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Read MoreThe Best 10 Hiking Trails in Toronto [2022]
Looking for the best hiking trails in Toronto? Whether you’re planning a hike, bike ride, trail run, stroll, or other outdoor activity, Toronto’s hiking trails are the place to be! Enjoy trail maps, as well as reviews and pictures from other nature enthusiasts like you!
Explore one of Toronto’s top 10 hiking paths for your next family excursion. There you can check out routes with historic landmarks or go on an adventure through the nature regions surrounding Toronto, which are ideal for hikers and outdoor lovers of all ability levels.
Summary
How We Selected Our Top Hiking Trails in Toronto
In Toronto, we have a variety of hiking trails to choose from and it may be difficult at times, whether you’re new to hiking and looking for beginner hikes, a frequent hiker seeking for a challenge, or finding the finest trail to take a buddy for the first time there’s a trail for you.
No need for you to stress, we used the following key factors that narrows down to the best and most fun hiking trails in our city:
- Reviews: We looked at what others had to say and what their experience was like.
- Ease of Navigation: We chose trails with excellent signage and clear directions. Since it may be confusing if you don’t have navigation experience or a detailed map, it can be used as a reference point to prevent getting lost.
- Distance: We chose trails that have a reasonable distances (5km+) so you can spend a day in nature with no problem.
- Safety: We chose trails that are safe to hike for hikers of all skill levels whether you’re a beginner or pro.
Best 10 Hiking Trails in Toronto
1. Scarborough Bluffs
Google/Flower Planet
The beauty of this place is greatly admired by nature lovers, sailors and frequent visitors. Enjoy gorgeous scenery such as the beach mixed with vibrant teal and aqua blue colours, the waterfront, and white cliffs. The Scarborough bluffs trail connects to the bluffer’s beach and bluffers park forming a loop trail.
The distance is 14 kilometres along Lake Ontario and the hike itself is just roughly 6 kilometres long from start to finish. The route is open all year and offers a variety of activities. This trail is also open to dogs, although they must be kept on a leash.
The Bluffs rise 90 metres (300 feet) above the coastline at their greatest point. While the cliffs were produced by clay soil erosion (and continue to erode rapidly), you’ll be able to see some unique rock formations and forms.
The Bluffs are home to a variety of wildlife, and you might spot some of them while hiking the region. There are several birds such as ducks, geese, egrets, and seagulls. Not to mention, this area is home to many deer and coyotes, though you are unlikely to see them throughout the day.
The great thing is that Bluffer’s beach is known to be a blue flag beach which means that it meets the standards of being one of the safest beaches in terms of environment protection, the quality of the water and services. You’ll be entirely safe taking a plunge in Lake Ontario’s waters.
However, if you’re searching for more of a challenging hike, scroll down to see if it meets your expectations!
Park Information:
Address: 1 Brimley Rd. S, Bluffers Park, Scarborough, ON
Phone: (416)-338-0889
Website: toronto.ca
Visitors Review Highlights:
“Absolutely gorgeous place !! I highly recommend checking it out. Trails from the parking lot lead you right down to the water. There is also a grassy area with picnic tables. Parking was free when I went in the morning.”
- Brooke Kochan
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Parking is free only from Monday to Friday until 5PM. | No free parking after 5PM
|
| There are walkways to walk through, boardwalk bridges, and even a small beach just beneath the Cathedral Bluffs. Don’t forget to bring your camera! | Parking lots fill up on great summer days
|
| Variety of activities such as BBQ, volleyball and picnics | Dangerous to go on top of the cliff known for casualties and breaking down. Stay behind the fence and don’t approach the edge of the cliff. |
| Available TTC (Take 175 from Kennedy Station, direct hop off on the beach!) |
2. Rouge National Urban Park Trails
Google/902rms rao
The majestic view of this trail leads to an adventure of a diverse collection of natural and historical landscapes. It provides incredible hiking opportunities, and human history dating back over 10,000 years that includes our country’s oldest known indigenous sites. In fact, this place is Canada’s first national urban park, offering a pure wilderness environment in Toronto. There’s even a campground, extensive wetlands, a sandy beach and Carolinian forest.
