Amelie CameronWalking is good for every Canadian, just ask the government’s stand on it. With so many parks around the GTA, we just might not know which ones to start with.
Before you lace up your shoes, let’s take a quick look at some of the best trails to walk in Toronto. Most are easy routes, but we’ve included some that are meant to challenge the more enthusiastic hikers!
- Wilket Creek Trail
- Martin Goodman Waterfront Trail
- High Park Loop
- Kay Gardner Beltline Trail
- Brickworks and Moore Park Ravine
- The Boardwalk and Woodbine Beach
- Balfour Park Loop
- Lower Don Recreation Trail
- Colonel Samuel Smith Park to Port Credit Harbour
- Cedarvale Park
- Glen Stewart Park
- Bayview Cycle Path from Wellesley Park to Lower Don Recreation Trail
- Road Apples Loop, Sunnybrook Park
- Coxwell Ravine Park
- Gates Gully
Wilket Creek Trail
– Media credit: discoveryhiking
Address: Edwards Gardens, 755 Lawrence Ave E, North York, ON M3C 1P2, Canada
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
If you’re up for an outdoor escapade, then this 3.7-km out-and-back trail in Edwards Gardens is your game. The route is generally a breeze, clocking in at around 46 minutes on average.
Your adventure kicks off on the east side of the Toronto Botanical Gardens parking lot. There’s a parking fee of $2.50 per hour, but if you’re feeling lucky, you can snag free parking on Leslie Street or near Sunnybrook Park.
If time’s on your side, the gardens are worth an extra exploration before hitting the trail.
Now, this route isn’t just your average stroll. It winds through the Edwards Gardens and Sunnybrook Park, tracing the scenic path of Wilket Creek to E.T. Steton Park Road.
The way back? A smooth downhill glide with picturesque views of the creek.
Feeling adventurous? Keep following the creek and link up with the broader trail system.
Whether you’re into birding, road biking, or just lacing up your running shoes, this trail is a hotspot, so expect to cross paths with fellow nature enthusiasts.
| Pro Tip: The trail’s open year-round. The best part? Furry friends are welcome, just keep them on a leash! |
Martin Goodman Waterfront Trail
– Media credit: runthesix
Address: Humber Bay, Toronto, ON, Canada
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
We’ve got a stellar 24.6-kilometre out-and-back trail waiting to be your next outdoor escapade. Considered a breeze for most, this trail gets an average completion time of around 4 hours and 42 minutes.
It’s a hotspot for bird enthusiasts, mountain bikers, and road warriors so brace yourself for some company on the trail. Oh, and dogs are welcome, just keep them on a leash for the ultimate stroll.
And you’re thinking about parking, right? There’s plenty of it so you don’t have to stress, just park and play.
The route weaves through waterfront parks, West and East Islands, and straight to the harbourfront. And here’s the pièce de résistance: the Humber Bay Arch Bridge with its mesmerising vista of the river, city, and bay.
Get ready to capture some epic shots or just simply take everything in with your senses.
| Pro Tip: The trail is in constant upgrade mode, with separate cycling and pedestrian paths getting spruced up. Keep an eye out for the right signs and pathways to navigate this ever-evolving trail. |
High Park Loop
– Media credit: highpark_official
Address: High Park, 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3, Canada
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Ready for a delightful stroll or jog? We’ve got the perfect spot for you: a serene trail through a meticulously maintained park with a few challenging hills.
Don’t worry, it’s mostly an easy-going adventure with an average of 1.75 hours to complete.
Along Colborne Lodge Drive at Allotment Lane is an outdoor pool that’s pretty inviting with its drop-in swimming programs. Come winter, if the weather plays nice, it transforms into a magical skating rink between November and March.
The trails here offer off-leash sections and clearings for your furry companions to frolic. For fishing enthusiasts, Grenadier Pond along a stretch from Maple Leaf Garden down to the park entrance at The Queensway and Colborne Lodge Drive is your spot.
The main gateway for vehicles is at Parkside Drive and High Park Boulevard, but note that it’s Monday to Friday access only.
If you’re heading in on weekends, the entrances at the Queensway and Colborne Lodge Drive and Parkside Drive and Spring Road are your go-to options, open 24/7.
Spring Road parking lot is a 21-space spot that’s always open. For larger lots, check out Grenadier Café and High Park Animal Display parking lots, available Monday to Friday.
Limited parallel parking on the east side of Colborne Lodge Drive also offers a weekday option, if you’re into that.
