As much as we’ve been loving the spring season, we’re just counting down the days til summer. And until then, we’ll keep planning all the adventures we’re about to take this hot and sunny season. But what’s on our list? Of course we have outdoor adventures, Ontario parks, beach days and roadtrips but we’re also looking forward to scenic hiking trails. Ontario is filled with these perfect hiking trails, giving us ample opportunities to enjoy nature however we like. We’ve compiled a list of a few trails in the province that we think are worth venturing this summer.
Here are 10 scenic Ontario hiking trails worth exploring this summer.
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A.Y Jackson Trail
The A.Y. Jackson Trail is a short, 3 km hiking trail that offers a scenic view of High Falls that cascades into the Sudbury Basin, according to Ontario Trails. Though there are technically three trails, they all interconnect.
Where: 45 km northwest of downtown Sudbury on Hwy. 144
Bond Lake Loop
Around twenty minutes north of Toronto, you’ll find this pristine blue lake and easy hiking trail that feels like a trip to cottage country.
Bond Lake is part of the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve in Richmond Hill, which is dominated by mature forests, wetlands, meadows, kettle lakes, and a network of recreational trails.
Where: 12691 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill
Grand Trunk Trail
This trail offers panoramic views over the town of St Marys, Ontario and countryside thanks to the Sarnia Bridge, according to the town’s site.
Though it’s only 3.2 km long, it started out as part of the historic Grand Trunk Railway. “In 1858 the GTR reached the village of St. Marys from Toronto and points further east,” states the town. “From St. Marys the line went west to Sarnia, Port Huron, and Chicago.”
Where: St. Marys, Ontario
Hermitage Trail
Located in the charming town of Ancaster, you’ll find this beautiful and quiet scenic hike with a little piece of history hidden inside of it.
Hermitage Trail is home to the ruins of a magnificent stone mansion that was built in 1855.
Not far from this trail are the cascading Tiffany Falls, as well as the waterfalls at Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. A summer time treat!
Where: Sulphur Springs Road, Ancaster
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
This is one of the most popular hiking spots around, and for good reason.
The clifftop trail is both unique and gorgeous, and there are seven moderately challenging hikes to do in the park that range in length.
Spring is a beautiful time to visit the park, but on a weekend with great weather, you should reserve your spot in advance as it does tend to get busy.
Where: 795086 3rd Line EHS, Shelburne
Mount Nemo Conservation Area
Boasting “one of the best cliff ecosystems on Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment,” Mount Nemo is an accessible cliff-edge trail that’ll spoil you with views without making you work too hard for it.
This peaceful hike is filled with thousand-year-old crevice caves, ancient cedars, and limestone boulders covered in green ferns.
Nature trails like these really make you appreciate the beauty that Ontario has to offer.
Where: 5317 Guelph Line, Burlington
Nipigon River Recreation Trail
The Nipigon River Recreation Trail spans 10.1 km which for hikers, could take an estimated three to five hours to complete.
It’s considered a difficult trail due to its length however it is suitable for ages eight and up, according to Parks Canada.
The trail guides you along the “shoreline of the Nipigon River from Nipigon to Red Rock and along Nipigon Bay on Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake.” There are several clifftop lookout points to stop at with the best panoramic views.
Where: 023 ON-628, Red Rock, ON
The Beltline Trail
This nine-kilometre trail is so big it’s split into three sections: the York Beltline Trail west of Allen Rd, the Kay Gardner Beltline Park from Allen to Mount Pleasant, and the Ravine Beltline Trail through Moore Park Ravine.
Whew, that’s quite the trek! Check out just one section or challenge yourself to the whole stretch.
Where: Beltline Trail, Toronto
The Don River Valley Park
This all-encompassing park is one of the biggest in the city. This 200-hectare area spans the distance from Pottery Road all the way to the Corktown Common.
Along the way, you’ll come across beautiful green spaces, public art, and all-around good vibes. Challenge yourself to the whole thing or take one hiking trail at a time.
Where: Check out the map here
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
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. You can enjoy the view from 10 walking trails or a 14 km bike trail.
Where: 9526 Lakeshore Rd, Grand Bend
Rouge Valley Conservation Centre
You can immerse yourself in nature without leaving the city at the gorgeous Rouge Valley.
There are multiple hiking trails to take that range in length and difficulty — you can get all the details here.
From marshes and meadows to boardwalks and an old mill used by early European settlers, you’ll have plenty to see on this spring hike.
Where: 1749 Meadowvale Rd, Scarborough
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
West Toronto Railpath
This is definitely the most urban of the trails. You’ll actually know you’re in a city as you trek along this pathway.
But who said that was a bad thing, right? The West Toronto Railpath is loaded with street art that you can admire as you walk along the railway tracks. Plus, there are lots of little coffee shops and restos along the way.
Where: Check out the map here
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
