11 Magical Hikes In Ontario That Are Like Taking A Trip Through Middle-Earth
Tew Falls in Dundas, Ontario. Right: Waterloo Pioneer Memorial Tower in Waterloo, Ontario.
Cue some epic music, because these beautiful Ontario hikes will make you feel like you're in one of The Lord Of The Rings films.
Cascading waterfalls and historic ruins will sweep you away to Middle-earth, but only the good parts of course.
You can live your best hobbit life exploring these dreamy trails, and you'll definitely deserve a second breakfast after your adventure.
Before embarking on your journey, make sure you check the websites for the latest travel information that could affect your plans.
Walter Bean Grand River Trail
Price: Free
Address: 300 Lookout Ln., Kitchener, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Waterloo Pioneer Memorial Tower can be found along this trail, and it will sweep you away to a fantasy land. The trail itself boasts 25 kilometres of scenery for you to explore.
Aubrey Falls Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 85 kilometres north of Thessalon on Hwy 129
Why You Need To Go: You can see multiple cascades flowing over spectacular rocks as you adventure through this park. The view is enough to make you feel like you're on set of The Lord Of The Rings.
Stony Swamp
Price: Free
Address: 4897 Old Richmond Rd., Nepean, ON
Why You Need To Go: The name itself sounds like it was taken from one of Tolkien's books. The wetland is home to some historic ruins, which can be found along the Lime Kiln Trail.
Lions Lake Trail
Price: Free
Address: 7224 Reid Woods Dr., Woolwich, ON
Why You Need To Go: This 7-kilometre path winds through lush tree tunnels and wooded areas, and you'll feel as if you're strolling around the Shire.
Limehouse Conservation Area
Price: Free
Address: 12169 5th Line, Limehouse, ON
Why You Need To Go: A trip through this area will take you past lime kilns and an enchanting stone bridge that looks like it was made for hobbits.
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
When: May 20, 2022 to October 2, 2022
Address: Greenwich Lake Rd., Pass Lake, ON
Why You Need To Go: TheLord Of The Rings films are full of towering cliffs and mountains, and you can enjoy similar panoramic views at Ouimet Canyon. The massive gorge stretches 150-metres wide and is flanked by majestic cliffs.
Tew Falls
Price: $5 per person plus $10 reservation fee, $15.50 per person when reservations are not in effect
Address: 607 Harvest Rd., Dundas, ON
Why You Need To Go: This stunning ribbon waterfall is worthy of Rivendell. Located along the Dundas Peak hike, this 41-metre cascade will add some magic to your adventure. Reservations are required beginning in May.*
Rail Trail
Price: Free
Address: 210 Water St. S., Cambridge, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail has 18 kilometres of scenic views, as well as a unique surprise. Located along a riverbank near Glen Morris, you'll stumble upon some impressive ruins of a stone mill that will sweep you away to another world.
Elora Gorge Conservation Area
Price: $6.86 day-use admission per adult
When: May 1 to October 15
Address: 7400 Wellington County Rd. 21, Elora, ON
Why You Need To Go: Boasting majestic limestone cliffs, rushing water and scenic trails, this area could easily be found in Middle-earth.
Boyne Valley Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: Shelburne, ON
Why You Need To Go: The lush forests and rolling hills at this spot are certainly movie-worthy. You can almost picture Frodo and Sam adventuring along the flowing brooks and grassy meadows.
Hendrie Valley Trails
Price: $3 per hour - maximum $15 for parking
Address: Several access points
Why You Need To Go: Located at the Royal Botanical Gardens, this trail will take you through diverse landscapes like marshes and forests. It's basically a trip around Hobbiton.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on March 16, 2021.
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