There’s at least one designated accessible space, and the trail caters to various needs with paved and natural surfaces. A heads-up for wheeled visitors: some steep sections might need a helping hand or a strategic detour.
| Pro Tip: Adventurous souls with all-terrain tires or motorized gear, you’re good to go for the unpaved sections. Note that these tend to be unmaintained during winter. |
Kay Gardner Beltline Trail
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Address: Kay Gardner Beltline Park, 378 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S 1B5, Canada
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
An adventure awaits you along the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail, an 8.9-kilometre out-and-back walk. This easy-breezy route invites you to dive into the beauty of northern Toronto, promising an average completion time of an hour and 43 minutes.
It’s time to hold onto your binoculars and saddle up your mountain bike because this trail, once a rail line, is buzzing with life! Birdwatchers, mountain bikers, and snowshoe enthusiasts, this is your playground.
Throughout the year, the trail unfolds its natural beauty, welcoming you anytime. Furry pals are invited too, just keep them on a leash for everyone’s enjoyment.
You’ll see public trails and roads wind through the iconic Mount Pleasant Cemetery, followed by wide rail trails shaded by lush forest, all topped off with urban views and access to greenery and gardens.
The official trailhead, nestled at the heart of the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, promises a start surrounded by history and natural beauty.
And for a hassle-free entrance, hop on the TTC Subway to the Eglington West station. From there, follow the Allen Pathway to connect to the trail’s end.
| Pro Tip: Keep your eyes on the trail markers because, at times, you’ll need to navigate road crossings. If you’re cycling, a little dismounting and crossing on foot is the way to go for a seamless journey. |
Brickworks and Moore Park Ravine
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Address: 205 Moore Ave, Toronto, ON M4T 2K7, Canada
Operating hours:
- Moore Park Ravine opens daily from 8 AM – 11 PM
If you’re ready for a nature escape right in the heart of the city, then dive into the beauty of the Brickworks and Moore Park Ravine with this 1.1-kilometre loop trail. It’s a pretty easy trail that takes around 16 minutes on average.
Even though this trail is a favorite for many, there are quiet pockets during the day for you to soak in the serenity.
And yes, your furry companions are welcome, just keep them on a leash for a harmonious experience. Get ready to encounter a lively ecosystem, from snakes and frogs to fish, snapping turtles, and maybe several flocks of birds.
Just keep your eyes peeled, especially if you’re strolling along the trails in the quieter winter months. The paths might get a bit tricky with packed-down snow or icy patches.
| Pro Tip: A word of caution: watch out for poison ivy. Stick to the marked trails to avoid any unwanted encounters with this unassuming but deadly plant. |
The Boardwalk and Woodbine Beach
– Media credit: maaatsui_718
Address: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto, ON M4L 3W6, Canada
Contact: 416-338-4386
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
The Boardwalk and Woodbine Beach is an inviting 8.2-kilometre out-and-back trail. This easy route promises birdwatching, paddle sports, and road biking adventures, all wrapped up in an average completion time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Dogs are welcome but just make sure they stay on a leash. This trail is perfect for leisurely strolls, lakeside runs, or an adrenaline-inducing road biking escapade.
Need a spot to park your wheels? There’s plenty of paid parking near the trailhead.
And even though weekends might bring a crowd, the trail retains its walkable appeal by offering pockets of solitude during quieter times.
Now, the east half has a scenic boardwalk and a picturesque stroll along the waterfront. Meanwhile, the west half unveils paved paths with a sprinkle of short dirt path diversions for that extra jolt of adventure.
| Pro Tip: A shoutout for all water lovers: Woodbine Beach is open for refreshing swims if you’re feeling the call of the waves. |
Balfour Park Loop
– Media credit: runthesix
Address: 75 Rosehill Ave, Toronto, ON M4T 1G4, Canada
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
If you’re ready to take on a 2.7-kilometre loop in the city centre, then the one at David Balfour Park is perfect for you. While considered an easy trail with an average completion time of 38 minutes, it adds adventure for city dwellers.
Navigating the entrance near the bridge might feel like a little treasure hunt, but just look for the narrow entry to the left to kickstart this scenic loop and you’ll be fine.
It’s a moderate trail that plays hide-and-seek with the sun, offering shade when the foliage is in full bloom. Creeks, rivers, and benches pepper the landscape, creating a peaceful sanctuary right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Even during the quieter times of the day, you can enjoy some solitude while soaking in the natural surroundings. Runners and joggers frequent here not only for some exercise, but to watch the seasons change.
