Lakes Trail Route Guide
The Horse and Marr Lakes Trail is a spectacular hiking route near the northern end of the Bruce Peninsula that will lead you around several charming lakes for stunning views overlooking the shimmering waters of Georgian Bay. While out on the trail, you will make your way past the shores of Horse Lake and along the edge of Georgian Bay to visit the picturesque rock formation known as the Grotto before returning along the edge of the Marr and Cyprus lakes. As this trail sets out from the Cyprus Lake Campground, this hike is perfectly paired with a fun weekend of camping along the wild expanse of the Bruce Peninsula.
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Lower Don Recreation Trail Route Guide
The Lower Don Recreation Trail is a great adventure in the heart of Toronto’s east end that will allow you to reconnect with nature as you hike through stretches of natural and urban terrain. While out on the trail, you will make your way through the Don Valley along the banks of the Don River while taking in all of the sights between Riverdale Park East in the south and E.T. Seton Park in the north. This trail is also very popular with cyclists, so be sure to exercise caution while out on your hike and allow others to safely pass.
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Niagara River Recreational Trail Route Guide
Hiking the Niagara River Recreational Trail is a lengthy adventure in Niagara Falls that will take you through the city for some amazing views across the water. While out on the trail, you will head down to a viewpoint overlooking the iconic Horseshoe Falls before walking along the river’s edge to reach Queenston Heights Park. While long, this is a great trail for families looking to explore the beauty of Niagara Falls.
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Mizzy Lake Trail Route Guide
Hiking the Mizzy Lake Trail is a great way to experience a variety of terrain types and beautiful views that can be found within the boundaries of Algonquin Provincial Park. While out on the trail, you will make your way through tranquil stretches of woodland terrain that border beautiful wetland areas, including charming lakes, quaint ponds, and mucky bogs. The trail itself is well-maintained and fairly level, making it suitable for experienced hikers and casuals looking for a moderate length route.
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Burnt Point Loop Trail Route Guide
The Burnt Point Loop Trail is a fantastic hiking route near Tobermory that will lead you through the beautiful terrain of Fathom Five National Marine Park, making for a fun family adventure out on the trails. While out hiking this route, you will pass by several scenic lookouts that offer stunning views of the rocky shoreline of Georgian Bay with its shimmering blue waters. With easy-to-navigate trails that are well-maintained and a good variety of terrain, this route is perfectly suitable for hikers of nearly every skill level.
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Scarborough Bluffs Trail Route Guide
The Scarborough Bluffs Trail is a scenic hiking route just east of Toronto that will allow you to experience the natural beauty of Lake Ontario’s shoreline. While out on the trail, you will hike along the water’s edge and make your way past yacht clubs and beaches before taking in the sights of the rocky and rugged Scarborough Bluffs. This trail features very little in the way of elevation gain or difficult terrain, making it perfectly suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
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Black Walnut and Swayze Falls Loop Route Guide
Hiking the Black Walnut and Swayze Falls Loop is a fantastic adventure near St. Catherines that will lead you through the beautifully scenic woodland setting of Short Hills Provincial Park. While out hiking the trail, you will loop through serene stretches of forest and experience views overlooking two charming waterfalls. Although there are a few sections with steep terrain, this is a great route for beginner hikers and families that are looking for a fun intermediate length trail.
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Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail Route Guide
The Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail is a nice and easy roadside adventure in Algonquin Provincial Park that offers the chance to stretch your legs on a long drive while taking in views of local wildlife. While out hiking this trail, you will pass through a lovely stretch of woodland terrain along a well-maintained boardwalk that is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Be sure to pick up the leaflet at the beginning of the route to learn more about the ecology of the area.
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Old Baldy Lookout Trail Route Guide
The Old Baldy Lookout Trail is a fantastic day-hike in Grey County that will take you along an elevated position for some truly beautiful views overlooking Beaver Valley. While out on the trail, you will hike along the forested edge of an escarpment and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape from a series of rocky outlooks, including views of the quaint town of Kimberley in the valley below. While this trail does feature a small amount of elevation gain and some uneven ground, it is perfectly suitable for a fun family adventure.
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Rouge Valley Loop via Vista Trail Route Guide
Hiking the Rouge Valley Loop via Vista Trail is a fantastic outdoor experience in the Greater Toronto Area that will take you through a peaceful stretch of woodland terrain to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. While out on the trail, you will make your way past winding creeks and up to an observation platform with views overlooking the forest. This is a great hike no matter the time of year; however, most people would agree that it is best done in the autumn, when the vast sea of green leaves changes to a myriad of yellow, orange, and red hues.
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Woodend Conservation Area Loop Hike Route Guide
The Woodend Conservation Area Loop is a family-friendly hiking route in the Niagara region that will lead you through a lovely stretch of woodland terrain on a quick lollipop trail. While out on this hike, you will make your way through the tranquil atmosphere of the forest and traverse the rock strewn landscape of the Niagara Escarpment. Hiking this lovely forest trail is a great way to spend an afternoon escaping the city to reconnect with nature.
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Loree Forest Loop Trail Route Guide
Hiking the Loree Forest Loop Trail is a wonderful outdoor excursion near Collingwood that offers amazing views overlooking the blue waters of Georgian Bay. While out on the trail, you will make your way around a peaceful woodland loop before arriving at a wooden lookout platform with views that stretch out across the surrounding forest and ski runs towards the bay. This popular trail is well-suited for hikers of nearly every skill level.
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