Hiking near Toronto: 183 trails

A half-day outing takes a little planning.

Think about the way back, the breaks and the parking.

Check access

Opening hours, parking and access conditions can change with the season.

Check the weather at the destination

Changing weather can make some trails harder.

Choose your route

Match the length and the level to your group and the time you have.

Through the seasons

Spring

Spring hiking around Toronto typically begins in late April when snow melts and temperatures reach 10-15°C, though trails can be muddy and wet from snowmelt.

The Don Valley and High Park trails offer beautiful wildflower displays, while waterproof boots and layers are essential for changing weather conditions. Start with shorter urban trails as many conservation areas may still have seasonal closures or soft ground conditions.

Summer

Summer brings ideal hiking conditions to Toronto with temperatures of 20-25°C and long daylight hours extending until 9 PM.

The extensive trail network including the Martin Goodman Trail along Lake Ontario and trails in Rouge Valley provide excellent options, with lake breezes offering relief from heat and humidity. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as mosquitoes and blackflies can be active in wooded areas.

Fall

Fall hiking in Toronto is spectacular from late September through October, with comfortable temperatures of 10-18°C and stunning autumn foliage in areas like the Humber Valley and Scarborough Bluffs.

The cooler, drier conditions make it perfect for longer hikes, though daylight hours shorten significantly by November. Layer clothing for temperature changes and consider bringing a headlamp for late afternoon hikes as sunset can occur as early as 5 PM by late fall.

Winter

Winter hiking around Toronto requires proper preparation for temperatures often below -5°C and snowy conditions from December through March.

Many paved trails remain accessible for winter walking with ice cleats, while cross-country skiing becomes popular in areas like Earl Rowe Provincial Park. Dress in moisture-wicking layers, bring hot drinks, and stick to well-maintained trails as daylight is limited to about 9 hours during the shortest days.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I go hiking near Toronto?

The page lists 183 trails. The closest is Alexandra Park (≈ 2 min drive from downtown), the farthest Mount Pleasant Nature Park (≈ 2 hr). Drive times are estimated as the crow flies.

How long does it take to drive to the trails near Toronto?

48 trails are within ≈ 30 min of driving, 96 within ≈ 1 hr, and all of them within ≈ 2 hr. These are estimates from downtown.

What are the most popular trails near Toronto?

Among the trails on this page, the most viewed on Let's Go Play Outside are Lions Valley Park, Eldred King Woodlands and Bond Lake.

How long are the trails near Toronto?

108 listings give a length, from 1.2 km (Mast Trail) to 170 km (Jimmie Simpson Park). The other 75 do not say.

Are there easy hikes near Toronto?

Yes: among the trails on this page that give a level, 106 easy, 25 moderate and 3 hard. The closest easy ones: Alexandra Park, Riverdale Park East and Trillium Park.

Can I hike with my dog near Toronto?

83 listings say dogs are allowed and 0 say they are not. For the other 100, the rule is not confirmed: check the trail page before you go.

Where can I hike for free near Toronto?

3 listings say access is free, including Riverwood, Greenwood Conservation Area and Huron Natural Area among the closest. For the others, free access is not confirmed: check the trail page.

Hiking near Toronto

Hiking ideas near Toronto

Trails near Toronto