Listen, we love the outdoors as much as the next person, but we also love feeling stylish. No matter what the circumstances are. When it comes to exploring in nature, going on an uphill hike, or otherwise being amongst the elements, it’s important to dress the part. Not just for style purposes, but for functionality (and safety), too. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or somewhat of a newbie, with the right essentials, you can strut through any forest with the confidence and style of a pro.
All products featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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Looking for a way to cool off from the summer heat? Without a doubt, hot and sunny days are best spent lounging by the pool and taking a refreshing dip. Luckily, there are a bunch of public pools that you can visit throughout Toronto and the GTA. Grab your friends, a towel, some sunscreen, and enjoy!
Location: 700 Wellington St W, Toronto
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Location: 5 Leaside Park Dr., North York
Phone Number: (416) 396-2846
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Location: 550 Broadview Ave, Toronto
Phone Number: (416) 392-2489
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Location: 1367 St Clair W Ave, Toronto
Phone Number: (416) 392-7762
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Location: 42 Mercury Rd, Etobicoke
Phone Number: (416) 394-8487
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Location: 155 Culford Rd, North York
Phone Number: (416) 395-6683
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Location: 335 Church St, Mississauga
Phone Number: (905) 615-4355
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Location: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3
Phone Number: (416) 392-7807
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Location: 375 Cedarvale Ave, Toronto
Phone Number: (416) 396-2847
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Location: 115 Felstead Ave, Toronto
Phone Number: (416) 392-7831
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Location: 1755 Lakeshore Blvd West, Toronto
Phone Number: (416) 392-7915
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Location: 30 Greenhill Ave, Hamilton
Phone Number: (905) 546-3724
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Are you planning a camping trip for the summer? Heading out on an adventure in nature is a great way to take advantage of the warm weather. However, there is certainly some essential gear that you need for a successful and fun-filled excursion. Lucky you, we’ve rounded up our top picks to make packing a little easier!
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All products featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
When shopping for clothing that suits being active in the great outdoors, performance, functionality, and comfort are a few of the main characteristics that should be considered. Quality outdoor activewear should allow you to move freely, wick off sweat, and protect you from seasonal elements. Which is why we don’t get our activewear from just anywhere. In our opinion, high-quality activewear, suitable for the outdoors, is worth investing in. And there are some key brands we trust to do the job.
Arc’teryx is one of the top-performing Canadian outdoor apparel brands. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, the brand manufactures technical apparel designed for outdoor activity. Durability and performance are its guiding principles, ensuring its gear is made to last and endure extreme conditions. Check out its Gamma Shorts for all your summer activities!
Whether you’re biking to work or going on an all-day outdoor adventure, DUER has you covered. With more of a lifestyle approach to its apparel, it provides clothing made to take you anywhere you need to be on a day-to-day basis. For example, its jeans are made to be flexible enough to do physical activity, but still stylish enough to wear out. Plus, its apparel is made out of 95% plant-based fibres!
Founded by National Geographic Explorer Mikayla Wujec and fashion marketing leader Naomi Blackman, Alder Apparel is a sustainable outdoor apparel brand, created right here in Toronto! The brand offers inclusive sizing, community-informed design, and performance-driven apparel, for women. Its pieces are functional with a playful feel with the use of bright colours and prints.
In New Zealand, over 30 years ago, Kathmandu was born. The wilderness is what inspired the brand’s creation, with the belief that outside is where we live our best lives, and that we should be amongst it. And so its first fleece jacket was made! Since then, the brand has grown and as of 2019, became B-Corp Certified, a movement for a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
Founded in 1998 in Vancouver, it’s no secret that Lululemon is among the top brands when it comes to technical athletic apparel. The brand is known for its apparel catering to yoga, running, and other general active pursuits. Everything Lululemon makes is rooted in science, ensuring its pieces are both high-quality and high-performance. We’re currently obsessed with its Align collection!
If you’re into being active outdoors, you’ve probably shopped from Patagonia before. As it’s been alive and well for over 50 years! Patagonia’s core values are quality, integrity, environmentalism, and justice. The sustainable outdoors brand has donated 1% of sales, equalling over $140 million, towards environmental grounds, and states that, as of now, the earth is its only shareholder.
Tentree is a Canadian Certified B Corporation apparel brand, and all of its products are created with an earth-first approach. They’re made in fair, safe working conditions, and constructed using only sustainably sourced and recycled materials. We love to see it! At Tentree, you can shop anything from cozy sweaters to activewear joggers, and everything in between. For every item purchased, Tentree plants trees, and has planted over 100 million to date!
The North Face is your one-stop-shop for outdoor apparel, footwear, and accessories. The brand was founded in 1966 and remains to be a favourite in the outdoors community. It continues to push the boundaries of innovation, in order to allow you to push the boundaries of exploration. If you love climbing, skiing, snowboarding, running, or basically any other outdoor sports activity, you can’t go wrong shopping from The North Face.
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Looking for your next big, fun adventure? There are some absolutely stunning waterfalls near Toronto that give you the perfect excuse to escape the city.
