You don't have to drive far from Toronto to find excellent hiking. From urban ravines to the Niagara Escarpment, here are the best trails within day-trip distance of the city.
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Within Toronto
- Don Valley Trail System - 80km of trails through ravines. Access from multiple points including Evergreen Brick Works.
- High Park - Multiple trails through forest and around Grenadier Pond. 4km loop available.
- Rouge National Urban Park - Canada's only urban national park with 12+ trails through forest and marsh.
- Scarborough Bluffs - Dramatic 15km of cliffs along Lake Ontario with beach access.
Within 1 Hour
- Bruce Trail at Rattlesnake Point (Milton) - Dramatic escarpment views, 45 min drive
- Dundas Peak (Hamilton) - Webster Falls and Tew Falls loop, stunning views
- Crawford Lake Conservation Area (Milton) - Boardwalk around meromictic lake
- Hilton Falls (Milton) - Waterfall hike with reservoir loop
Worth the Drive (1-2 Hours)
- Elora Gorge - Dramatic limestone gorge with river views
- Forks of the Credit - Cataract Falls and escarpment trails
- Algonquin Provincial Park - Multiple day hikes, about 3 hours north
- Niagara Glen - Challenging trails through Niagara Gorge with river views
Best for Each Season
- Spring: Dundas Peak (waterfalls at full flow)
- Summer: Rouge Park (shade and beach access)
- Fall: Bruce Trail anywhere (escarpment colours)
- Winter: Don Valley (groomed for snowshoeing)
Getting There Without a Car
- Don Valley and High Park accessible by TTC
- Rouge Park reachable via TTC (Line 1 to Finch + bus)
- GO Transit runs to Hamilton for waterfall hikes
- Car shares (Communauto) available for day trips
