Ever wanted to visit an Ontario provincial park but didn’t want to pay the fees? For one day only this summer, you can visit any Ontario provincial park completely free for its Healthy Parks Healthy People celebration! Curiosity reports.
Mark your calendars for July 21, 2023, to explore your favourite park (or discover a new one), and sample its facilities and services until 10 PM, with a complimentary pass that you’ll be given once you arrive.
The pass will allow you access to access to the amenities that each respective park has to offer. Hiking trails, beaches, waterfalls, and more!
Keep in mind, any additional facilities not included in a normal day-pass visit at these provincial parks, like camping and rentals, will still cost extra. As well as additional charges at the swimming pools in Bronte Creek and Earl Rowe provincial parks.
Visit a park in the area or take a road trip and take advantage of this one-day-only event!
Can’t decide where to go? Click here to view our round-up of Ontario Provincial Parks, all within 4 hours of Toronto!
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We love our city for many reasons: the diverse food scene, The Blue Jays, the eccentric nightlife, Drake, and so on. But sometimes, it’s necessary to take a break and escape the bustle for a while. You don’t have to drive very far to find yourself completely surrounded by nature. If you’re looking to exercise, take photos, or walk your dog, these are all great options for a hike right outside the city.
Here are hiking trails in the GTA you have to check out this spring.
Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Location: Milton, Ontario
This unique park is surrounded by an elevated boardwalk trail that circles the entire lake! Take a stroll through 18km of beautiful hiking trails, featuring lush forests atop the Niagara Escarpment. Make sure to check out the 15th-century reconstructed Iroquoian Village and heritage site.
Mount Nemo Conservation Area
Location: Burlington, Ontario
Mount Nemo is a small park but always worth the hike – it’s dog-friendly too! Get away from the crowds at Kelso Conservation Area and check out this equally beautiful park. There are five kilometers of trails to explore, which are for all levels of fitness. The reward is the view over the escarpment once you reach the top.
Edward Gardens
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Edwards Garden is a tropical oasis in the middle of the city. There are different areas of this park to picnic, fly a kite, or bask in the sunshine. Make sure to head over to the Toronto Botanical Gardens, which features a stunning collection of themed gardens, a greenhouse, sculptures, and a variety of fountains.
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Known as one of the largest waterfront parks in Toronto, this park is located along a stretch of wooded shoreline in the Kipling and Lakeshore area. It is home to a variety of plants, trees, birds, and other wildlife, as well as a network of paths and the city’s first ice skating trail (in a figure-eight shape). The park also features a dog off-leash area.
Heart Lake Conservation Area
Location: Brampton, Ontario
Take a perfect walk, past the small natural kettle lake and into the forest. Enjoy fishing, boating, bird watching, or have a good old-fashioned picnic by the water.
Evergreen Brickworks
Location: Toronto, Ontario
The Don Valley Brick Works is a former quarry and industrial site located in the Don River valley. It’s an environmentally-focused community and has a cultural center that has events. Behind it is a magical forest with lots of walking trails.
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
Location: Caledon, Ontario
The forest is so beautiful that this spot is also a popular location for weddings! Go to the Forks of the Credit for its hiking, fishing, sightseeing, and more.
Rouge Park
Location: Toronto, Ontario
The marshes at Rouge Beach are the biggest and best in Toronto. Follow the Cedar Trail and you will pass through meadows, wetlands, streams, and more.
High Park
Location: Toronto, Ontario
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This 161-hectare park features lots of activities such as sporting facilities, cultural facilities, educational facilities, gardens, playgrounds, and a zoo. It is also known as THE SPOT to watch the cherry blossoms bloom in April.
Joker’s Hill Trail (99 Steps)
Location: Newmarket, Ontario
There are 3 different trail loops you can choose on this hike ranging in length. Nicknamed “The 99 Steps,” this conservation area is best suited for people who are seeking a challenge. The infamous Joker’s Hill trail consists of 99 natural log steps along a steep hill that offer quite the intense workout.
Orchard Trail
Location: Toronto, Ontario
A classic Rouge Valley hike, the Orchard Trail features young forests mixed with wetlands and traces of early European settlement, including remnant orchards, residences, and an old mill. The trail can be accessed at two places: the north trailhead is located at the bottom of Zoo Road on the south side of the road (next to a portable washroom), a short 5-minute walk from Parks Canada’s Welcome Area at the top of Zoo Road; and the south trailhead is accessed via Twyn Rivers Drive.
Scarborough Bluffs Trail
Location: Scarborough, Ontario
Scarborough Bluffs Trail is a 6.8-kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Toronto, Ontario, Canada that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.
