Oh, summer! How we’ve missed you. Though the official start of the season is only a few days away, it’s already feeling like it. And we’re loving every second of it. To take full advantage of this lovely weather, a hiking adventure is in order and lucky for us, there are several hiking trails ready to be explored in Ontario.
And the best part is, these hiking trails in Ontario guide you along the most scenic views of sparking blue waters. It’s simply mesmerizing.
Here’s a list of 12 hiking trails in Ontario you need to explore – especially for the views!
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Beamer Memorial Conservation Area
This hike is all about views and it boasts some of the best in the region. Soak up your stunning surroundings of the Niagara Escarpment and shimmering Lake Ontario as you travel along the forested trails and along the upper and lower falls.
There’s no shortage of viewing platforms to stop and admire the views and take photos to your heart’s content.
Where: 28 Quarry Rd, Grimsby
Distance: 4.1 km
Bond Lake
This trail is located right in the GTA but once you get there, you’ll feel like you’ve gone all the way up to cottage country.
An easy and picturesque forested trail loops around the calm blue lake, with plenty of spots to picnic and jump in for a quick dip.
Whether you want to float the day away on the water or get your steps in, this is the place to do it.
Where: 12691 Yonge St, Richmond Hill
Bruce Peninsula National Park
If wilderness is your thing, this popular gem is the place to be. The sprawling region is home to countless ancient trees, a variety of orchids and ferns, wildlife, and multiple trails to walk through.
Then you have limestone cliffs giving you a gorg view of the Georgian Bay, a huge campground, and a stunning shoreline sea cave with the bluest water you’ve ever seen.
And when you’re tired from all that hiking and exploring, lay down on the Singing Sands beach.
Where: 469 Cyprus Lake Rd, Tobermory
Hilton Falls Conservation Area
There are three different trails you can take to enjoy this gorgeous spot just off of Highway 401 in Milton.
Meander along the nature paths and enjoy the breathtaking views of the falls, the shimmering blue reservoir, and the Old Mill ruins.
Be sure to book your spot ahead of time as reservations are now required to enter.
Where: Off Campbellville Rd in Milton
Hunters Bay Trail Floating Boardwalk
According to Muskoka Tourism, the Hunter’s Bay hiking trail is unlike any other trail in Muskoka.
“This 3.6km urban trail has a little bit of everything; riverside views, orchards, wooded trails, beaches, and over 500m of floating boardwalk over the waters of Hunter’s Bay,” shares the group. And that’s what stands out the most.
The floating boardwalk is definitely the main attraction of the trail. It’s actually part of The Great Trail, which is the world’s longest network of multi-use recreational trails that extends from BC to Newfoundland and up north to the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Where: Main Street West (off Highway 11), Huntsville
Petroglyphs Provincial Park
When it comes to nature views, no place does it better than Petroglyphs. Towering trees, majestic rock faces and breathtaking blue water surround you as you make your way along the trails.
This park is also known for having the largest concentration of Indigenous rock carvings (petroglyphs) in Canada, depicting turtles, snakes, birds, humans, and more. It is a sacred site, and for good reason.
A must-visit!
Where: 2249 Northeys Bay Rd, Woodview
Pinery Provincial Park
If beachy vibes are what you’re after, look no further than Pinery Provincial Park. This breathtaking park has 10 km of sandy shoreline for you to wander, as well as boardwalk trails overlooking the blue waters of Lake Huron.
According to the park’s website, National Geographic included this park in a ranking of the top 10 sunsets in the world.
If that’s not enough to entice you, there are 38 km of hiking trails, plus canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats you can rent.
Where: 9526 Lakeshore Rd, Grand Bend
Scarborough Bluffs
You don’t even have to leave the city to feast your eyes on this incredible view, which all locals are familiar with but must admit that it never gets old.
The trails and lookout points at the Scarborough Bluffs are located in, well, Scarborough. And it’s super accessible via the TTC.
Where: 1 Brimley Rd S, Bluffers Park, Toronto
Spirit Rock Conservation Area
There is so much to see in this conservation area in Bruce County.
In addition to the stunning water views at the top of the Niagara Escarpment, a unique spiral staircase takes you down along the escarpment edge to Colpoy’s Bay, making for some spectacular photo ops.
There is a huge network of hikes to do in the area, open from late spring to fall.
Where: 3 8th Ave, Wiarton
The Tay Shore Trail
This adventure is a hike lovers’ dream, running almost 18 km between Waubaushene and Midland. It features a mix of dense forest trails and some of the best views of Georgian Bay. It’s a multi-use trail that is part of the Trans Canada Trail.
Where: Between Waubaushene and Midland
White Water Walk
More hiking trails in Ontario? No problem!
You can get up close and personal with the best that nature’s got to offer, cause this incredible walk in the Niagara Parks will bring you right to the edge of the gorgeous rushing rapids, so you can almost feel the mist on your skin.
When you visit this beautiful site, you’ll be able to walk along a boardwalk that’s right at the river’s edge.
And they’ve also got multiple viewing platforms so you can stop and take it all in. Tickets for adults are only $16.50 each.
Where: 4330 River Rd, Niagara Falls
White River Suspension Bridge Trail
Ontario is home to a few spectacular suspension bridges, but this one is in a league of its own. The White River Suspension Bridge Trail crosses a rushing waterfall!
You need to embark on an 18-kilometre trek and eventually cross the White River Suspension Bridge.
This swaying bridge soars 23 metres above the powerful Chigamiwinigum Falls, providing jaw-dropping views as you cross.
Where: Pukaskwa National Park, Heron Bay, Ontario
Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Netflix, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
Karen Doradea