And yes, your four-legged companions are welcome as long as they’re leashed.
| Pro Tip: Some sections near the river might get prone to flooding, especially during this time of the year, so be sure to steer clear just to be safe. |
Lower Don Recreation Trail
– Media credit: leisher47
Address: 701 Lower Don Recreation Trail, Toronto
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
The charm of Toronto’s urban nature with the Lower Don Recreation Trail is its 12.4-kilometre out-and-back journey. Just imagine walking the paved perfection winding along the scenic Don River, creating a beautiful backdrop for your adventure.
It’s considered a moderately challenging route with an average completion time of 2 hours and 45 minutes and a hotspot for road biking, running, and leisurely walks.
As for the mountain bikers, plenty of spur trails off the main route await you.
A quick heads-up: the Lower Don Trail from Pottery Road to Bala Underpass at Corktown Common is taking a brief hiatus. You might see a rerouted trail until the construction concludes in the summer of 2024.
While there may not be designated accessible spaces in the small paved parking lot at the south end, the trail is a smooth sail with paved asphalt, wooden bridges, and a generous width of at least 2 metres.
| Pro Tip: Just keep your furry companions on a leash and you’re good to go. Some visitors note that the sections from Riverdale to Lakeshore might be a tad narrower, so keep that in mind. |
Colonel Samuel Smith Park to Port Credit Harbour
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Addresses:
- Colonel Samuel Smith Park, 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 4B6, Canada
- Port Credit Harbour Marina, 1 Port St E, Mississauga, ON L5G 4N1, Canada
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Can you handle an 11.4-kilometre escapade from Colonel Samuel Smith Park to Port Credit Harbour? The point-to-point trail is a moderate challenge, clocking in at an average of 2 hours and 9 minutes.
It draws birdwatchers, road bikers, and runners. Your canine pals are welcome too, as long as they’re leashed.
It’s pretty easy to walk through the trail as it’s paved for both leisurely walkers and cycling enthusiasts. It starts at Colonel Samuel Smith Park, meandering along the Waterfront Trail leading to the serene Port Credit Harbour Marina.
Along the way, you might think about soaking in the beauty of other parks like Long Branch Park, Marie Curtis Park, and Saint Lawrence Park, each offering a unique scenic slice of nature’s bounty.
| Pro Tip: A sizable parking lot welcomes you at the trailhead, ensuring a stress-free start to your journey. |
Cedarvale Park
– Media credit: ianmarch1
Address: 443 Arlington Ave, York, ON M6C 3A2, Canada
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cedarvale Park is a 4.0-kilometre out-and-back trail that’s like a secret escape right in the heart of the city. With an easy route and an average completion time of 50 minutes, it’s a haven for mountain bikers, road bikers, and snowshoe enthusiasts.
And of course, your four-legged canine companions are invited, just keep them on a leash for a harmonious stroll.
The wooded trail takes you to pockets that make the city vanish from sight. The terrain plays a delightful mix of pavement and packed trail, offering a diverse experience for every nature lover.
| Pro Tip: For the little adventurers, there’s a playground and a splash pad, turning this natural escape into a family-friendly haven. And for our furry friends, an off-leash area east of the Phil White Arena parking lot awaits their playful antics. |
Glen Stewart Park
– Media credit: jennmad10
Address: 351 Glen Manor Dr, Toronto, ON M4E 2X8, Canada
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Glen Stewart Park is a green haven tucked away in the heart of the city. While not the longest stroll, the ravine offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle.
The narrow trails wind through natural and man-made paths, inviting you to soak in the peace and serenity. These trails are a popular pick, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself surrounded by nature enthusiasts, especially during peak hours.
Autumn paints this park in a mesmerizing palette, making it an ideal time for a visit. But a word of caution: those fallen leaves might look picturesque, but if they’re damp, they can turn the trails into a slippery slide.
So, watch your step and savor the season safely.
This 1.3-kilometre out-and-back trail offers a moderately challenging route that takes around 20 minutes on average. Perfect for a brisk run or a leisurely walk, it’s a go-to spot for those seeking a slice of solitude during quieter times.
| Pro Tip: Canine companions must be leashed, otherwise, it’s best to avoid this trail. |
Bayview Cycle Path from Wellesley Park to Lower Don Recreation Trail
– Media credit: cycletoronto
Addresses:
- Wellesley Park, 500 Wellesley St E, Toronto, ON M4X 1H9, Canada
- Lower Don Recreation Trail, 701 Lower Don Recreation Trail, Toronto, ON, Canada
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
The Bayview Cycle Path is a recent addition that’s winning hearts in the city’s core. This 5.6-kilometre out-and-back trail is the perfect blend of easy and captivating, taking around 1 hour and 13 minutes on average.
