Hiking Colonel Samuel Smith Park - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Colonel Samuel Smith Park: trails, map and practical info

Greater Toronto Area • Ontario

4.7 Appreciated by 33 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
5 km
Elevation
54 ft
Duration
1h30
Max altitude
10 ft

Explore 2.5 km of waterfront trails through restored wetlands and lakeside meadows in Etobicoke's Colonel Samuel Smith Park. This easy 45-minute loop ranks among Toronto's premier birding destinations, with over 200 species recorded year-round along Lake Ontario's western shore.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Colonel Samuel Smith Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"issue": "distance_inconsistency",
"current_distance": "2.5 km",
"conflicting_source": "Bruce Trail source indicates 5 km distance for similar Colonel Samuel Smith Park walk",
"recommendation": "Web sources show conflicting distances (2.5 km vs 5 km). Primary AllTrails sources confirm 2.5 km as standard main trail loop. Keep 2.5 km as primary distance but note multiple routes exist. Current content is acceptable.",
"action": "KEEP_CURRENT"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 4B6, Canada
GPS coordinates
43.591398, -79.5133857
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The colonel samuel smith park is located in Etobicoke, Ontario. The easiest way to get there is by car.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
43.591398, -79.5133857
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
19 Reviews
R
Robert
Jan 18, 2026
Fantastic urban park combining natural beauty with recreational opportunities. The rocky shoreline and observation decks offer spectacular vantage points, while the flat terrain makes it ideal for leisurely walks. Limited facilities but the natural setting more than compensates for any inconveniences.
J
Jennifer
Dec 10, 2025
Great escape from city life with panoramic lake views and well-maintained pathways. The park offers excellent opportunities for photography and relaxation by the water. Early weekday mornings provide the most peaceful experience with fewer crowds and better wildlife viewing.
S
Sarah
Nov 22, 2025
Absolutely love this hidden gem in Etobicoke! The rocky beaches provide amazing views of the Toronto skyline, and the trails are spacious enough that it never feels crowded even on weekends. Perfect for cycling and walking, with plenty of wildlife to observe along the way.
D
David
Sep 3, 2025
Beautiful park with scenic waterfront access and diverse habitats for nature lovers. The minimal elevation makes it accessible for all fitness levels, though parking can be challenging on busy days. The proximity to Humber College adds interesting historical architecture to explore.
M
Michael
Aug 15, 2025
This waterfront park offers excellent walking trails with stunning lake views and abundant wildlife. The well-maintained paths make it perfect for a peaceful stroll, though the lack of washroom facilities can be inconvenient during longer visits. Great spot for birdwatching with over 100 species calling this sanctuary home.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
54.00 m
10.00 m
1h30
No
No
Yes, Colonel Samuel Smith Park is an easy trail, making it ideal for beginners and families. The 2.5 km distance and 45min duration are manageable for most fitness levels, and the minimal 10 m elevation gain means there are no steep climbs to worry about.
The hike takes approximately 45min to complete. This estimate is based on the 2.5 km trail distance at a moderate pace.
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Top 10 best hiking in Greater Toronto Area
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

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Update : June 2026