If you’ve stepped outside this morning, you may have noticed the temperature has dropped. Hoodie season is here! I’m not ashamed to say it’s one of my favourite seasons, not just because I can wear oversized clothes but more so for Thanksgiving – a time of the year where baggy clothes come in handy. After stuffing your face with all the fixins, a leisurely walk outdoors is the magical cure-all, especially after excessive eating. That being said, I’ve compiled a mini list of must-visit trails and boardwalks across Ontario that are perfect for Thanksgiving weekend.
Chapman Mills has a 1.5 km-long trail with several lookout points along the way.
As you embark on the trail, you’ll come across a few boardwalks. The trail itself leads through sensitive and beautiful habitats.
You can enjoy these scenic sights on one of the many lookout points along the way.
Continue forth and you’ll also come across the Vimy Memorial Bridge on the Rideau River.
You can also find interpretive signs along trails that tell the environmental story of the land.
Where: 253 Winding Way, Ottawa, Ont.
Home to beautiful botanical gardens in the summer, this North York spot is just as wonderful a hike in the colder months.
Okay, we use the term “hike” loosely here. But the pathway is definitely a great outdoor walk. This spot is perfect for an easy-breezy outdoor excursion. Plus, if you go far enough, it joins up with Sunnybrook Park — two for one!
Where: 755 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto, Ont.
If you find yourself in Ontario’s Muskoka region (which you’d want to do during fall), check out Hunters Bay Trail for a long and leisurely hike through a boardwalk that looks as if it’s floating on top of the water.
Located in Huntsville, this is said to be one of the most amazing hikes in the whole area, and a picturesque beauty in the fall.
Per Muskoka Tourism, the Hunters Bay Trail is a walking, running, and cycling trail that spans 4.6 km in length.
Where: Main Street West (off Highway 11), Huntsville, Ont.
There are five trails to choose from, one of them being the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail. This is the park’s signature 8 km trail that circles the lake.
It’s also the best spot to enjoy vibrant fall colours!
There are several resting spots along the way so you can catch scenic vistas and even spot wildlife, including loons, ospreys, ducks, turtles, frogs, and muskrats.
This trail also guides you along a lakeside bridge that’s not only peaceful but also picture-perfect.
Where: 673067 Hurontario St. S., Orangeville, Ont.
Ontario is full of beautiful cascading waterfalls – and in the fall, they are a sight to see. But if you’re looking for the best around, especially in the Muskokas, Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park is said to be home to one of the top waterfalls in the whole province. And all you need to do is embark on a short hike to enjoy the view.
There’s a short trail from the parking lot that will take you straight to a lookout point so you can witness the thundering cascading waters, according to Ontario Parks.
Where: 1050 Oxtongue Lake Rd., Dwight, Ont.
If beachy vibes are what you’re after, and you can’t let summer go, 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, Ont.
Rattray Marsh Conservation Area has five trails in total, including White Pine Trail, Sheridan Creek Trail, and Silver Maple Lane. Bring a friend or your pup, as long as they’re leashed (the dog), on this serene experience.
It’s not hard to find the boardwalk. We recommend starting at Jack Darling Memorial Park. Follow the path that lines the beach to your left, and you’ll come across the Pedestrian Trail.
In totality, this trail spans 1.1 km and takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Where: 660 Bexhill Rd., Mississauga, Ont.
You can immerse yourself in nature without leaving the city at the gorgeous Rouge Valley. Canada’s first and only national urban park, according to Destination Ontario, has multiple hiking trails that range in length and difficulty. You can get all the details here.
Where: 1749 Meadowvale Rd., Toronto, Ont.
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