10 Best Hiking Trails in Toronto

Are you looking to escape into the serene sanctuary of nature? If there’s one thing Canada’s good at, it’s giving us some of the world’s most unique green spaces, including Toronto!

This guide will showcase the best hiking trails in or around the city to get your nature fix.

See the City’s Inner Nature with the Best Hiking Trails in Toronto

Sometimes we need to get away from it all, especially when the hustle and bustle of Toronto becomes a little much. The city’s nearby hiking trails provide the perfect escape, even if they are located near the center of town.

There is plenty to enjoy, but we’ve chosen some of our favorites where the hikes hit differently. The list was narrowed down were the trails included beautiful scenery, accessibility, diversity, and plenty of good general feedback.

Enjoy the 10 Best Hiking Trails in Toronto

So without further ado, here are our considerations for the ten best hiking trails in Toronto.

Scarborough Bluffs

“An Unforgettable Hiking Experience”

Scarborough Bluffs is one of Toronto’s most accessible hiking trails, just a short trip away from the city by car or public transport. You’ll be treated to jaw-dropping sandstone cliffs, sand beaches, and serene waters that make the journey a must-do if you enjoy a great hike!

Pros:

• One of Toronto’s most accessible hiking trails
• The trail is easy and accommodating for most people
• Great views of the cliffs and beaches

Cons:

• Trails can be confusing to find
• Does get very busy on weekends and holidays
• Amenities on the hike are not well kept

Location: Scarborough, ON M1M 3W3

Google Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 (1,700 reviews)

Scarborough Bluffs is celebrated locally as one of the best hiking trails purely for its accessibility and breathtaking scenery. The location has garnered nearly 1,700 reviews, awarding it a 4.7-star average.

High Park

“A Combination of Urban and Nature”

You wouldn’t believe there are such beautiful hiking trails so close to an urban environment, but High Park delivers beyond expectations. The track at this sprawling park will take you around all the best points, including the lake, curated forests, and rivers, offering the best Canadian nature in an urban environment.

Pros:

• Trails are easy to navigate
• Get your nature fix within the city limits
• Extra amenities on the course, such as a cafe and mini-zoo

Cons:

• Watch out for tree roots!
• Some parts of the trail may not suit those with mobility issues
• Both cyclists and joggers can make the hike unpleasant

Location: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3

Google Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 (22,797 reviews)

High Park is one of the most well-known hiking spots in Toronto and sees millions of visitors every year. That’s why it has nearly 23,000 reviews that complement the hybrid urban nature trail, giving it a 4.7-star average.

Humber Bay Park East

“Explore the Natural Beauty of Toronto”

And further, down the lake, you’ll find another hiking gem in Humber Bay Park East, offering a tranquil view of the waters, perfect for viewing sunsets. Walk down the trail, and you’ll encounter wildlife, picnic opportunities, and even the chance to swim if you’re up for it! Humber Bay Park East is a fantastic trail for families.

Pros:

• An excellent trail for families
• Get a great view of the lakeside sunset
• Ideal for joggers in all seasons

Cons:

• There are a lot of insects during summer
• Parking can be challenging
• Some waterways are not well maintained

Location: 100 Humber Bay Park Road East, Toronto, ON M8V 3X7

Google Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 (2967 reviews)

Humber Bay Park East is another trail popular with those within the Toronto city limits. The hike has nearly 3,000 reviews, awarding a 4.7-star average, praising its idyllic features for families.

Glen Stewart Park

“Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind”

Glen Stewart Park offers another trail that integrates scenic nature within an urban area. Hike through this track, and you’ll find a charming boardwalk that passes through a picturesque gorge and stream, making a nice little escape away from Toronto’s hustle and bustle.

Pros:

• Great for dog walkers
• Secluded from street noise or urban obstacles
• Only a short walk away from bus and subway stations

Cons:

• The trail is a lot shorter than other options
• Boardwalk gets very icy in the winter
• Not worth it if you have to come a long way

Location: 351 Glen Manor Dr, Toronto, ON M4E 2X8

Google Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 (946 reviews)

Glen Stewart Park is the perfect getaway trail if you’re in the neighborhood or live around the area. Locals enjoy the track as a small escape from urban life, with nearly 1,000 reviews giving the hike a 4.6-star average.

Evergreen Brick Works

“See Toronto in a New Light”

There’s always a lot happening at the Evergreen Brick Works complex with its farmer’s market, event hosting, and busy garden center. However, the area has some outstanding nature trails perfect for a casual hike through glowing forestry.

Pros:

• A serene trail despite its urban proximity
• A must-hike path to see the fall colors
• Solo hikers tend to enjoy this trail in particular

Cons:

• Lots of people around regularly
• Trails can get muddy
• Parking is a nuisance.

