Categories: Travel

This majestic trail through a canyon is just one hour from Toronto

Image via Ontario Parks

The city is wonderful in so many ways, but one thing you just can’t do there is hike through a canyon. However, an hour away from Toronto is Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, a year-round Ontario park that is part of the Niagara Escarpment Parks System and home to one of the coolest trails I’ve ever seen.

Getting to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

Luckily, the journey from Toronto to Mono Cliffs is a short one — if you have access to a vehicle.

The park is located in Shelburne, Ontario, just over an hour’s drive from the city.

Keep in mind that if you’re visiting the park for the day, you’ll need to pay a day use/vehicle fee, which costs $12.25 per car.

Exploring the park

Mono Cliffs boasts eight hiking trails ranging from a quick 600 m up to just under 5 km. If you’re hoping for those inside-a-canyon-views, the trail you’ll want to mark down is the Spillway Trail. Spanning 1.3 km, the journey is the perfect distance for beginner and experienced hikers alike.

As you venture the trail, you’ll be taken along a boardwalk that cuts right through a canyon, with towering rock formations all around you.

If those views aren’t enough, another option is the Cliff-Top Side Trail. A little further in distance, this hike is 2.8 km and leads past 30 m cliffs. End your day of hiking at the Lookout Trail, a quick 600 m to a gorgeous spot perfect for taking in the evening sunset.

If all that exploring worked up an appetite, Shelburne has a handful of restaurants you can check out, including my favourite, The Tipsy Fox, and other local eateries such as Beyond The Gate or The Duffy.

Happy hiking!