Dundas Peak
Location: Dundas, Ontario
Dundas Peak, a part of the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, is a hike of nature trails that leads to a beautiful scenic lookout. This trail is a little over an hour away from Toronto and takes about 45 minutes to complete. You can bring your dog along as long as it’s kept on a leash, and if you’re planning to head over a long weekend, reserve your spot here.
Tiffany Falls
Location: Ancaster, Ontario
If you’re looking for an easy and short hike that leads to a great waterfall, Tiffany Falls in Ancaster, Ontario is the spot to go to. It gets pretty busy on weekends with nice weather and parking is limited, so maybe head over on a weekday if you want to avoid wait times.
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Torontonians love their city for many reasons: the diverse food scene, the towering, luxurious skyscrapers, the eccentric nightlife and so on. But sometimes, it’s good to take a break and escape the bustle for a while. Going on a hike can serve as that perfect pause from a busy work week, yet finding a lush green forest amidst Toronto’s concrete jungle may seem better said than done.
Whether you are going hiking for exercise, to simply enjoy the outdoors or just to walk your dog, there are great trails hidden right outside Toronto’s city limits. Here are 10 incredible hiking trails in the Greater Toronto Area you have to check out this summer.
Scarborough Bluffs
Greater Toronto Area, ON
Not only do the Scarborough Bluffs offer spectacular views of Lake Ontario and the rigid escarpment, but the trails offer a great opportunity to explore the nature hidden within Toronto. Ending your hike on the pristine, sandy beaches located at the bottom of the Bluffs is an added bonus.
High Park
Toronto, ON
High Park is Toronto’s largest and most popular public park and is a one-stop shop for nature lovers who don’t want to leave the city. Nestled in Toronto’s west end, High Park has a diverse range of hiking trails, dog parks, a beautiful waterfront, manicured gardens and even a zoo.
High Park (Image: Instagram/@jessicamaral)
Dundas Peak
Hamilton, ON
For some it may be a bit of a trek to Hamilton, but these hiking views are worth it. The trails around Dundas Peak open through the dense forest to some of Hamilton’s most stunning waterfalls. In addition to the waterfalls, there are also breathtaking views of the gorge below.
Elora Gorge
Elora, ON
Deemed one of the most spectacular views in Ontario, the Elora Gorge is a natural, hidden beauty tucked away in the historical town of Elora. The gorge presents hikers with awe-inspiring views of the Grand River waters and the trails are moderately easy so everyone of any age or experience level can enjoy it. And if you want to plan a day trip to the beach, make sure to Elora Quarry, too!
Rouge National Urban Park
Greater Toronto Area, ON
Rouge National Urban Park is a rich assembly of natural, cultural and agricultural landscapes. Once fully established, Rouge National Urban Park will be one of the largest and best protected urban parks of its kind in the world, spanning approximately 80 square kilometres. Right now, it currently features lots of short trails through an area that stretches from Lake Ontario all the way into Markham.
Rouge National Urban Park (Image: Instagram/@leibaut)
Humber Arboretum and West Humber River Valley
Toronto, ON
The Humber Arboretum is a little gem hidden right behind Humber College’s north campus. The green space features six kilometres of trails that wind around the Humber River. The space also has an abundance of flora and fauna and is free to enter.
East Don Parkland
Greater Toronto Area, ON
The East Don Parkland is part of a long chain of parks and hiking trails that follow the East Don River. The trails snake through the ravines and green spaces and serve as a beautiful opportunity for hiking or biking.
Rattlesnake Point
Milton, ON
If you’re one for adventure, look no further than Rattlesnake Point. Located just outside of Toronto in Milton, this forest boats hikes along the cliff line and the exploration of many of its caves. Rock climbing is also permitted in designated areas.
Rattlesnake Point (Image: Instagram/@taylorjonker)
Joker’s Hill and Thornton Bales Conservation Area
Newmarket, ON
Nicknamed “The 99 Steps,” this conservation area is best suited for people who are up for a challenge. The infamous Joker’s Hill trail consists of 99 natural log steps along a steep hill that offer an intense workout.
Crothers Woods
Toronto, ON
Crothers Woods is a 52-hectare woodland located in the Don River valley. Many trees in Crothers Woods are more than a century old, with parts of the forest remaining in much of the same condition prior to European settlement. Crothers Woods is most popular with nature enthusiasts, featuring approximately 10 kilometres of trails.
Featured Image: Scarborough Bluffs via Instagram/@sakithranaweera
Did we miss any of the best hiking trails near Toronto? Share them in the comment section.
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