Explore the miles of Lake Ontario’s golden sand beachfront trails, while spending summer days soaking up the sun at the beach. Escape the constant buzzing and skyscrapers of downtown Toronto and go for a peaceful stroll under the cotton candy pink blooms of Sakura trees in High Park. Wander through the dense forest full of vibrant fall foliage, while watching the powerful sockeye salmon struggle upstream along the scenic Lower Don River Trail. Check out this list of the top 10 hiking and trekking spots in Toronto, Canada, to experience the great outdoors during your Toronto trip.
1. Crothers Woods
Enjoy hiking along the nearly 6.2 miles (10 kilometres) long trail to experience the scenic beauty of Don River Valley’s sprawling forest habitat. Skip joyfully through the wildflower-filled meadows of Cottonwood Flats, while listening to the songbirds sing out gleefully. Take your mountain bike out for a spin through the thick shrubs and native trees en route to the Sun Valley Trail. During the summer, hike through the much improved former industrial landfill and appreciate the current lush green space. Just maybe during a cycling adventure or a peaceful walk, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive white-tailed deer hidden amongst the thick forest.
Crothers Wood
Address: Crothers Woods Trail, East York, ON M4H 1P6
Website: Crothers Wood
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Lower Don River Trail
Retreat from the towering, steely skyscrapers of downtown Toronto into tranquil Don River Valley Park. This trail is 3.1 miles (5-kilometer) long. You can cycle or walk along the sprawling trail system that connects downtown to numerous other parks and recreational trails. During the autumn, enjoy walking through the dense forest of stunningly beautiful colours, while watching the salmon migrate upstream. Encounter some of Canada’s impressive wildlife, including beavers, blue herons, raccoon, foxes, and deer bounding through the forest.
Lower Don River Trail
Address: Don Valley Pkwy, Toronto, ON
Website: Lower Don River Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. High Park Area Trails
During the spring season (April - May), join Torontonians in enthusiastically celebrating the return of the cherry blossoms. Enjoy a romantic picnic on the beautiful pink and white carpet of fallen petals from the blooming Sakura trees. Stroll over to Grenadier Pond to enjoy watching the ducks and Canadian geese float along the tranquil waterfront. Wander along the easy trail to High Park’s mini-zoo for a fun-filled day and see friendly llamas, woolly buffalo, exotic peacocks, and besotted deer.
High Park Area Trails
Address: 1873 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3
Website: High Park Area Trails
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
4. Humber Trails
Indulge in an easy 8-mile (13-kilometer) journey riding or hiking along the paved nature trail, located alongside the mighty Humber River. Start at the pristine Lake Ontario shorefront, and then head west to encounter the UFO inspired rain shelter, Oculus Pavilion. During a peaceful walk along this easy trail, enjoy travelling over bridges to discover cascading waterfalls and stunningly beautiful James Gardens. Enjoy cycling on a crisp autumn day to admire the beauty of the trees clothed in their fall colours against the sapphire waters of Lake Ontario.
Humber Trails
Address: Old Mill-Lawrence Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Website: Humber Trails
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Scarborough Bluffs Trail
Escape Toronto’s concrete jungle in favour of the 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) long stretch of golden sand beach bordering Lake Ontario. Enjoy a free-spirited day by indulging in outdoor activities like sailing, paddleboarding, and playing beach volleyball at beautiful Bluffer’s Park. Admire the bluffs which were created by the accumulation of sedimentary deposits and natural forces of wind and erosion from Lake Ontario’s powerful tides. While journeying along the easy Scarborough Bluffs Trail, encounter miles of golden sand beaches, stunning gardens, and recreational facilities.
Scarborough Bluffs Trail
Address: 1 Brimley Road South, Scarborough, ON
Website: Scarborough Bluffs Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Tommy Thompson Park trail
Enjoy the great outdoors with a visit to Toronto’s hidden nature oasis, Tommy Thompson Park. Go on a cross-country ski trip or snowshoe along the glistening snow-packed trails, while admiring the picturesque Toronto skyline. During the humid, hot summer months, participate in cycling, hiking, or rollerblading under a canopy of thick deciduous foliage. Be serenaded by some of the park’s 300 bird species, while enjoying panoramic views of the awe-inspiring Lake Ontario shoreline.
Tommy Thompson Park Trail
Address: Old Mill-Lawrence Avenue, Toronto, ON
Website: Tommy Thompson
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 9pm, Sat - Sun: 5:30am - 9pm
Price: Free
7. East Don Parkland Trail
Wander along the labyrinth trails of Toronto’s East Don Parkland. Admire innovative artwork designed by local artists while taking in scenic riverfront views in hopes of spotting woodland wildlife. Spend time hiking through the maze of winding trails to encounter steep ravines and lush green space along the East Don River. Escape the city to experience a peaceful, leisurely stroll to watch the native birds and salmon migrating during the chilly days of autumn.
East Don Parkland Trail
Address: Don Valley Pkwy, Toronto, ON
Website: East Don Parkland Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. East Point Park Trail
Posted by Inga Ababcova on Saturday, 5 October 2019
Enjoy Toronto’s ecological gems’ on this trail. It includes meadows overflowing with wildflowers, thick forest, and reed-filled wetlands. Watch in amazement as monarch butterflies take flight to migrate to Mexico from the park’s unique migratory staging area. Hike through the dense forest and thickets hoping to encounter native wildlife and birds. Experience the refreshing cool breeze near Lake Ontario during a brisk bike ride through the winding trail system, filled with dogwoods, primroses, and bluegrass.
East Point Park Trail
Address: 101 Copperfield Road, Scarborough, ON M1E 3T9
Website: East Point Park Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Beltline Trail
Leave Toronto’s concrete jungle of glossy mirrored skyscrapers behind to indulge in some of nature’s sweeping beauty along the Beltline Trail. While wandering along the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail, enjoy crossing over the wooden planks of an old railway line to encounter the eery Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Discover hidden green spaces while admiring the towering jagged cliffs of the park’s steep ravines. Admire the beautifully landscaped gardens lining the Gardens Discovery Walk portion of the trail during the warm summer months.
Beltline Trail
Address: Beltline Trail, Toronto, ON M4T 2A4
Website: Beltline Trail
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Cedar Trail
Enjoy hiking through the thick ancient forest along the 1.3-mile (2.2-kilometer) scenic Cedar Trail and enjoy the sprawling lush valley lands. Avoid hiking the trail during wet weather, as the steps and steeper sections of the trail are slippery. Listen to the sound of small stream waters trickling into Little Rouge Creek, while wandering through the dense verdant forest. While walking through the marshy wetlands and lush green meadows, enjoy the amazing flora and fauna found throughout these unique environments.
Cedar Trail
Address: Zoo Road, Toronto, ON M1B 5W8
Website: Cedar Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Explore the nature trails
Take a breather from the ever-bustling city of Toronto and visit its peaceful parks and explore the scenic nature trails that offer the much-needed R&R. Enjoy visiting High Parks’ tranquil Chinese Gardens to meditate, before heading over to Cedar Trail to stroll leisurely amongst its trickling creeks. After experiencing the peaceful surroundings of Humber Trails accompanied by the sound of cascading waterfalls, return to Toronto feeling completely reinvigorated to continue your adventures.
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