You’ll be overwhelmed with options when hiking at this place because it’s loaded with multiple trails of varying distances and difficulty. Below is a list of the 13 trails:
- Mast Trail (2.5 km): Is a 200 year old logging path where you can learn about the Carolinian ecosystems.
- Celebration Forest Trail (500 m): A tribute to the community leaders who helped conserve and establish Canada’s first urban national park.
- Orchard Trail (2 km): Forests, ponds, and relics of early European settlements can be found
- Vista Trail (1.5 km): This trail features a two level viewing deck
- Rouge Marsh Trail (500 m): A short hike across Toronto’s remaining wetland
- Glen Eagles Vista Trail (600 m): You’ll be able to see amazing views of the Rouge River and Little Rouge Creek
- Woodland Trail (4.5 km): Forests, meadows, and water can be found on this trail.
- Ressor Way/ Tanglewood Trail (3.3 km): A loop trail through new and old woodlands and meadows.
- Tallgrass Trek (3.2 km): A circle trek through grasslands, marshes, and meadows.
- Coyote Trail (2.9 km): A loop trail through pine and cedar forests, marshes, and meadows.
- Sentier Trail (5.1 km): A family friendly trail with shaded trees and ponds.
- Monarch Trail (7.6 km): A gently sloping circle trail that passes through different habitats.
- Cedar Trail (1.5 – 4.5 km): Wildlife and mature trees
The park even has its own app, which is available for both iPhone and Android devices. The app allows you to navigate the hiking paths while learning about the park’s history. Before you hit the trails, you can even take some virtual hikes at Rouge National Urban Park.
Park Information:
Address: Zoo Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5W8
Phone: (416)-264-2020
Website: pc.gc.ca
Visitors Review Highlights:
“Lots of trails to walk. Have to watch your step and look where you are going. Could be slightly difficult for very small children and very old adults. Dogs must be on leash. Place is picturesque and looks different in each season. Planning to walk here again in the fall. Limited parking so plan on coming very early in the morning or be patient and wait for a spot to park. Camera is a must. Though we did not see any wildlife I'm sure they were there.”
- Phil Vania
“What a beautiful walk! Awesome trail. Manageable for the novice walker without being dull. Some steep/slippy areas so wouldn't class it as accessible but a lot of fun with a decent pair of trainers/sneakers or walking boots. Toddler & dog loved it.”
- Kathy Smart
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Open 365 days a year | Limited Parking (Arrive Early) |
| Entry is free | |
| App for Apple and Android devices for navigation and historical insights |
3. Crothers Woods
Google/William Chg
Crothers Woods’ trails are one of the best places to trek in Toronto, and they connect to the Evergreen Brickworks Trail. The Crothers Woods loop route is 6.6 kilometres long and follows along the Don Valley’s edge. If you want to walk the Crothers Woods loop trail, it begins at a grocery store with a large parking lot (so you can park there).
Despite the fact that there is a shopping centre and a highway nearby, you’ll be transported to the middle of the quiet and peaceful nature in no time, almost nearly forgetting that you’re in the city at all.
However, you may come across some spectacular city skyline views along the way, which will serve as a nice reminder that you are enjoying the nature of this beautiful metropolis.
Park Information:
Address: Crothers Woods Trail, East York, ON M4H 1P6
Map: www.toronto.ca
Visitors Review Highlights:
“Hidden gem. I’ve lived in this neighbourhood for my entire life and only last year discovered these magical trails. Accessible all year round; great for walking/hiking and mountain biking. Perfect for dog walks, bird watching or getting covered in mud on a trail run. Beautiful views and many access points. Can walk from Pottery Road or park at the Loblaws and enter at the trailhead. So many options, and so many stunning views along the way throughout the year.”
