Ready to explore Mono Cliffs Provincial Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!
Discover the trail
Available trails
| TrailTrails | Dist.Distance | GainElevation | TimeDuration | Difficulty | GPX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
1.3 km | — | 17min | ||
|
|
2.8 km | — | 37min | ||
|
|
0.6 km | — | 15min | ||
|
|
0.6 km | — | 15min | ||
|
|
3.6 km | — | 48min | ||
|
|
3.5 km | — | 47min | ||
|
|
1.3 km | — | 17min | ||
|
|
4.8 km | — | 1h |
Trail description
What you come for
Mono Cliffs protects a stretch of the Niagara Escarpment in the town of Mono, Dufferin County. The park covers 732 hectares, was established in 1985 and Ontario Parks classes it a Natural Environment park. The setting: forest, meadows, a kettle lake (McCarston's Lake), mossy limestone walls with ferns, and rock blocks separated from the escarpment edge, called outliers.
The cliff-top trail
The Cliff-Top Side Trail (2.8 km, on the Bruce Trail) leads to the viewing platform, which extends over the edge and looks northeast across the park. Nearby, stairs drop about 30 m to a wooden walkway between the rock face and a small outlier.
The eight trails
- Walter Tovell: 4.8 km
- McCarston's: 3.6 km (loop around the lake)
- South Outlier: 3.5 km
- Cliff-Top Side: 2.8 km
- Carriage: 1.3 km
- Spillway: 1.3 km
- Lookout: 600 m
- Link: 600 m
These are the lengths published by Ontario Parks. The park gives no elevation gain or time per trail. Ontario Parks' blog recommends good hiking shoes. The trails suit beginners and experienced hikers alike (ontariohiking.com). Walter Tovell is described as a wide, flat path. South Outlier starts with a climb, then the top is fairly flat.
Rules that matter
- An advance daily vehicle permit is mandatory (see "Ready to go").
- Dogs on a leash no longer than 2 m at all times.
- Stay on the trails: crevices and sensitive plants. Rock climbing, caving, bouldering and scrambling are banned. No fires, ever.
- No swimming, fishing or camping.
- Biking is allowed on Walter Tovell, Carriage, Spillway, Cliff-Top Side and Link. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on the hiking trails.
When to go
Ontario Parks suggests November to April to avoid crowds, and a weekday over a weekend. Fall colours draw large crowds: the park had 64,107 visitors in 2022, and weekends can book out. In winter, skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on trails that are neither maintained nor track-set.
What is missing
There are no showers, shelters, store or visitor centre: only vault toilets. Bring water and a snack. Ticks are common in Ontario: check yourself afterwards.
Services and amenities
Vault toilets only. No showers, shelters, store or visitor centre.
This information may vary by season.
The Essential Hiking Checklist
Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.
Get your free hiking checklistRecommended gear for this trail
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ready to go?
Everything you need to know before you goStarting Point
Main entrance: 795086 3rd Line EHS, Mono, Ontario. Gates are automatic: scan the barcode on your digital or printed permit. If there is a problem, a call button reaches park staff.
When?
Open for day use all year (2026). Entry is booked by slot: 8 a.m. to noon, noon to 4 p.m., 4 to 8 p.m., or the full day. Entry is only guaranteed during your slot.
How much?
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
- Hiking shoes Essential
- → Salomon Elixir Tour Mid WP · 203.38 $
- Layered clothing Essential
- Rain jacket Essential
- Trekking poles
- → Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork · 69.99 $
- Headlamp
- → Petzl Actik Core 625 · 103.95 $
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to knowSimilar hikes nearby
Discover other trails you might enjoy
North Maple Regional Park
York, Durham and Headwaters
Murphys Pinnacle, Ontario
York, Durham and Headwaters
Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail
York, Durham and Headwaters
Hockley Valley
York, Durham and Headwaters
Eldred King Woodlands
York, Durham and Headwaters
Wismer Park
York, Durham and Headwaters
Hiking near Barrie
146 trails to explore ~48 km away
We work hard to provide the most up-to-date and error-free data possible. If something seems incorrect, let us know! Your contribution helps the whole community.
Hikers' opinions
Be the first to review!
No hiker has shared their experience yet. Share your impressions and help other hikers!