The best hiking in Ontario

From hiking to the southernmost point of Canada and discovering the Anishinaabe legend of Miinkekwe and Migcheshibzhii, to an all-day adventure over Chigamiwinigum Falls; there’s a hike for everyone in Ontario.

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White River Suspension Bridge Trail

Pukaskwa National Park
Length: 18km (return)
Time: 8 - 9 hours
Level of difficulty: Difficult. Best for experienced hikers who can tackle obstacles such as loose rocks, tree roots and uneven surfaces. Check in with Parks Canada staff before you set off.

Are you ready for adventure? The White River Suspension Bridge Trail is a full day hike which rises 15m over 18km, leaving from the Visitor Centre. Part of Pukaskwa’s 60km Coastal Hiking Trail, this section takes you 23m above the roaring Chigamiwinigum Falls on the suspension bridge by way of boreal forest and past secluded beaches.

Tip Trail

Point Pelee National Park
Length: 1 km
Time: 20 - 40 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy. The wheelchair and stroller-accessible free shuttle to the Tip runs between April and October with private vehicles allowed between November and March only.

The Tip Trail is a short loop which takes you to the southernmost point of mainland Canada. Visit the Tip’s outdoor exhibition which explains the spring and fall migrations for which the park is famous. From springtime song birds to fluttering Monarch butterflies in fall, this is a hike into the magic of nature.

Explore using Google Street View

Explore using Google Street View

Tip Trail

Point Pelee National Park
Length: 1 km
Time: 20 - 40 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy. The wheelchair and stroller-accessible free shuttle to the Tip runs between April and October with private vehicles allowed between November and March only.

The Tip Trail is a short loop which takes you to the southernmost point of mainland Canada. Visit the Tip’s outdoor exhibition which explains the spring and fall migrations for which the park is famous. From springtime song birds to fluttering Monarch butterflies in fall, this is a hike into the magic of nature.

Explore using Google Street View

Fairy Trail

Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Length: 2.5km
Time: 1.5 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate

Take the DayTripper shuttle boat to Beausoleil Island to tackle the beautiful Fairy Trail, a short loop which takes you through classic Canadian Shield landscape of white pines, hardwood ravines and shining smooth rocks. Discover the Anishinaabe legend of Miinkekwe and her encounter with the dreadful Migcheshibzhii; see the rugged countryside which inspired the Group of Seven to capture its beauty on canvas; listen out for the family of loons who live on the lake.

Lookout Trail

Thousand Islands National Park
Length: 0.5km
Time: 30 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy

Enjoy gorgeous panoramic views over Landon Bay and the St Lawrence River from the top of the Lookout Trail. Head out from the Landon Bay Centre on a clear day to see out to the steep hills of the Adirondack Mountains and miles out across the River. Hear loons calling and see if you can spot fish splashing in the bay below!

Lookout Trail

Thousand Islands National Park
Length: 0.5km
Time: 30 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy

Enjoy gorgeous panoramic views over Landon Bay and the St Lawrence River from the top of the Lookout Trail. Head out from the Landon Bay Centre on a clear day to see out to the steep hills of the Adirondack Mountains and miles out across the River. Hear loons calling and see if you can spot fish splashing in the bay below!

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Attikamek Trail

Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
Length: 2.2km
Time: 1.5 hour
Level of difficulty: Easy. Check in with Parks Canada staff as upgrades are being made to make the trail all-access with gravel paths.

See the interplay between nature and engineering technology on the Attikamek Trail along the lock gates, through the quiet woods and under the International Bridge around St. Marys Island. Look out for ducks, herons, frogs, squirrels, raccoons and other critters along the way.

Rains Point Trail

Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site
Length: 0.5km
Time: 20 - 45 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy. Perfect for visitors with strollers or in wheelchairs.

