As the leaves start changing colour, the air gets a bit crisper, and your family is itching to get outdoors before the snow starts to fall, hiking is the perfect family outing!
Luckily there are a lot of amazing hiking trails throughout the GTA—you can take in a few waterfalls, explore a beginner route or even spend some time hiking a famous gorge.
There is so much to see in our own backyard, so let’s take a look at the best hiking spots for families across the GTA.
Hilton Falls Trail
We said there were waterfalls, and we didn’t want to disappoint! The Hilton Falls Trail features the falls, the rivers, and the reservoir. There are a few different trails to choose from so be sure to check out the map before you head out!
Lover’s Leap Trail
Located in the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, this 5-kilometre hike may be better suited for older kids, but it overlooks both the Grand and the Irvine Gorges. Perfect for a summer or fall day, the Lover’s Leap Trail is a can’t-miss hike.
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park Trails
Less than an hour northwest of Toronto, you’ll find the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park trails—a gorgeous set of hiking trails through the larger Bruce Trail that explore everything from cliffs to canyons. We love the Cliff-Top Side Trail (just under 3 km), the Spillway Trail (just over 1 km), and the Splitrock Narrows Trail—just under 4 km, this trail features a fun treasure hunt where you find 10 plaques along the trail.
Vista Trail at Rouge National Urban Park
Located in the heart of Toronto, the Vista Trail is a 3 km round trip that features a two-level viewing platform that is considered one of the best places to view Toronto’s autumn colours and spectacular valley views.
Mount Nemo Conservation Area Trails
A quick drive to Burlington will bring you to the stunning Mount Nemo. There are two trails that both clock in at just over 2 km and they can be completed in about an hour. The views are stunning, and you get to experience the incredible cliff-edge ecosystem.
Scarborough Bluffs Trail
The unique geology of the Scarborough Bluffs stretches for 15 km along Lake Ontario. It’s a great place to explore the bluffs safely and take in their majestic nature from below. The trail leads through the park and explores naturalized areas in between the cliffs and the park.
Terra Cotta Conservation Park
Located in Mississauga, the Terra Cotta Conservation Area has 485 acres of natural beauty to take in. With a variety of trails to explore, you can see everything from the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment. Choose a trail for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike depending on your family’s experience level.
Spencer Gorge/Webster Falls Conservation Area
Located in the Hamilton area, you’ll be able to check out two stunning waterfalls as well as a forested gorge on this hike. This is really a can’t-miss hike that the kids will absolutely love.
Bond Lake Loop
Take in stunning lake views on this 2.7 km trail located in Richmond Hill. This is a great trail for younger kids that allows the kids to explore the forest as well!
Crawford Lake Trail
This is a section of the Bruce Trail that will be perfect to tackle with your kids. There is a reconstructed Aboriginal village, and the interconnected trails mean that you can hike as little as 0.75 km on a stroller-accessible trail, or add on other trails (not stroller accessible) to explore even more of the area. The 1.5 km Woodland Trail is a fan favourite.
