Dylan YoungSometimes, it’s nice to get away from the chaotic hustle and bustle of the city. Just a drive from Toronto, you can visit many hiking spots that will take your breath away!
No need for long, expensive trips because, with our list, you can drive outside the city and return just in time for dinner! Here are the best hiking spots near Toronto that are worth checking out!
- Gus Harris Trail
- Bond Lake
- Taylor Creek Park
- Mast Trail
- Humber River Recreation Trail
- Cold Creek Conservation Area
- Albion Hills Conservation Park
- Mount Nemo Conservation Area via Bruce Trail
- North Tract – York Region Forest
- Rattlesnake Point
- Tew’s Falls Trail
- Greenwood Conservation Area
- Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
- Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
- Beamer Memorial Conservation Area
Gus Harris Trail
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Distance from Toronto: 17 km, 20-minute drive
Location: Gus Harris Trail, Scarborough, ON M1L 3E7, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 11 pm
Admission: Free
One of the closest hiking spots in Toronto is Gus Harris Trail—your commute to the office is probably longer. The trail starts at Warden Woods along Pharmacy Avenue, at a parking area just a minute’s drive from the off-leash dog park.
This 3.3 km trail is the perfect spot for a tranquil and secluded hike away from the loud city noise. It’s an out-and-back type of trail that’s perfect for a day trip, as it’ll take less than an hour to hike, even for beginners.
| Pro Tip: You don’t have to brave city traffic to get here. Ride the TTC and alight at Warden Station; then, it’s just a few minutes walk from the entrance on St. Clair Avenue East and Warden Avenue. |
Bond Lake
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Distance from Toronto: 42 km, 35-minute drive
Location: Bond Lake, 12611 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1A4, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday – Sunday: 24/7
Admission: Free
This scenic 2.8 km trail loops around Bond Lake at Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve. This is where you get to hike beside the waters, which makes it a tranquil spot and easy to follow for beginners.
Bond Lake Loop is a relatively easy trail but can be moderately challenging due to some uprooted trees, so expect to get a good workout. Try to avoid rainy seasons, though, because the trails near the lake can get muddy.
| Pro Tip: Parking at the entrance of the reserve is small, and weekends are particularly busy. Because of this, you might want to visit on a weekday for a quieter hike and also so you won’t have to wait too long to get a parking spot. Watch out for some dog poop! When bringing your dog, remember to pick up after them to keep the trail clean. |
Taylor Creek Park
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Distance from Toronto: 10.5 km, 20-minute drive
Location: 260 Dawes Rd, East York, ON M4C 5C4, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday – Sunday: 24/7
Admission: Free
You won’t have to leave Toronto for too long when hiking Taylor Creek Park. This East York hiking spot is only 10 km of travel away from the city.
This 7 km trail is easy peasy because of the paved paths (but not all are!), which will take an hour and a half, depending on your speed. This spot will show you some breathtaking scenery, with plenty of opportunities to take a breather or have a picnic.
Instead of walking, you can take a leisurely ride on this trail since there are paved paths. If you have a furry companion, this is also a nice trail to take your dogs for a walk, away from vehicle noise.
| Pro Tip: Along the Don Valley Beaches Loop, you’re likely to encounter construction. So, try to go a different route or go back. |
Mast Trail
– Media credit: scarboroughspots
Distance from Toronto: 33.7 km, 25-minute drive
Location: 55 Twyn Rivers Dr, Scarborough, ON M1B, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, Someday – Sunday: 24/7
Admission: Free
Mast Trail is a popular hiking spot in Scarborough, just 10 minutes away from Pickering, Ontario. This trail runs for 5.3 km and is slightly challenging due to different terrains, uprooted trees, and vegetation.
Expect some ups and downs, but there’s plenty of shade due to the trees, so it’s not so bad. But around halfway through the hike, you’ll encounter steep sections that will require good hiking boots to avoid slipping.
This is a spot for individuals who prefer to encounter some people during the hike. As a popular bird watching area, you’ll see many people with their binoculars at the ready.
| Pro Tip: Before visiting Mast Trail, check Rouge National Urban Park’s area closures. There’s plenty of wildlife activity here, so some parts of the trail may be closed to the public on short notice depending on the number of spotted animals. |
Humber River Recreation Trail
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Distance from Toronto: 18.7 km, 24-minute drive
Location: Humber River Recreational Trail, Etobicoke, ON M9A 3G9, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday – Sunda: 24/7
Admission: Free
At Etobicoke, you’ll find one of the easiest trails near Toronto that doesn’t require leaving the GTA. Although it’s pretty long at 10 km, walking here won’t require much effort because the pathways are paved.