- Laila PT
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Open 24 hours | Can be super muddy |
| All season safe | Not enough navigation markers |
4. Moccasin Trail Park
Google/Ali K. Noori
The Moccasin Trail park is popular for walking and nature excursions. This route spans 15 hectares and is surrounded by a beautiful ravine forest. It offers four bike routes to wander as well as a lovely pond to look at. In the morning, there are many ducks and frogs frolicking in the pond. This is an incredible place for sightseeing and bird watching, since robins frequently fly above. The hike is 5.1 kilometres long and quite challenging. This park is popular for a nice getaway to go on nature hikes since it contains a lot of gorgeous views.
This trail is an out-and-back track that runs beside the East Don River and on both sides of the Don River Parkway (DVP). The Moccasin Trail is also home to the well-known Rainbow Tunnel, which can be viewed when driving north on the DVP. In fact, this is a really simple walk, with large concrete walkways and even a small climb near the finish. If you want to picnic or play Frisbee, there is a nice little grassy space near the pond.
Park Information:
Address: 55 Green Belt Dr, Toronto, ON L4Z 2P5
Phone: (416)-392-2489
Website: toronto.ca
Visitors Review Highlights:
“Beautiful, hidden gem of a park that meanders along the Don River. You can walk along the river for several Kilometres and feel like you are miles from the city. These kinds of parks are what helps make Toronto special!”
- Christopher Whyte
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Open 24 hours | Limited Parking |
| Free parking | |
| Bike Trail | |
| Pond |
5. Tommy Thompson Park
Google/Tommy Thompson Park
Tommy Thompson Park is a wonderful spot to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. With over 300 recognised species, it is widely regarded as one of the best spots in the city for bird-watching.
It’s also a popular spot for wildlife observation and fishing. Aside from its distinctive natural features, the park provides beautiful scenery of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario.
The park is situated on the Leslie Street Spit, a man-made peninsula that stretches 5 kilometres into Lake Ontario and covers an area of more than 500 hectares.
Wildflower meadows, cottonwood woods, coastal marshes, cobble beaches, and sand dunes are among the park’s many natural features. Wildlife, particularly birds, thrive in the park, making it one of the top places in the Greater Toronto Area for birdwatching. hiking, cycling, rollerblading, and fishing are some of the other activities available.
Park Information:
Address: 1 Leslie St, Toronto, ON M4M 3M2
Phone: (416)-661-6600
Hours:
Monday to Friday: 4AM – 9PM
Saturday to Sunday: 5:30AM – 9PM
Website: tommythompsonpark.ca
Visitors Review Highlights:
“Wonderful park with free parking! Well paved paths for biking or walking & bike rentals are available through Toronto Bike Share. It might seem busy at the entrance, but the park is large enough for you to find a private spot to kick back for the day. Some shaded areas off the path & washrooms and outhouses are spread throughout. Tons of birds and animals here too!”
- Derek Tee
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Free parking | Not open 24 hours |
6. Sherwood Park Trail
Google/ Sarah Aziz
Sherwood park has a boardwalk trail through a forest full of 150 year old trees. This beautiful park becomes a mystical forest in the autumn, which is known for its golden autumn colours. Please keep in mind that there are long stretch stairs which makes it even more fun to walk through!
This moderately used 4.7-kilometer out-and-back path is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and features a river. The route provides a variety of activities. Dogs are welcome to use this trail, but they must be kept on a leash.
Park Information:
Address: 190 Sherwood Ave, Toronto, ON M4P 2B8
Website: alltrails.com
Visitors Review Highlights:
“fun trail! to find a trail like this in the middle of the city is surely a delightful surprise! easy hike, but feels like a little getaway.. very refreshing. you would not believe you are walking in the middle of a huge city if you did not know.. “
- Angela Qian
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Free parking | Not maintained in the winter |
| Dog off-leash area | No bicycles due to stairs |
| Wading pool, playground, picnic area |
7. Taylor Creek Trail
Flickr/Jeff Hitchcock
Come here to breathe in and enjoy the scenery. In the spring, summer, and fall, take a trek or bring your bike to use one of the many routes that provide a route through the park.
