As fall approaches, it’s time to dust off our hiking boots and prepare for those refreshing autumn walks. There’s nothing quite like the crisp, cool air of a fall morning as you explore some of Ontario’s most scenic trails. From Toronto and beyond, the region is home to countless pathways that offer a perfect way to immerse yourself in nature. We’ve rounded up a few of the most scenic hiking trails we think are a must-add to your bucket list.
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. Reds, yellows, orange shades, it’s a sight to see!
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
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 fall hike must!
Where: Sulphur Springs Road, Ancaster
Hunters Bay Trail Floating Boardwalk
If you find yourself in Ontario’s Muskoka region, (and you’d want to 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 right 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
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
The clifftop trail is both unique and gorgeous, and there are seven moderately challenging hikes to do in the park that range in length.
Fall 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
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 fall 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, especially during the fall.
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
Sifton Bog Trail
Located in London, ON, the Sifton Bog trail features a beautiful wooden boardwalk that leads out to Redmond’s Pond. This park is also home to ecologically significant wetlands, according to Destination Ontario. “Notably, it’s one of the most southern floating acidic peat bogs with boreal plant life in Canada.”
This scenic route is worth exploring.
Location: 1210 Oxford Street West, London, between Hyde Park Road and Oxford Street
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
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
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