There are steep sections during the first half of the trail, so if you’re bringing a heavy bag, expect a nice little workout. But there are benches along the way for a quick rest, which are useful as the trail can take an hour or more.
The best time to go here is during fall because of its incredible scenery. Bring your furry friend and let them enjoy the falling leaves.
| Pro Tip: Try to avoid winter hikes because the trails can get slippery, even on the paved ones. |
Cold Creek Conservation Area
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Distance from Toronto: 58.5 km, 47-minute drive
Location: 14125 11th Concession, Nobleton, ON L0G 1N0, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday – Sunday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Admission: Free
Just under an hour’s drive from Toronto, and you’ll find a, easy trail that’s perfect for a day trip. There are a little over 7 km of trails, but the outer loop is just 6.6 km, which will take you from Pine Plantation Trail to Century Forest Trail.
There are options for a shorter trail, and you can choose any of the three connector trails if you don’t want to go around the main loop. Expect to jump over some uprooted trees and some muddy sections, but they’re not too hard to hike.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the trail markers. There aren’t a lot, and they’re pretty far in between, so you might accidentally walk in the wrong direction. Bring bug spray, or you’ll become mosquito food! Expect to see lots of bugs, even when you’re staying on the path. |
Albion Hills Conservation Park
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Distance from Toronto: 63.6 km, 47-minute drive
Location: 16500 Peel Regional Rd 50, Caledon, ON L7E 3E7, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round except December 23 – January 1, Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm
Admission:
- Adult (14-64) – $7.60 + HST
- Senior (65+) – $6.45 + HST
- Child (4-13) – $5.05 + HST
- Toddler (0-3) – Free + HST
Albion Hills Conservation Park offers many activities in all seasons. You can hike, bike, ski, snowshoe, and camp all in one place.
It’s a nice weekend getaway that won’t take you too far from Toronto. There’s a range of easy and moderate trails, with the outer loop being popular because the trails are well-maintained despite not having a lot of markers.
After hiking one of the many trails, you can go to the campground and enjoy some relaxing time with family or friends. There are washrooms, shower stalls, and over 200 serviced and unserviced sites.
| Pro Tip: Bring a map or a GPS because it’s easy to get lost on the trail. Many trails seem to be specifically designed for bikes, so keep your ears on the lookout for mountain bikers. |
Mount Nemo Conservation Area via Bruce Trail
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Distance from Toronto: 62.6 km, 42-minute drive
Location: 5317 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7P 0A5, Canada
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 7 pm
Admission: Booking in advance is recommended
Online
- Adult (15-64) – $10.50 + HST
- Senior (65 and over) – $8.25 + HST
- Child (5-14) – $7.25 + HST
- Child Under 5 – Free
At the Gate
- Adult (15-64) – $12 + HST
- Senior (65 and over) – $9.75 + HST
- Child (5-14) – $8.75 + HST
- Child Under 5 – Free
With easy and moderate hiking trails available, Mount Nemo Conservation Area makes it a top place for Torontonians to visit. A popular one is the 6.9 km loop on the Bruce Trail, a well-marked scenic place with beautiful viewpoints.
Take two hours of your time when hiking here, or longer than that, should you decide to take some Instagram-worthy photos or just bask under the sun appreciating the views.
| Pro Tip: Wear your hiking gear because the Mount Nemo – Bruce Trail has different terrains. Steep paths, rocky areas, and narrow sections make this a pretty challenging hike for beginners. |
North Tract – York Region Forest
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Distance from Toronto: 60.2 km, 41-minute drive
Location: 17499 McCowan Rd, Cedar Valley, ON L0G 1E0, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday – Sunday:24/7
Admission: Free
North Tract is one of the accessible trails at York Regional Forest. It’s an easy trail that will take you a little under two hours to complete the loop.
There are some elevations on the trail, but it’s manageable. But expect sandy and narrow paths, and watch out for horse poop, so keep your eyes and nose on the lookout!
| Pro Tip: If you’re hiking with your dog, you must keep them on a leash at all times. There’s plenty of wildlife here, including hawks that may be guarding their nest and ready to attack if threatened. |
Rattlesnake Point
– Media credit: timbit4lifer
Distance from Toronto: 63.1 km, 45-minute drive
Location: 7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON L9E 0M9, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 9 pm
Admission: Reservation required
Online
- Adult (15-64) – $10.50 + HST
- Senior (65 and over) – $8.25 + HST
- Child (5-14) – $7.25 + HST
- Child Under 5 – Free
At the Gate
- Adult (15-64) – $12 + HST
- Senior (65 and over) – $9.75 + HST
- Child (5-14) – $8.75 + HST
- Child Under 5 – Free
Plenty of trails lead to the breathtaking Rattlesnake Point, including the Nassagaweya Canyon Trail and Vista Adventure Trail. An easy trail for beginners and those who prefer short hikes is the Vista Adventure Trail, a 1.8 km loop.
