The birds are singing, the trees are showing off their green, and the trails? They’re calling. We’re in that sweet spot of spring where nature’s putting on a show, and it’s the perfect time to explore Ontario’s scenic hiking trails. From forest strolls to dramatic lookouts, here are 10 hiking trails worth wandering before summer kicks in.
The A.Y. Jackson Trail is a short, 3 km hiking trail that offers a scenic view of High Falls that cascade into the Sudbury Basin, according to Ontario Trails. Though there are technically three trails, they all interconnect.
Where: 45 km northwest of downtown Sudbury, Ont., on Hwy. 144
Newmarket, Ont., is now home to a sweeping new boardwalk that provides visitors with an immersive forest experience from above-ground level. The stunning new trail opened this year, and it’s truly worth the hour or so drive from Toronto.
The Clifford Perry Boardwalk is a 1,020-foot-long and 10-foot-wide structure that rises to 16 feet above the forest floor. It was designed by Fiberwalk, which is also the company behind the David C. Only Boardwalk and Indo-Malaya Boardwalk at the Toronto Zoo.
It’s a lovely adventure worth the trip.
Where: Newmarket, Ont.
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, Ont.
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.
Where: Sulphur Springs Road, Ancaster, Ont.
Here’s one of our favourites! According to Muskoka Tourism, the Hunter’s Bay hiking trail is unlike any other trail in Muskoka.
“This 3.6-km urban trail has a little bit of everything: riverside views, orchards, wooded trails, beaches, and over 500 m of floating boardwalk over the waters of Hunter’s Bay,” shares the group. And that’s what stands out the most.
The floating boardwalk is definitely the main attraction of the trail. It’s actually part of The Great Trail, which is the world’s longest network of multi-use recreational trails that extends from B.C. to Newfoundland and up north to the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Where: Main Street West (off Highway 11), Huntsville, Ont.
The star of the show is Kelso Lake, a captivating human-made reservoir initially designed to manage the risk of flooding from the nearby Sixteen Mile Creek.
The sandy shores are the perfect spot to lie out in the sun, and the boardwalk allows you to stroll along the perimeter of the lake with amazing views all around you.
The outdoor enthusiast’s dream continues beyond the water’s edge. The park has a multitude of trails along the escarpment and through Kelso’s old-growth forest.
Where: 5234 Kelso Rd., Milton
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, Ont. and Midland, Ont.
Now here’s an adventure! Kay Gardner Beltline Trail follows an old railway line from Allen Road south of Elm Ridge Drive west to Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
The park features 32 bike trails and water fountains making it a lovely spot to see some hidden green spaces right here in the city.
Where: Kay Gardner Beltline Park — 378 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto, Ont.
Located in London, Ont., 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.
Where: 1210 Oxford St. W., London, Ont., between Hyde Park Rd. and Oxford St.
More hiking trails in Ontario? No problem!
You can get up close and personal with the best that nature’s got to offer, cause this incredible walk in the Niagara Parks will bring you right to the edge of the gorgeous rushing rapids, so you can almost feel the mist on your skin.
When you visit this beautiful site, you’ll be able to walk along a boardwalk that’s right at the river’s edge.
And they’ve also got multiple viewing platforms so you can stop and take it all in. Tickets for adults are only $16.50 each.
Where: 4330 River Rd., Niagara Falls, Ont.
Have a great hike!
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