Location: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8

Google Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (8,088 reviews)

Evergreen Brick Works is a historical area that packs a functioning urban environment into an aesthetically-pleasing nature biome. Plenty of locals retreat to the parklands to enjoy a nice walk through the forest, to be met with a cup of coffee afterward.

That’s awarded Evergreen Brick Works with a 4.6-star average with over 8,000 reviews.

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area

“A Must-Do for Nature Lovers”

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area has hiking trails that take you to some of the most scenic views of parklands in the Greater Toronto Area. The paths are located outside Milton, about 45 minutes away. Still, they can provide a day’s worth of tracks to explore and enjoy.

Pros:

• Trails lead to marvelous lookout points
• Great for hiking enthusiasts with plenty of trails
• Diverse natural landmarks to see

Cons:

• Farther outside of Toronto
• The trails get very dangerous when wet
• More catered to experienced hikers

Location: 7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON L9E 0M9

Google Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 (3,970 reviews)

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area may be more inclined towards an enthusiastic hiker but still sees plenty of positive feedback about the experience. The trails have a 4.7-star average amassing nearly 4,000 reviews.

Mount Nemo Conservation Area

“The perfect trail for a nature escape”

Nearby Rattlesnake Point is another set of mountain trails that will blow your mind in the fall season. The Mount Nemo Conservation Area features slightly more advanced courses but is more peaceful, considering fewer people visit these paths.

Pros:

• Panoramic views of the surrounding area
• A quiet alternative to Rattlesnake Point
• Lots of pleasant wildlife around

Cons:

• The trails are more challenging
• No longer free to enter
• Some routes can be unsafe without proper precautions

Location: 5317 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7P 0A5

Google Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 (1,945 reviews)

Mount Nemo would be the hiking preference for those who prefer a little more intensity to their trails but want to escape the more popular paths for quieter ones. The area has a 4.7-star average review, with nearly 2,000 reviews singing the trail’s praises.

Lower Don Parklands

“The epitome of Canadian flora outside the city”

The Lower Don Parklands are the epitome of Canadian flora outside the city. The hiking trails feature robust clusters of oak and maple trees alongside a calming river, providing visitors an excellent location to soak in nature.

Pros:

• An accessible nature trail nearby the city
• Connects to other green spaces in Toronto
• Some modern flair in the park makes the path unique

Cons:

• Some uphill climbs could be challenging for some
• Cyclists are known to be a nuisance
• No amenities on the trail

Location: 44 Beechwood Dr, Toronto, ON

Google Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 (1,088 reviews)

The Lower Don Parklands isn’t the highest-rated hiking trail in Toronto, but it still gets plenty of praise because of its beauty. The nearly 1,100 reviews have given the courses a 4.6-star average, indicating that the hikes are the best in the morning.

Erindale Park

“Going back to basics while taking in the beautiful scenery”

Erindale Park goes back to basics, offering a flat green space where visitors can hike, bike, and relax. The trails are more designed for casual strolls, but the natural areas make any park walk pleasant.

Pros:

• It’s another excellent hiking trail for families.
• Amenities like food and BBQ areas available for pitstops
• Varied habitats to explore

Cons:

• Limited parking options
• Very crowded in summer and on the weekends
• Populated areas can get messy

Location: 1695 Dundas St W, Mississauga, ON L5C 1E3

Google Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 (4,414 reviews)

There are plenty of activities along the trails in Erindale Park, so families with little children prefer this location for their adventures. The space sees a 4.7-star average, with over 4,400 reviews complementing its hiking paths.

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

“A step into nature’s wonderland”

And don’t forget that if you’re looking for a true nature retreat within reach of Toronto, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park has you covered. The hiking trails will guide you through this ethereal, sprawling forest, rewarding you with breathtaking scenic overlooks.

Pros:

• Hike in an authentic natural sanctuary
• Varied trails for different levels of experience
• Each path has exciting things to see

Cons:

• It’s an hour and a half from the city
• You might need to make a reservation
• Instances of parking hassle

Location: 795086 3rd Line EHS, Shelburne, ON L9W 5Y2

Google Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (3,095 reviews)

According to visitor feedback, the hiking trail diversity and varied biomes of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park certainly are the highlights. That’s the main point of interest within the 3,100 reviews, scoring a 4.5-star average.

Experience the Great Outdoors with the Best Hiking Trails in Toronto

So if you’re ready to experience Canada at its finest, strap on those walking shoes and prepare to see its astounding nature in all its glory! What’s the best part of it all? All these hiking trails are accessible within the city limits of Toronto, meaning you won’t have to go far to get away from the hectic urban life.

We’ll see you on the trail!