If you want to challenge yourself, you’ll find pathways that lead to more difficult trails. But do bring a map or a GPS because it’s easy to get off track.
| Pro Tip: Try to avoid this trail during the winter, as the paths can get icy and dangerous. Autumn is the best time for some gorgeous scenery. |
Tew’s Falls Trail
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Distance from Toronto: 71.6 km, 51-minute drive
Location: Dundas, ON L9H 5K7, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday – Sunday: 24/7
Admission: Reservation required
- All bookings – $10
- Per Vehicle – $11 (one vehicle per reservation)
- Per Person – $5 (each person in vehicle)
- Children 5 and under – Free.
Tew’s Falls Trail is a very popular spot, so it’s likely you’ll see fellow hikers. It’s an easy 63 km trail, taking a little over two hours to finish.
Start at Sydenham Road, and going to Tew’s Falls will take you along other trails and Dundas Peak. As you go along, the hike gets a little challenging due to some elevation gain and steep inclines.
| Pro Tip: Keep your proof of reservation safe. You’ll need it once you get to Dundas Peak. |
Greenwood Conservation Area
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Distance from Toronto: 57.1 km, 51-minute drive
Location: 2290 Greenwood Rd, Ajax, ON L1T 4S4, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 11 pm
Admission: Free
The Greenwood Conservation Area has loop trails that are easy for beginners. Since it’s a popular spot, expect some well-travelled paths.
But don’t be too comfortable because the main loop is 14.5 km long, taking over three hours. There are also some areas with overgrown grass, which can take you to a different path if you’re not careful enough—just bring your handy GPS and you’ll be fine.
The trail also has some terrain variations, which make for a nice hike. It’s a lovely river walk, too, and you’ll see salmon swimming in the water.
| Pro Tip: Bring your bug spray because the overgrown areas will be full of mosquitos and insects. |
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
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Distance from Toronto: 71.6 km, 1-hour drive
Location: 17760 McLaren Rd, Caledon, ON L7K 2H8, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, 8 am – 5:30 pm
Admission: Prices depend on the time of the year
- Daily Vehicle Permit – $0 – $21
- Full List of Fees
You’ll find various trails at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, with moderate to hard difficulty levels. The Forks of the Credit Trail is moderately challenging, with beautiful views and wildlife.
It’ll take three and a half hours to complete this 11.9 km trail, so bring your best hiking shoes because this will take a while, depending on speed and skill level. But the breathtaking views of the river and fields make it all worth it.
The trail can also give you a solid workout because of the ups and downs, steep slopes, and narrow paths. Be careful when you’re nearing the falls lookout, as the path can get muddy and even steeper.
| Pro Tip: Expect to find some closed-off sections due to weather or construction. If the loop is closed, you’ll need to turn back and come back another day. |
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
– Media credit: ssmischief
Distance from Toronto: 92.4 km, 1 hour and 21-minute drive
Location: 795086 3rd Line EHS, Shelburne, ON L9W 5Y2, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 5:30 pm
Admission:
- Daily Vehicle Permit: $0 – $21
- Full List of Fees
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is worth the drive from Toronto because of the many trails you can hike on. It’s ideal for day or weekend trips since you can get a short 1-hour or 3-hour strength-training hike.
The Carriage Trail here is an easy to moderately challenging out-and-back that runs for 2.6 km. It’s a flat hike, but expect some uphill sections.
Meanwhile, the Cliff-Top Side Trail is the longer option, taking three hours but with plenty of lookouts. This one is a loop trail, so you’ll come back to your starting point—the pathway’s easy to see since this is a high-traffic area.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning a day trip, you can hike in the morning because the trees provide a lot of shade from the sun. Bring hiking shoes as you’ll encounter some steps. It does get slippery sometimes, so be careful on inclines. |
Beamer Memorial Conservation Area
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Distance from Toronto: 87.6 km, 1 hour and 41-minute drive
Location: 28 Quarry Rd, Grimsby, ON L3M 4E7, Canada
Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday – Sunday: 24/7
Admission: Free
You’ll need to get out of bed really early if you want to make it here because the drive’s pretty long, but the good thing is the hike will only take a little over an hour, giving you plenty of time to check out the area.
The Beamer Memorial Conservation Trail runs for only 4.3 km, but there are some stunning lookouts. There are many skinny trees on the trail, which make for a beautiful photoshoot.
There aren’t a lot of signs, but this is an easy trail. If you’re going to descend the stairs, be very careful and wear good hiking shoes because this one doesn’t have railings.