There are tons of amazing spots in Ontario that are absolutely gorgeous and cheaper than a plane ticket to visit. Make it a fun day trip and pack some snacks, your camera, and some hiking shoes.
Located in Hamilton on the Mountain Brow, this waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. A gorgeous cascade at the bottom is totally picturesque. There are many hiking trails around the area, so you can get all the different angles and views of the falls.
With a quaint little town nearby, Ball’s Falls is a perfect place to escape to. Located in the Niagara region, there are two hiking trails to choose from: the upper or lower levels of the falls. Here you’ll be able to get some great exercise while embracing all that nature has to offer.
Known as a ribbon waterfall, the Chedoke Falls is situated on the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton. The area is also full of activities to enjoy such as hike trails, bike paths, and the Chedoke stairs.
Another ribbon waterfall on the Niagara Escarpment is Devil’s Punch Bowl. As one of Hamilton’s most known sites and one of the most popular waterfalls near Toronto, it should be on your bucket list! At the top of the waterfall, there is a great view of the Stoney Creek and Hamilton harbour. Also enjoy a yummy market down the road with freshly baked pies, pastries, and so many more goodies.
One of the most popular tourist areas, the Elora Gorge Falls is located in Elora which is about 30 minutes away from Guelph. Classified as a complex cascade fall, it makes for super cool water flow down the rock shelves.
Situated in Waterdown, Ontario, the Great Falls is also known as Smokey Hollow, Grindstone, or Waterdown Falls. Check out the lower level of the water flow and take in the beautiful view.
Take a lovely stroll around Beamer Falls, which is located in Grimsby, Ontario. If you’re a fan of birds, you’ll be excited to hear that people have been able to spot bald eagles, turkeys, and other gorgeous winged animals in the area. Check out these falls and maybe you’ll get lucky spotting a cool bird, too!
Of course, our list of waterfalls near Toronto wouldn’t be complete without the famously known Niagara Falls. Take an up-close and personal look at the falls on the Maid of the Mist or even take a walk behind the falls. If there is one waterfall that you must cross off your list, this is it.
A small but beautiful cascade, water seamlessly flows off rock shelves making for a great photo background. Located in Hamilton on Rymal Road, it’s the perfect place for some peace and relaxation.
The high ribbon waterfall in Dundas, Ontario has a large area on the lower level of the waterfall to hang out and enjoy. You can also access Borer’s Falls from the well-known Bruce Trail. Pack a picnic and make a full day of it — you won’t regret it!
Located in Dundas, Ontario, this beautiful waterfall is the largest in the entire region. Not only can you enjoy the view, but it’s also very close to hiking trails, green spaces, amenities, and restaurants in the town.
Louth Falls can be found near Lincoln, Ontario, and features a 1.8km trail where you can take in the scenery. You can even bring your pup there too as long as they’re on a leash!
Head on out to the Bruce Trail in Ancaster, and follow it to the Canterbury Falls side. Here you’ll see the two-stage, ribbon cascade waterfall situated on Canterbury Creek.
This lovely site is in Stoney Creek in the Felker’s Falls Conservation Area. The falls flow over the Niagara Escarpment and have a unique rock formation at the bottom that’s definitely worth checking out. It’s near other waterfalls as well, so you can make an awesome day trip out of it!
The conservation area actually features two waterfalls within it which include Tiffany Falls and Washboard Falls, that’s formed by Tiffany Creek. So, you get the sight of two waterfalls at this spot—two is always better than one!
Darnley Cascade is located at Crooks Hollow Conservation Area in Greensville and is a cascade waterfall measuring around 4 meters high. At 225 meters above sea level, it’s actually the highest elevation of any Hamilton area waterfall!
Belfountain Falls is located on the Niagara Escarpment in the West Credit River Valley. It’s a man-made waterfall with a suspension bridge across the river gorge, providing the perfect view.
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There are so many options when it comes to shopping for outdoor furniture and accessories to give your backyard a stunning upgrade. Whether you’re looking for more seating, a new BBQ, or a game-changing fire pit, there are some awesome pieces on the market that will ensure you’re making the most of your outdoor space.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Our days of summer weather are numbered. If you haven’t yet celebrated the season with a picnic, the time is now to schedule in a trip to one of Toronto’s many picnic-ready parks for an alfresco meal. The key to a memorable (in a good way) picnic? Delicious, easy-to-eat fare. Don’t leave your provisions to the last minute. Plan ahead. Here’s where to go to stock your basket for an idyllic late-summer picnic in the city.
Since 2008, Mabel’s Bakery has been known and loved for its homespun baked goods. With a variety of seasonal artisan breads, cookies, bars, and prepared food options, this bakery and takeout counter was built for picnics. Head to one of their four locations across the city to stock up before you hit the park.
Browsing the offerings at Eataly is an event in itself. Work up an appetite as you peruse the many market vendors and assemble your own antipasti of meats, cheeses, olives, bread and olive oils, and dolci. Or, grab take-out from one of the authentic Italian restaurants here and expedite the process.
