Leslie Street Spit Trail

Route Description for Leslie Street Spit Trail

Within close proximity to downtown Toronto and featuring beautiful views of the city skyline, the Leslie Street Spit Trail is undoubtedly a popular trail that is frequented by a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts. Because of this, you will likely need to arrive early to secure parking and enjoy your walk along the water’s edge in solitude. Additionally, make sure to bring bug spray, as mosquitoes can be fairly bad along the trail during the warmer months of the year.

While there may be a fair number of other hikers and cyclists along the trail, it is for good reason. Hiking on the Leslie Street Spit Trail will expose you to some absolutely beautiful views that sweep across the waters of Lake Ontario and include a stunning sightline towards the Toronto skyline. When you throw in the easy-to-navigate paved pathways, minimal elevation gain, and chance to spot wildlife, then you have a perfect recipe for a great day of exploring the outdoors.

Setting out from the parking area, make your way southeast along Leslie Street for 0.6 km to enter Tommy Thompson Park and turn left onto the walking path. Take an immediate right and continue to the south to walk along the edge of the water. To your left, you will enjoy some beautiful views of the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario and to the right, you will spot a number of boats docked in the Outer Harbour Marina.

Continue along the trail for 1.3 km until you come to a junction with the main path and head left, turning left again in 38 m onto the footpath to walk along the shoreline. Keep straight here for the next 1.9 km and enjoy the scenic views across the water, making sure to keep an eye out for the various wildlife species that can be found in the area.

After reaching the tip of a small, isolated peninsula, backtrack along the trail for 400 m and head left. Continue on for 2.1 km, where you will reach the lighthouse at the southwestern tip of the park and enjoy some views across to the Toronto Islands. After taking in the views, make your way northeast along the path for 1.8 km, where you will come to the Tommy Thompson Park Bridge. Head across the bridge and take some time to appreciate the amazing views to the west of the Toronto skyline before setting out on the return leg of the hike.

Continue hiking towards the northeast along the path for the next 30.9 km, soaking up the final views of the picturesque lakeside setting and the boats coming in and out of the marina, as you eventually arrive back at the car park having completed the Leslie Street Spit Trail.

Insider Hints for Leslie Street Spit Trail

• This trail is made up of paved and gravel sections that are very flat, making this route suitable for those with wheelchairs and families with strollers.
• Certain times of year will see plenty of mosquitoes on the trail, so make sure to bring bug spray.
• Remember to dress appropriately for the weather conditions, as there can be a fair amount of wind coming off the water.
• Keep an eye out for passing cyclists along certain portions of the trail.
• Washroom facilities can be found in the vicinity of the marina.