Taylor Creek park and ravine is one of the city’s greatest natural spaces. The walk spans with miles of thick forest, a babbling river, and breathtaking natural splendour.
If you want to enjoy a picnic with family and friends, there are plenty of open grass and picnic areas throughout the park. There are also a few well-placed park benches for taking in the scenery.
Take your time and observe the trees, plants, and wildlife in Taylor Creek Park. This is a linear park that extends from Don Mills Road in the west to Dawes Road in the east.
Vehicle parking is available at both ends of the park.
Park Information:
Address: 260 Dawes Rd, East York, ON M4C 5C4
Phone: (416)-392-8188
Website: toronto.ca
Visitors Review Highlights:
“Very nice and serene place. Makes you feel very close to nature. There is a long trail to hike. We saw several kinds of birds. There’s a stream with clear water flowing. Some interesting spots to take selfies. We brought something to eat and we were so happy to find picnic tables and shades where we enjoyed our lunch and rest for a while. There is a big parking lot at the entrance.”
- Melania
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Open 24 hours | Improvement of signage needed for new visitors |
| Bike trail | |
| Washroom Facility | |
| Dog fountain and drinking fountain | |
| Firepit |
8. High Park Area Trail
Google/Isaiah M.
High park is one of Toronto’s largest public parks where it was established in 1876 by John George Howard, the city’s official surveyor and civil engineer, and has served as a public park ever since. High Park’s variety is perhaps its most distinguishing trait.
There is the tranquil beauty of Grenadier Pond and various ravine-based hiking paths, but there are also playgrounds, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, a swimming pool, café and even a zoo. Not to mention, the cherry blossom tree!
The park is more than just a natural retreat: it’s also practical and packed with services that attract a wide range of people.
Park Information:
Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3
Phone: (416)-338-0338
Website: highparktoronto.com
Visitors Review Highlights:
“High Park never disappoints! A brisk fall walk through the main entrance, down along the water, back up through the waterfall path (empty now, for winter) completed with a meditative walk in the Labyrinth, pure bliss! Nature in the city, an escape from the hustle and bustle. A beautiful place to ground and connect ”
- Jennifer Dempsey
“This is definitely a beautiful, scenic park with many trails. The beautifully landscaped park makes the walks more enjoyable. There is a very nice restaurant in the park, playgrounds for the kids, a small zoo and gated area for dogs! You can spend hours there.”
- Diane C.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Open 24 hours | Difficult parking spots |
| Free parking | |
| Dog park | |
| Playgrounds for children | |
| Variety of events throughout the year | |
| Sports facilities |
9. Moore Park Ravine
Google/Ari Sooriya
The Moore Park Ravine Trail is an amazing reminder of how close you can go to nature from Toronto. This location includes magnificent natural trails in the midtown Toronto region and is easily accessible by walking, driving, or using the subway or streetcar.
As you’re exploring, the Beltline Trail entrance at Moore Avenue was established in 1989. The route is built on the site of the former Toronto Belt Line Railway, a train line that opened in the 1890s to serve suburban people but failed to make a profit, shutting just two years later. It is a 9 kilometre walking and biking trail built on the site of an abandoned railway. This place is perfect for anyone of all skill levels who enjoy jogging, hiking, exploring, cross-country skiing, riding, or strolling through these woodlands along Yellow Creek and Mud Creek, as well as along Chorley Park.
There are various fantastic routes in the area, most of which are easy to moderate with a few steep portions. Don’t worry, these portions are soft, but they still seem like a workout away from the concrete jungle of downtown.