Get a taste of Paris with Daniel Et Daniel’s prepared foods, including quiches, salads, paninis, and soups, prepared daily and on-site. Pair your picnic with some authentic French pastries and desserts, like pain au chocolat, macarons, or an award-winning cake slice.
This gourmet cheese boutique in east Chinatown offers much more than just cheese. They’re well-prepared for picnic-goers, with grocery items including tinned meats, fresh cheeses (including plant-based options), artisanal crackers and preserves, chocolates, and craft seltzers. Put together your own picnic basket, or order a ready-made charcuterie board. Orders made before 10 a.m. can be picked up that day.
One of Toronto’s favourite (and longest standing) bakeries, Harbord Bakery is best known for its challah bread, but there’s much more to love, here. Their selection of savoury take-out options, including sandwiches, Mediterranean entrees, vegetarian and meat empanadas, and of course, sweets like tarts and cupcakes, make Harbord Bakery a one-stop shop for a picnic
This culinary destination in Little Italy offers patrons the opportunity to cook, eat and shop under one roof. Pencil in a cooking class, or just stock up for your picnic with this selection of lovingly prepared meals, baked goods, and a curated collection of hand-picked pantry items for snacking.
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Meditation is one of the best ways to improve our overall health. Even just a few minutes a day can help us reclaim our thoughts, which, over time, can lead to less stress and more focus. Combine fresh air and outdoor time on top of that and you have a practice that’s beneficial for the mind and spirit. Toronto’s handful of public parks, gardens, and trails may be few, but what the city lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. Get in a mindful moment at one of these picturesque green spaces in the city and reset your whole outlook.
This former estate garden right next to the Toronto Botanical Garden offers a vast expanse of manicured gardens and lawns and so much beauty. Come for a mindful walk on one of the walking trails or perch on the banks of Wilket Creek and let the sights and sounds of nature restore your calm. The gardens are free, and open year-round, from dawn until dusk, making it a perfect outdoor spot to meditate at.
Location: 755 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto
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If you’re looking to feel one with nature, Tommy Thompson Park is where to come. Located on a peninsula that extends 5 km into Lake Ontario, the park is one of the top destinations in the city for wildlife watching. Here you’ll get picturesque views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario that you won’t get anywhere else.
Location: 1 Leslie St, Toronto
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You can feel tapped into a sense of history at Grange Park. The 1.8-hectare space in the centre of the OCADU campus is home to the Grange historic house (the first home of the Art Museum of Toronto, today, part of the AGO), a large Henry Moore sculpture, and the Weston family fountain. While a splash pad and a dog’s off-leash area mean this park is not exactly sequestered, it’s an inspiring outdoor place to meditate to unwind and take in the sights and sounds.
Location: Beverly St and McCaul St, Toronto
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This park and botanical garden in the heart of downtown is home to six greenhouses filled with international flower and plant species. Take a mindful walk around and be surrounded by plant life ranging from cacti to jasmine to hibiscus and tap into some pure life force.
Location: 160 Gerrard St E, Toronto
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Corktown Common was originally built as an athletes’ village for the Pan Am games back in 2015. Now, the 18-acre park at the foot of lower River Street and Bayview Ave is a unique and well-loved respite from the downtown core. Come for the stunning views of the city skyline, athletic field, bike paths, and boardwalk, and stay for the absolute tranquillity in this waterfront oasis.
Location: 155 Bayview Ave, Toronto
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There’s a reason High Park is one of the city’s favourite parks. You truly can get a sense of being out of the city, right in the heart of the west end. The city’s largest public park boasts 400 acres of forest, gardens and trails, and also the largest pond in Toronto, Grenadier Pond. In any season, this park will make you feel right at home. If you’re wanting some peace and quiet, however, avoid the crowds that come with cherry blossom season!
Location: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto
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Rollerblading has become all the rage during these summer days. It’s such a fun activity to enjoy the nice weather and also stay active—solo or with friends. Though downtown streets and sidewalks may be a tad difficult to take on, the city and the GTA are full of paved recreational paths to spend some hours rollerblading around.
Highlight: A trail that spans 22 km from east to west along Toronto’s waterfront, and is part of the Waterfront Trail System.
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Highlight: Toronto Islands Trail is an 8.7 mile out and back trail located near Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Highlight: Enjoy the beautiful 4.3 kilometres paved Hamilton Beach Trail, which runs another 4.2 km west to the Burlington ship canal.
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Highlight: The Palace Pier Park is located at the gateway from Etobicoke into downtown Toronto, which includes the infamous Humber Arch Bridge.
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Highlight: The Lower Don Recreation Trail is a 12.9-kilometre trail located near Toronto, that features a river and is good for all skill levels.
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Highlight: Located under the bridge south of King St. E., with access off St. Lawrence St., this skatepark is perfect to finetune your tricks or to blade around.
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Highlight: Check out the 3.5 km trail that is located in East York. Vehicles can enter Taylor Creek Park at Don Mills Road to begin your rollerblading journey in Toronto.
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