Toronto is well-known for its dynamic city life. It’s a world-class urban centre with some of the finest amenities including excellent shopping, Michelin-star dining, and entertainment.
But did you know that Toronto is also home to incredible hiking trails? It’s true, nestled in the rolling hills of the GTA, you’ll find beautiful natural vistas, waterfalls, verdant forests, and more.
With so much green space all around, you’ll never run out of places to explore. More than that, our diverse climate also means these trails offer a different experience depending on the time of year that you go.
Keep reading to learn more about the best hiking trails in Toronto and the West GTA.
Do you want to know more about the dynamic communities that make up the West GTA? You can review all of our community guides right here.
The Burlington Waterfront Trail
This beautiful 14km trail connects Burlington and Hamilton, however, you can walk as much or as little as you please if you feel like doing an out-and-back trip. Traversing the waterfront, the trail is partially paved, making it stroller and wheelchair accessible. Passing through beaches, piers, forests, and bridges, the terrain is mostly flat but the views are spectacular.
Mount Nemo Conservation Area in Burlington
This much-beloved nature preserve is a popular hike for those looking for a unique experience. The “escarpment-edge” offers breathtaking views and interesting terrain including cliffs, crags, and caves. With several hiking trails in the park perfect for a variety of skill and fitness levels, Mount Nemo is popular with everyone from the most adventurous outdoor enthusiasts to beginner hikers.
Should you consider making Burlington your next home? The posts below can help you weigh your options:
- Our Top Burlington Neighbourhoods For Families
- Why Burlington Is A Great Place To Raise A Family
- 5 Burlington Schools Parents Should Know
Smokey Hollow Waterfall Trail in Waterdown
Spoiler alert: this is not going to be the last waterfall we see on this list! This beautiful trail snakes through a forested ravine, following Grindstone Creek. The falls also have an interesting history. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the falls were used to power a sawmill and improve the local ecosystem, which at that time was filled with smoke from industrial steam-operated machines, hence the name Smokey Hollow! This is a trail that can be thoroughly enjoyed any time of the year, but during the winter months, it’s beautiful to see the falls shrouded in snow and ice.
Ian Redi Side Trail in Kerncliff Park in Burlington
Kerncliffe Park, formerly the site of the Old Nelson Quarry, is known as a lovely spot to go for a walk. The gravel paths and boardwalks make it an accessible and easy place to enjoy the outdoors. The Ian Redi Side Trail is just off the main trail. The path traverses wooded areas with small creeks and boardwalks that pass rehabilitated wetlands. At just over 1km long, it’s the perfect length for a family stroll and in the winter the trail is open for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing!
Sixteen Mile Creek Trail in Lions Valley Park in Oakville
Mere moments away from the hustle and bustle of Oakville, you’ll find this beautiful natural retreat. The Sixteen Mile Creek Loop is a 6km trail that is great for beginners and experienced hikers alike. With a few trailheads and areas to park along the way, you can customize your route depending on how busy it is. The trails feature minimal elevation and guide hikers through rocky terrain, diverse vegetation, bridges, and more. This trail is particularly popular in the fall when the colours begin to change!
Taplow Creek Trail in Oakville
Close by in Oakville, you’ll find the Taplow Creek Trail. At about 5km with relatively little elevation, this trail is lovely for a nice stroll. Many people can be found using this trail as part of their regular jogging routes or dog walking. Taplow Creek Trail is also open to mountain biking. Its proximity to urban Oakville makes this a popular spot with a little bit more traffic than you may see on some of the more rural trails. That said, this is a great summer and fall trail if you’re looking for something fun to do outdoors.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park Loop in Oakville
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, the Bronte Creek Provincial Park Loop might be just what you need. This 5km trail is considered “moderately challenging” but it’s still a pleasant route to bring your family. Dogs are also welcome, as long as they are on a leash, and we definitely recommend bringing a sunhat or SPF. Much of the trail is out in the open, so on a sunny day, it can get bright and hot!
Oakville has a lot to love no matter what your age or background! Learn more in the posts below:
- The Joy Of Oakville Living for Families
- The Top 6 Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods In Oakville
- A Guide to Oakville’s Highly-Ranked Schools
Rattray Marsh Conservation Area Loop in Mississauga
Starting in Meadow Wood Park in Mississauga, the Rattray Marsh Conservation Area Loop is another popular trail for hikers, runners, and dog walks (there are even a few off-leash dog areas here.) Traversing through boardwalks and dirt paths, this trail is known for its wildlife. Birds, frogs, and even deer can be spotted on quiet days! This 5km loop can often be completed in less than 2 hours and makes for a wonderful afternoon excursion.
Riverwood Trails in Mississauga
This relatively easy trail traverses about 3km of diverse terrain. From meadows and wetlands to shaded forest trails and lovely views of the Credit River, this is an all-season trail that is very popular with locals. You’ll likely see adorable birds on your walk here. The trail has bird feeders stocked by volunteers. Open for hiking, mountain biking, and running, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Although the trail is considered “easy” there are a few spots with tricky roots to navigate.
Dreaming of living in Toronto but without the crowds? Mississauga might be your perfect choice. Learn more in the posts below:
- The Best Parks In Mississauga
- 5 Family-Friendly Mississauga Neighbourhoods to Call Home
- 5 Top-Notch Schools In Mississauga
Rattlesnake Point and Nassagaweya Canyon in Milton
This next entry is a two-for-one! Rattlesnake Point and Nassagaweya Canyon trails are located in Milton. Together, the trails are about 10km in length and could take over 2 hours to complete. Open year-round, you need to reserve in advance and pay a reservation fee to hike this trail due to its popularity. Once you’re there, you’ll understand why. The lookouts over the Escarpment are unbelievable.
Imagine the vistas you’ll see standing on top of a 400-foot tall cliff. It’s truly breathtaking! During the summer you’ll find people hiking and rock climbing, and in the winter it’s a popular trail for snowshoeing. This route links Crawford Lake Conservation Area with Rattlesnake Point and offers numerous lookouts and vistas along the way.
Tiffany Falls Conservation Area in Ancaster
We promised waterfalls, and it doesn’t get much more picturesque than Tiffany Falls in Ancaster. This iconic hike is one of the most well-known trails in the area thanks to the bedrock exposures and captivating falls. Although the trail itself is quite short–only about 15 minutes to the waterfall, hikers can enjoy traversing an area full of diverse vegetation and considerable animal activity.
If you’re looking for a longer excursion, the Dundas Conservation Area is also nearby. Tiffany Falls is open year-round for hiking, rock climbing, and snowshoeing. We highly recommend visiting throughout the year. When the snow falls it feels like a completely different hike!
Do you have questions about buying or selling a home in the West GTA? The Tanya Crepulja Team is happy to provide you with the guidance you need. Reach out today to 647-293-3785 or email tanya@tcteam.ca for more information.
