If you are seeking the best hikes near Toronto, then look no further! Today, we will discuss the best hiking places near Toronto. Interestingly, all of these hikes are within an hour’s drive of the city. So, now you don’t have to travel far to be in the middle of nature. These hikes mentioned below feature something exceptional, be it a waterfall, a scenic point, or something else! 

Thus, without digressing much, let us begin discussing the best hikes near Toronto that you must visit this year. Use this guide if you are new to hiking & wish to explore trails!  

Best Hikes Near Toronto 

Below is the list of the best hiking places that you shouldn’t miss if you love being in nature. 

  • Rouge National Urban Park 

Rouge National Park is one of the top hikes near Toronto. The place is within the city & is accessible via the TTC. 

Well, Rouge National Park is unique because it is the first urban national park in Canada. It is a wilderness slowly setting inside Canada’s largest city. 

Rouge National Park combines incredible biodiversity & nature with the culture & history of the area. You will be spoiled for choice regarding hiking trails, as there are numerous places to explore.   

Thus, if it’s your first time visiting this place, try walking the Orchard Trail, Vista Trail, & Mast Trail.     

Other unique characteristics of Rouge National Park include Toronto’s only campground, numerous landscapes, a beach on Lake Ontario, & some oldest indigenous sites. 

In addition, there isn’t any fee to visit this urban national park. Thus, if you are new to hiking, you can begin with this place.  

  • Hilton Falls Conservation Area 

Hilton Falls Conservation Area is an excellent place to go hiking near Toronto. The place isn’t located far from Milton, Ontario. The place’s significant feature is the falls, which look stunning during spring. 

In addition, you can visit this waterfall in winter or after the monsoon. Well, you must note that the waterfall can dry up in the summer, thus making spring the best time to visit this place. Moreover, there are a few hiking trails at Hilton Falls Conservation Area. The trail leading to Hilton Falls is the busiest, but the others are less traveled.

Also, do not miss hiking around the Hilton Falls Reservoir; it is often overlooked, but it’s really beautiful!

There is also mountain biking for people seeking a different kind of adventure. 

  • Limehouse Conservation Area

Another of the best hikes near Toronto is the Limehouse Conservation Area, which is nestled between Georgetown & Halton Hills, Ontario. 

The Bruce Trail is one of the main trails, along with some other paths forming a loop. In addition, there are numerous amazing features in this conservation area that you won’t find anywhere else. 

You will quickly discover rock formations & karst when you go hiking here. The Hole in the Wall is a karst’s section which you will be able to climb down into this escarpment landscape. 

Moreover, there’s also a beautiful arch across the river, wherein you can witness old lime kilns, old powder houses, mill ruins, etc. Also, there is limited parking at this place as the area fills during the weekends, but the visit is free of cost. 

  • Mono Cliffs Provincial Park 

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is a famous place primarily because it isn’t far from Toronto, Brampton, & Mississauga. There are so many beautiful natural trails & landscapes, thus making it one of the best hikes near Toronto. 

Some of the best hiking trails at this place include the Lookout Trail, Cliff-Top Side Trail, South Outlier Trail, Walter Tovell Trail, etc. 

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is popular for its lookout points which look stunning in almost every season. In addition, there are also rock formations & cliffs, which can prove to be a short section of trail but quite beautiful & mesmerizing. 

So, give yourself a few hours to explore all the trails or visit them multiple times to have new adventures & experiences. 

As this place is quite busy, it is best to reserve your place in advance. 

  • Split Rock Narrows Nature Reserve

Split Rock Narrows Nature Reserve has memorable hiking trails. All these trails are a part of Bruce Trail, a long-distance hiking trail from Niagara to Tobermory in Southern Ontario. 

Situated near Mono & Shelburne, the place is near the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. The hiking experience at Split Rock Narrows Nature Reserve is much quieter as compared to Mono Cliffs, despite it being a couple of kilometers down the road. 

Moreover, there’s separate parking for this nature reserve & it’s free! Also, you can hike to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park if you want to extend your hike. Thus, if you are looking to get into nature for an hour or so, Split Rock Narrows Nature Reserve has a lot to offer. 

  • Sixteen Mile Creek Trail

Sixteen Mile Creek Trail is in the middle of Oakville. We bet you don’t even know this place exists! Right? 

Well, the place is tucked away from residential areas. This creek trail is pretty magical & makes you feel like you are far from the city. 

The primary loop trail is a little over 6 km & the path crosses both sides of the creek. 

In addition, it is a paved path, making it easier for you to hike. Moreover, some sections travel up & down large hills, but there’s nothing that’s unmanageable. 

This Oakville trail has it all, i.e., it’s quite easy to reach from Toronto & the surrounding areas, the roads are relatively quiet, the trek is easy, & paths are even. Furthermore, there are numerous lookout points & in some places, you might even spot some wildlife! 

Conclusion 

Toronto has a surprising amount of hiking trails & preserved natural places. You just need to decide – where to begin from! We have discussed some of the best hikes near Toronto from where you can begin your adventure. 

However, as you hike, do not forget to carry a pair of hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, bug spray, etc. So, tell us, where would you begin your journey from? Well, if you are already a trekker, tell us which places you have visited from above!