The Best Hiking Trails Near Toronto

Author John Muir once said, ‘Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few are dirt.’ Whether you’re hiking for exercise, walking the dog, or simply to get out into nature, we list 10 great trails in the Greater Toronto Area to explore on foot.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

The vast Mono Cliffs Provincial Park includes a section of the Bruce Trail and is home to stunning lookout points, marshland, caves, cliffs, and horseback riding trails. This moderately difficult trail can be quite busy in the summer months, but offers a variety of well-marked trail options for an hour or a full-day hike.

Joker’s Hill Trail/ Thornton Bales Conservation Area

The Joker’s Hill Trail and Thornton Bales Conservation Area is well maintained throughout the seasons and is a favorite spot for local dog owners. Trails can be accessed from the main entrance located on Bathurst Street and a less busy entrance located off Mulock Drive. The infamous ’99 steps’ is accessible by the entrance off Mulock Drive and consists of 99 natural log steps along a steep hill that offer an intense workout.

Spencer’s Gorge/ Webster’s Falls Conservation Area

Hamilton may be best known for its steel factories, but many are unaware it’s also considered by some to be the “waterfall capital of the world”. This trail includes stunning views of Webster’s Falls, and the highest waterfall in Hamilton and Tew’s Falls. The Dundas Peak is a must-visit for its panoramic views of Dundas and Hamilton.

Scarborough Bluffs Park

The Scarborough Bluffs are popular with tourists in the summer as the peaks offer spectacular views of Lake Ontario and the escarpment. The trails are moderately easy, but proper footwear should be worn while hiking the peaks due to uneven footing and rock movement. Pristine sandy beaches located at the bottom of the Bluffs are a relaxing end to an afternoon of hiking.

Lynde Shores Conservation Area

Best known for its wildlife viewing opportunities, Lynde Shores offers easy trails, many of which are paved and are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. At the southern tip of the trail is an entrance to a secluded beach which many swans call home in the summer. If you’re into getting up close with wildlife, make sure to bring bird food with you. The squirrels are so friendly they will eat out of your hand.

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area

If you’re in the mood for some adventure on your hike, look no further. Rattlesnake Point offers hikes along the cliff line, and exploration of countless caves. This moderately difficult trail requires good footwear, and is best explored in the autumn months as miles upon miles of colorful trees can be seen. Rock climbing is permitted, with three designated sites.

Albion Hills Conservation Area

The hiking trails at Albion Hills are easy and family friendly. The foliage rich paths presents a tranquil escape from the city and you can book a pitch at one of the many campsites if you’re after a full weekend of nature. Fishing is permitted along the scenic pond and is popular in the summer and early autumn.

Elora Gorge

The Elora Gorge is a natural beauty hidden in the historical town of Elora that presents hikers with stunning views of the plunging waters of the gorge. The trail is moderately easy, ideal for all age groups, and is well maintained throughout the year. In the summer, the gorge has tubing and kayaking available for adventure seekers.

Beamer Memorial Conservation Area

Beamer Memorial offers the best lookout point in Ontario. Best visited in the autumn for the stunning panoramic views and colorful foliage, the Niagara escarpment can be seen for miles on a clear day. Between March and May, dozens of bald eagles can be seen flying over the area during their spring migration, which attracts quite a crowd on weekends.

High Park

High Park is Toronto’s largest and most popular public park and is a one-stop shop for nature lovers. In addition to the diverse range of hiking trails, High Park also has a zoo, dog parks, a beautiful waterfront, manicured gardens, cafes and playgrounds. In the spring, High Park offers stunning views of the Japanese cherry trees in blossom.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.