Categories: Travel

This Ontario park is a must-visit for hikers chasing fall colours

Photo via Green Durham Association

Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park is not just a year-round gem but a must-visit destination, especially in the fall. One of Ontario’s newest parks, this spot is home to thrilling trails that serve as a peaceful escape.

This gem is situated within the Township of Uxbridge and offers a unique retreat experience, distinguished by its distinct layout, unlike traditional parks. Rather than being a single continuous expanse, it is made up of multiple “individual parcels” of land, creating a unique patchwork of green spaces.

Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park

Per Ontario Parks, Uxbridge Urban is located on lands “that have been occupied and used by many nations, including the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Wendat peoples in an area covered by the 1787 Johnson-Butler Purchase, also known as the Gunshot Treaty and the 1923 Williams Treaties.”

The park is built on a legacy of conservation, natural, and cultural heritage protection. However, Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park differs from other provincial parks, considering that not all its components are connected.

Ontario Parks shared that one day, it may be possible that they will be linked by other lands, recreational areas, and trail systems in the future.

“We are also looking for opportunities to add lands to expand the park boundary in the future by working with the Township of Uxbridge, The Regional Municipality of Durham, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and private landowners to identify lands they have that could potentially be added to the park,” they share.

But until then, there are three trails within the park that you can enjoy and explore.

Trailing on

Some of the available activities include hiking, cycling, and nature appreciation, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

Motorized vehicles, hunting, camping, and campfires are not permitted.

Activities permitted:

Hiking/walking
Biking/mountain biking
Pet exercise (pets must be on a leash at all times)
Skiing and snowshoeing are welcome on hiking trails. However, please note that trails are not maintained or track set and be sure to use caution during the winter months.

Activities not permitted:

Camping
Campfires
Off-road motorized vehicle use (e.g., all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), dirt bikes, snowmobiles, etc.)
Hunting

If you do plan on visiting, take note that parking is limited. You can find parking at 565 Old Stouffville Rd., and 579 Old Stouffville Rd. “If the parking area is full, for public safety, please do not park along municipal roads,” shares Ontario Parks. “Consider visiting at another time or visiting any of the local trail networks and recreational areas.”

And since it’s open all year long, you have more than enough time to explore its grounds in any season. But if it were up to us, we’d pick fall! Now go out and explore, Ontario!