16 Best Hikes In Toronto You Have to Check Out
A Truly Green City to Explore
A world-class city well-known for its restaurants and nightlife, Toronto offers the outdoorsy plenty of greenspace.
Some trails right in the heart of Toronto accommodate a casual evening hike right after the office. Some trails are a drive from Toronto, but their postcard-perfect views and breathtaking wildlife make the trip well worth it.
Here are 16 of the best hikes in and around Toronto — lesser known than the others and flying under the radar to a certain extent, #3 might be one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets!
The Best Hikes in Toronto
Got a fast-paced job keeping you in the city, but dreaming of rolling hills during every meeting?
We have you covered.
You don’t need to leave the heart of Toronto to have a great hike. Simply slip your running shoes into your briefcase in the morning, and you’re all set for the following hikes.
High Park Trails
Just a stone’s throw from a number of bars, restaurants, bookstores, and grocery shops (metaphorically speaking, don’t throw stones!) High Park trails are a favourite for casual dog walkers and serious hikers alike.
It may not look big from the outside, but a large amount of hiking space is looped into High Park, hidden in the heart of Toronto.
There are a number of trails within the park, some up to 6 km. Looping through community gardens and a small zoo, there is plenty to see; those who prefer privacy will enjoy the trails that are nestled in the wooded areas.
These trails are located in the aptly named High Park Area, in Westside Toronto; the major intersection is Bloor and Quebec street. The park even has its own station. Here’s how to get there.
Highland Peak Trail
Providing one of the best hikes in Toronto, Highland Peak Trail takes hikers all the way down to Lake Ontario.
Located within Colonel Danforth Park, this hike passes under the Kingston overpass, and can be characterized by its deep immersion in old growth trees and diversity of birds.
Amazingly, especially given its placement in a huge city, almost 200 different species of birds make their home in the area surrounding this hike.
Relatively long for a city hike, the trail provides 11.7 km of hiking, some of which is alongside Highland Creek.
Be warned if you are afraid of heights: the latter stretch of the hike takes you along the Scarborough Bluffs, towards East Point Park. If you are hiking in the summer bring a towel, you’ll find a beach there!
If you are visiting in fall, you are in for a treat, as this park is known as a migratory point for Monarch butterflies.
The park is located in East Toronto; here’s how to get there.
West Humber Trail
Out in the West of Toronto near the Etobicoke border, the West Humber Trail provides Toronto hikers with beautiful views of the Humber River and Humber Valley.
You can start your hike by enjoying all 250 acres of the Humber Arborium, one of its kind in Toronto. With 19 km of hiking to enjoy, this is one of the longest hikes in Toronto, but it is highly accessible for all ages and wheelchair friendly.
Located in West Toronto and easily accessible by subway, the closest intersection to the West Humber Trail is Islington Ave and Albion Road. Here’s how to get there.
The Best Hikes Near Toronto
If you are a dedicated hiker looking for an exciting trail in Ontario, pack the car for an unforgettable day trip. Here are some of the best hikes near Toronto.
Are you noticing ankle or knee pain on your hikes? There’s no need to suffer. Talk to one of our physiotherapy
specialists today to learn about injury prevention.
Rattlesnake Trail
Don’t be alarmed: Rattlesnake Trail received its name not for any association with the dangerous animal, but for the ‘snaking’ appearance of its trail.
Winding through a stunning 100km protected area of the Niagara Escarpment (a long and steep slope), the trail itself offers visitors a 7.2 km hike. If you love heights, you will love this trail, as scenic views from the top of cliffs and a stunning lookout point are prominent features.
For climbing experts, the cliff in this trail is popular for rock climbing. Winter camping is also permitted.
Rattlesnake Trail is located in Milton as a part of a protected area of land, a 50 drive from Toronto. Here’s how to get there.
Dundas Peak Trail
Dundas Peak is a beautiful hike that packs a considerable amount of scenic beauty into a relatively short area.
At 2.9 km, the trail boasts an abundance of mature cedar trees and not one, but two waterfalls: Tew’s Fall and Webster’s Falls. At 41 m, Tew’s Fall’s is just a little bit shorter than Niagara Falls — but with none of the tourists or overpriced restaurants!
There is a scenic outlook that captures the beauty of Dundas Valley and Hamilton.
Be careful: this trail is a little more difficult than the others, and Conservation Hamilton strongly advises all visitors to stay on the trail, as the waterfalls are beautiful to look at, but dangerous to approach or climb.
Dundas Peak Trail is located near Hamilton, as part of the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, about a 45-minute drive from Toronto. Here’s how to get there.
Bruce Trail at Peninsula National Park
Longing for a beautiful weekend escape? A little further from Toronto, Bruce Peninsula National Park is well worth the visit, offering a number of hikes of varying difficulty.
Some trails snake through caves, some end up by a beach; you can plan your hikes based on your preference. The main Bruce Trail is enormous, more than 890 km long!
The trail follows the edge of the Niagara Escarpment and offers beautiful views of numerous waterfalls, with a small connecting side trail leading to none other than Niagara Falls.
This trail is not advised for the beginner or heights-averse hiker.
Bruce Peninsula is located on the Niagara Escarpment, a 3.5-hour drive from Toronto. Here’s how to get there.