The trail offers something for everyone, with paved trails, gravel paths, and dirt paths, as well as plenty of gorgeous scenery to appreciate along the route.The full circle is around 6 kilometres long. It will take a couple of hours depending on your speed and how many images you capture. The first portion is relatively a wide area, with a broad gravel route that you’ll probably share with bikers and dog walkers.
Ultimately, this is a wonderful route with easy access from downtown, but it will make anyone seeking for a trek believe they are far from the city! Follow the route from beginning to end for the greatest experience! Despite having a few hills and muddy spots, it is stroller-friendly.
On a hot and humid summer day, the shade and freshness provided by the tree canopy that covers practically the whole route would be highly welcomed.
Park Information:
Address: 205 Moore Ave, Toronto, ON M4T 2K7
Phone: (416)-392-2489
Hours: Monday to Sunday 8AM – 11PM
Website: toronto.ca
Visitors Review Highlights:
“This trail has spectacular views, it’s great for those seeking a mood boost and likes up and down hills to get their heart pumping and muscles flexed take the steep stairs up and down, take a slow run to reduce stress, you can park in the residential area if you turn right at Moore ave there’s nice house at the corner and a stairs take you down to the trail.”
- Dogan Sahutoglu
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers trails for cycling and walking | Not open 24 hours |
| Can get crowded | |
| Part of trails can be closed due to construction |
10. Glen Stewart Ravine
Google/Nabil Ahmed
The ravines are the heart and soul of Toronto. They cross all around the city, bringing wilderness and wildlife to everyone. The Glen Stewart Ravine is like a secret getaway in the heart of Toronto. It proves that you don’t have to drive far to go on a short hike, even if you live in the city. There’s an immense boardwalk on the Glen Stewart Park Trail that runs through a protected woodland area where you’ll quickly forget you’re in Toronto.
Rainwater seeps down the slopes and fills the valley with marshes. The trails are designed to conserve the wetlands as well as make them more accessible. The Manitoba Maple plants have been removed to allow the red oaks and maples to grow naturally.
The path winds through a beautiful, sloping landscape, featuring a creek surrounded by steep forested slopes. It is open all year and is generally utilized for hiking and walking. This route is also open to dogs, although they must be kept on a leash.
Park Information:
Address: 351 Glen Manor Dr, Toronto, ON M4E 2X8
Phone: (416)-392-2489
Website: toronto.ca
Visitors Review Highlights:
“This place absolutely makes me come back to the peace of nature. I recommend this place for walking, you should spend an hour walking around this park to enjoy the view. I took these pictures in the autumn, you really can take a deep breath easily and find relaxation. Moreover, this place is a great view for those who want autumn pictures."
- Minh Anh Ng
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Open 24 hours | Not recommended in winter |
| Beautiful view and staircases for a cardio challenge | Can be slippery and wet so be careful |
| Small trail |
FAQs About Hiking Trails in Toronto
Absolutely not! Trails in Toronto are relatively easy to navigate and we suggest starting with a small trail with short distances for you to test out and working your way up.
Yes, depending on what you already have In terms of footwear, hiking boots or lighter shoes designed expressly for trail travel may do wonders for reducing injury, preventing blisters, and guaranteeing comfort on the path.
There are maps available near every distance you cross, however, certain destinations might go under construction and cliffs that may be unstable. We suggest you check the website for current alerts before going.
No, you may observe plenty of animals on your trip, one of the advantages of being in the woods! We are fortunate to live in a section of the globe where the danger of human injury from wildlife is extremely low.
Conclusion
With epic scenery, fresh air, plus getting your daily steps in are just a few of the reasons you should go for a hike. These 10 hiking trails can provide you with the opportunity for other outdoor activities such as swimming, wildlife watching, and picnics.
Put on your outdoor clothing, and remember to bring enough food and drinks, and prepare for an adventure unlike any other. It’s important to keep in mind that if you want to have a safe and fun hiking experience, it’s usually a good idea to check the weather and websites for any warnings before venturing out. If you’re looking for a day of outdoor fun, check out one of these hiking trails today!
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