Soak up the serenity on the Rains Point Trail at historic Fort St. Joseph. Follow the even, flat trail out to the forest and connect to a pathway to what was once a settlement founded in 1837 by Major Rains. The buildings may have gone, but the sweet-smelling lilac and rose bushes are still there, close to a limestone beach on the shores of Lake Huron.

Explore using Google Street View

Explore using Google Street View

Rains Point Trail

Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site
Length: 0.5km
Time: 20 - 45 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy. Perfect for visitors with strollers or in wheelchairs.

Soak up the serenity on the Rains Point Trail at historic Fort St. Joseph. Follow the even, flat trail out to the forest and connect to a pathway to what was once a settlement founded in 1837 by Major Rains. The buildings may have gone, but the sweet-smelling lilac and rose bushes are still there, close to a limestone beach on the shores of Lake Huron.

Explore using Google Street View

Georgian Bay Trail

Bruce Peninsula National Park
Length: 3km
Time: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Best tackled by active adults and older children.

One of the jewels in Canada, the ever-popular Grotto never fails to dazzle with its intricate caves and mesmerizing turquoise waters. Make like the locals and visit during spring or fall to avoid the queues at the parking lot to get the most from this natural wonder. The Georgian Bay Trail hike takes you through wetlands and ancient cedar forests, before delivering breathtaking views over Fathom Five National Marine Park and down to the Grotto.

Queenston Heights Walking Trail

Queenston Heights National Historic Site
Length: 1.3km
Time: 30 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate. The trail rises approximately 30m in elevation and there are several sets of stairs.

Once site of one of the first major battles in the war of 1812, now a lush green park that overlooks the Niagara gorge and the fast-flowing Niagara River, take a hike into history along the Queenston Heights Walking Trail. High above the Niagara Escarpment, hike through the peaceful forest which marks a beginning/end point to the 986km Bruce trail to Tobermory. Part of the hike takes place on a territory managed by the Niagara Parks Commission.

Explore using Google Street View

Explore using Google Street View

Queenston Heights Walking Trail

Queenston Heights National Historic Site
Length: 1.3km
Time: 30 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate. The trail rises approximately 30m in elevation and there are several sets of stairs.

Once site of one of the first major battles in the war of 1812, now a lush green park that overlooks the Niagara gorge and the fast-flowing Niagara River, take a hike into history along the Queenston Heights Walking Trail. High above the Niagara Escarpment, hike through the peaceful forest which marks a beginning/end point to the 986km Bruce trail to Tobermory. Part of the hike takes place on a territory managed by the Niagara Parks Commission.

Nipigon River Recreation Trail

Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area
Length: 10.1km one-way
Time: 3 - 5 hours
Level of difficulty: Difficult. Best for experienced day hikers only. Don’t forget to check in and let people know your plans.

Challenge yourself to one of the toughest hikes in the area, the Nipigon River Recreation Trail, a full day’s adventure. This trail takes you along Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline with plenty of viewing platforms along the way. Look out for bald eagles soaring above, blue herons and white pelicans delicately perched on the water’s edge.

Mast Trail

Rouge National Urban Park
Length: 5km (return)
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Best for older children and active adults who can tackle steep hills.

Take 1-2 hours to follow the path of a 200-year-old former logging route on the Mast Trail. Back in the 1800s European settlers logged the white pines in the area as lumber for ship’s masts. Nowadays the forest is protected land; set off from the Glen Rouge Campground over the “hog’s back”, or ridge, through the rare Carolinian forest and enjoy spotting wildflowers and wildlife along the way.

Explore using Google Street View

Explore using Google Street View

Mast Trail

Rouge National Urban Park
Length: 5km (return)
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Best for older children and active adults who can tackle steep hills.

Take 1-2 hours to follow the path of a 200-year-old former logging route on the Mast Trail. Back in the 1800s European settlers logged the white pines in the area as lumber for ship’s masts. Nowadays the forest is protected land; set off from the Glen Rouge Campground over the “hog’s back”, or ridge, through the rare Carolinian forest and enjoy spotting wildflowers and wildlife along the way.