Top 10 Hiking And Trekking Spots In Ontario, Canada

1. Mizzy Lake Trail

Mizzy Lake Trail runs for 10.8 km (6.7 mi) and passes a total of nine beaver ponds and small lakes. Ideally a full-day hike, an early start is required to fully appreciate the trail, which includes a variety of wildlife including moose, beavers, and deer. For this reason, no dogs are allowed on the trail. Head off early in the morning on this moderately challenging trail from Km 15.4 on Highway 60, or GPS coordinates 45.542515°, -78.695621°. Plus, the trail loops back to this point. A valid park permit is required and parking and toilets are available.

Mizzy Lake Trail

Address: Km 15.4 on Highway 60, South Nipissing District, Ontario, Canada

Website: Mizzy Lake Trail

2. Big Pines Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Big Pines Trail runs for 2.9 km (1.8 mi) and is a fairly long, level, and easy loop trail which winds around 80 spectacular, large White Pine trees. The trail also visits an old, discarded logging camp from the 1880s. You can access Big Pines Trail from Km 40.3 on Highway 60, with GPS coordinates: 45.580366°, -78.399013°. At the start and end of the trail, there are picnic facilities and toilets and visitors should obtain a valid park permit before heading out.

Big Pines Trail

Address: Highway 60 at km 40.3, Unorganized South Nipissing District, Ontario, Canada

Website: Big Pines Trail

3. Highland Backpacking Trail

Highlands Backpacking Trail has loops of 19 km (12 mi) and 35 km (21.7 mi) and is a moderately challenging trail accessible near the Mew Lake Campground at km 29.7 on Highway 60 near Nipissing, Ontario. GPS coordinates are 45.573014°, -78.525263°. The trail features a lake and dogs are permitted to accompany hikers but must be kept on a leash. The trail is ideal as a one-day or overnight stay at the campground.

Highland Backpacking Trail

Address: Unorganized South Nipissing District, Ontario, Canada

Website: Highland Backpacking Trail

4. Rideau Trail

The Rideau Trail is a network of hiking trails running for around 327 km (203 mi) between the cities of Kingston and Ottawa, Ontario. The general area of the trail follows the Rideau Canal and its tributaries. There is an elevation gain of around 600 m (2,000 ft) along the way. The trail takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including forests, farmland, urban pathways, country trails and lock stations on the Rideau Canal. Most hikers easily complete the trail in sections but can cover the entire distance in around 9 to 16 days. Access to toilets is available in various spots along the hiking trail. A variety of campgrounds and B&Bs are available close by.

Rideau Trail

Address: Ottawa - Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Website: Rideau Trail

5. White Bear Forest Old Growth Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

White Bear Forest Old Growth trail is accessible via O’Connor Drive on Temagami, or via Cassels Lake. The trail is a series of interconnected trails heading through several small old-growth pine stands. The trails are suitable for easy to intermediate hikes and along the way a refurbished fire tower can be seen as well as a viewing platform with great views. GPX format coordinates are available for download from the linked website.

White Bear Forest Old Growth Trail

Address: O’Connor Drive on Temagami, Ontario, Canada

Website: White Bear Forest Old Growth Trail

6. Coastal Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The moderately challenging Coastal Trail heads out along the coastline of Lake Superior, with its cobblestone beaches and scenic cliffs, as well as through wild bush. Along the 65 km (40 mi) trail, hikers often spot bald eagles, particularly close to the Agawa and Sand Rivers. There are a number of points to access the trail, which offers a choice of taking one or more days’ hike. The trail and part of Highway 17 hug the rugged, rocky coast through the park, giving spectacular views over the water. The eastern border of the park sees Algoma Central Railway heading through Agawa Canyon, which drops off canoeists and hikers and there is a visitor center in the park.

Coastal Trail

Address: Lake Superior, Ontario, Canada

Website: Coastal Trail

7. Casque Isles Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Casque Isles Trail in Northwestern Ontario runs for 53 km (334 mi) along Lake Superior’s north shore and offers beautiful views of the lake and Terrace Bay, Rossport, and Schreiber. Most of the trail is considered to be difficult, but has 5 segments and can be accessed in 11 different areas, making it ideal for amateur or professional hikers, as each section varies in difficulty and length. For those wishing to spend the night, there are several unofficial campsites along the trail.

Casque Isles Trail

Address: Terrace Bay, Ontario, Canada

Website: Casque Isles Trail

8. La Cloche Silhouette Trail

La Cloche Silhouette Trail runs for 76.9 km (47.8 mi) through Killarney Provincial Park and is a loop trail starting close to Killarney in Ontario. The trail is rated as difficult and begins at the main campground at George Lake. Hikers are recommended to use the trail between May and October and dogs are allowed to accompany them. The highest point is the Silver Peak east lookout at 539 m (1,768 ft).

La Cloche Silhouette Trail

Address: Killarney, Ontario, Canada

Website: La Cloche Silhouette Trail

9. Bruce Trail

Bruce Trail is the oldest and longest marked footpath in Canada and runs for 900 km (559 mi) from Niagara to Tobermory in Canada. The trail connects hikers to the many wonders of the Niagara Escarpment, which is one of 13 UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves in the country. The trail can be broken in segments as a day trail or taken as a long and relatively challenging hike. The most southern point of Bruce Trail starts in Queenston, Ontario, ending in the far north at Tobermory, Ontario.

Bruce Trail

Address: Queenston, Southwestern Ontario, Canada

Website: Bruce Trail

10. Cup & Saucer Trail

The Cup and Saucer Trail starts 18 km (11 mi) west of Little Current, where Hwy 540 meets Bidwell Road. The trail is the Manitoulin Extension of the Niagara Escarpment and heads over 70 m (230 ft) cliffs. 12 km (7.5 mi) of the hiking trail heads into hardwood bush, with 2 km (1.2 mi) of adventure trails available, making it among the most popular trails in the area. While the trail is relatively difficult, the length of hike can be varied.

Cup & Saucer Trail

Address: 6301 Bidwell Rd, Sheguiandah, Ontario, Canada

Website: Cup & Saucer Trail

Have fun exploring nature in Ontario, Canada

For those who love to get out into nature, hiking through the forests and visiting beautiful lakes, this region of Canada offers some of the best options, with beautiful scenery around you all the way. Whether you are an amateur or professional hiker, try out some of the top hiking and trekking spots in Ontario, Canada.