Whether you kick off from Wellesley Park or choose the reverse, this route treats you to moments of paved bliss, meandering through lush forests, serene wetlands, and charming neighborhoods.
At major intersections, keep an eye out for interpretive sections that unravel the ecological stories of this area. Oh, speaking of ecological stories, your furry friends are welcome to join but just make sure they’re leashed for safety.
| Pro Tip: As you pedal, jog, or stroll through this popular urban oasis, don’t be surprised if you cross paths with fellow enthusiasts as the trail isn’t meant for complete solitude. |
Road Apples Loop, Sunnybrook Park
Address: 1132 Leslie St, Toronto, ON, Canada
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
The 3.9-kilometre Red Apples loop trail in Sunnybrook Park is the perfect route for a leisurely walk.
Two-thirds of the trail is laden with natural canopies, providing a cool and shaded retreat, making it a go-to spot for those scorching summer days.
Parents pushing strollers needn’t worry. While there might be two or three brief encounters with steeper hills, they’re a small price to pay for the scenic wonders that unfold.
As you tread through, you’ll discover the heart of the loop with sports fields, ideal for those craving a bit more strenuous activity.
Clocking in at an average of 51 minutes, this loop is where visitors lace up for an easy walk, whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or someone seeking solitude during the quieter hours of the day.
And of course, your four-legged pals are welcome, just keep them on a leash for a harmonious journey.
| Pro Tip: There’s a spacious parking lot right by the trailhead, ensuring a hassle-free start to your journey. |
Coxwell Ravine Park
– Media credit: zoyaretiwalla
Address: 460 O’Connor Dr, East York, ON M4J 2W6, Canada
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Located just north of Don Mills Road, the Coxwell Ravine Park welcomes you with an inviting 100-step staircase leading you deep into the ravine, signaling the beginning of your adventure.
It’s the perfect destination for the spontaneous explorer. Multiple trails and pathways crisscross the park, connecting it to other green havens like Todmorden Mills Park and Charles Sauriol Conservation Area.
The best part? No strict plan or timeline is needed as all you need to do is just bask in the sunny trails spread all over the park.
For urban explorers relying on TTC, a mere 10-minute bus ride from Coxwell subway station (via the 70 O’Connor Bus to Coxwell and O’Connor stop) transports you to this green oasis.
Follow the path north to Taylor Drive, and as you reach Cullen Bryant Park, be prepared to descend into the ravine via a charming 100-step staircase.
As you wind through the forest trails, you’ll encounter fallen giant trees, unique shelters made from tree branches, and captivating wildlife: birds, rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels all call this place home.
| Pro Tip: Take your time to gaze at the Taylor-Massey River, cascading over roadways and rocks, with wooden bridges offering picturesque views. Continue east to explore the Taylor Creek trail or find a cosy picnic spot to unwind. |
Gates Gully
– Media credit: scarboroughspots
Address: 37 Pine Ridge Dr, Scarborough, ON M1M 2X6, Canada
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Gates Gully, often referred to as Doris McCarthy Trail, is the lesser-known, serene sibling of the famous Scarborough Bluffs, offering a quieter retreat just a few kilometres east.
Nestled alongside Bellamy Ravine Creek, this hidden gem opens up a world of fascinating wildlife, including deer, foxes, and beavers. Unlike its bustling counterpart, Gates Gully provides breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the escarpment.
You can escape the summer crowd by taking the Markham 102 bus from Warden Station, a mere 10-minute ride to Bellamy and Kingston. A short walk south leads you to the entrance of Doris McCarthy Trail.
Even if the initial surroundings resemble a residential neighborhood, a clear sign indicates the start of the trail.
While the kilometre-long trail has a gravel surface, its steepness may challenge those with mobility issues. If you’re a cyclist, you’ll be advised to dismount due to the incline.
Reaching the foot of the trail, you’ll encounter Marlene Hilton Moore’s steel sculpture, Passage, paying homage to Doris McCarthy. A magnificent blend of fish ribcage and canoe structure, it symbolizes McCarthy’s artistic legacy.
The artwork adds a touch of history, reflecting McCarthy’s Fool’s Paradise home, purchased in 1939.
| Pro Tip: To the left of Moore’s sculpture, discover more kilometres of peaceful, winding paths, offering glimpses of diverse birdlife and marshy wetlands. Veer right for views of the eroded Bluffs, man-made piers, and rock-covered beaches. |
