Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Toronto

Toronto Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

The trails that define Toronto, with distances, elevation, and when each is actually passable.

By Updated

This guide covers 9+ hiking trails in Toronto — Lower Don Trail and Evergreen Brick Works, Humber River and Old Mill Trail and Rouge Beach and Vista Trail top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Toronto is the capital of Ontario and Canada's largest city, home to about 2.8 million people on the north shore of Lake Ontario. This guide covers the CN Tower, museums, neighbourhood food, transit and practical costs for visitors.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Lower Don Trail and Evergreen Brick Works

    8 km one way to Riverdale Park2-3 hourseasyAbout 20 m gain

    Paved and gravel path along the Don River from the Brick Works to Riverdale Park, with the Quarry Garden and a Saturday farmers market at the start.
  2. 2

    Humber River and Old Mill Trail

    6 km one way1.5-2 hourseasyAbout 30 m gain

    Riverside Humber River Recreational Trail running north from Bloor Street past the Old Mill and Humber Marshes.
  3. 3

    Rouge Beach and Vista Trail

    6-8 km loop2-3 hoursmoderateAbout 90 m gain

    Rouge National Urban Park route from Rouge Beach along the marsh and boardwalk, climbing the Vista Trail for lookouts over the Rouge valley.
  4. 4

    Scarborough Bluffs: Bluffer's Park to Cathedral Bluffs

    6 km round trip2 hoursmoderateAbout 70 m gain on clifftop sections

    Shoreline and clifftop walk beneath and above clay cliffs rising up to 90 m between Bluffer's Park beach and Cathedral Bluffs Park.
  5. 5

    Tommy Thompson Park Walk

    10 km out and back2-3 hourseasyFlat

    Flat gravel and paved road along the Leslie Street Spit with birdwatching, lighthouse views and Lake Ontario beaches; open weekends and holidays.
  6. 6

    High Park Loop

    5 km loop1.5 hourseasyAbout 40 m gain

    Oak savannah trails, Grenadier Pond and hillside gardens in a 161-hectare west-end park with a Nature Centre and the Colborne Lodge ravine trail.
  7. 7

    Cedarvale Ravine Trail

    4 km one way1.5 hourseasyAbout 40 m gain

    Wooded ravine trail running under the Bathurst Street bridge between the Eglinton West and St Clair West subway stations.
  8. 8

    Toronto Islands Shoreline Walk

    8 km one way2.5-3 hourseasyFlat

    Flat island walk from Ward's Island beach past Centre Island to Gibraltar Point lighthouse and Hanlan's Point beach with skyline views.
  9. 9

    Crothers Woods Trails

    5-8 km loops1.5-3 hoursmoderateAbout 80 m gain

    Forested Don Valley trail system with winding single-track and ridges used by walkers and mountain bikers.

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in Toronto.

Spring
April-May: cherry blossoms in High Park, muddy ravines
Summer
June-August: humid and busy, bring bug spray
Fall
September-October: best colour and cool temperatures
Winter
December-March: snow and ice, trails can be icy

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

Medium

Hazard: Poison ivy in ravines

Medium

Hazard: Ticks in long grass (Lyme disease risk)

Medium

Hazard: Eroding cliff edges at Scarborough Bluffs: stay on marked paths

Medium

Hazard: Mosquitoes in summer

Medium

Hazard: Icy trails in winter

Related topics