This beautiful town near Toronto is the 'Trail Capital of Canada' and it's a fall dreamland
It's like wandering through a painting.
A small town in Ontario.
Autumn is the perfect time for a hike, offering views of stunning colours, crisp air, and leafy pathways.
If you're looking for a beautiful hiking destination near Toronto, you'll want to take a trip to this charming small town located just an hour away from the city.
Uxbridge is a quaint village with cozy shops, charming streets, and stunning surroundings.
The town is known as the "Trail Capital of Canada," and is home to over three hundred kilometres of trails which lead through "historic communities and rural forested lands," according to the website.
The trails are even more beautiful during the fall, when the forests transform with fiery hues and the air turns cool and crisp.
It's a magical place to slow down and enjoy the magic of the season, from the crunch of leaves under your feet to the birds chirping amidst the branches and that fresh pine smell in the air.
Come October, the whole forest lights up in shades of red and gold, and it’s a total dream for anyone who loves fall photos. You might even spot some wildlife as you venture along the trails.
There is a range of trails to explore, such as the Trans Canada Trail, which winds into Uxbridge via an abandoned rail line and passes through spots like the Uxbridge urban area, Durham Forest lands, and Glen Major Forest.
The Glen Major loop is especially popular for its panoramic lookouts — on a clear day, you can even glimpse Lake Ontario in the distance. The nearby Countryside Preserve is another gem, offering gentle hills and open meadows that glow golden at sunset. It's a great choice if you prefer a more leisurely stroll or are exploring with friends.
You can also head to Crow's Pass Conservation Area, which, according to Ontario Nature Trails, is a" favourite destination for the recreational hiker" and a "great place to enjoy nature's fall colours."
Discover Uxbridge shares that you can experience the stunning fall colours of the Oak Ridges Moraine by heading to Walker Woods & Glen Major Forest– a "wooded wonderland beloved by hikers and cyclists."
If you’re a fan of classic literature, you'll love that Uxbridge is closely tied to Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables. You can follow the self-guided Lucy Maud Montgomery Trail, which takes you past sites connected to her life, including the Leaskdale Manse National Historic Site, where she wrote several of her beloved novels.
The trail winds through colourful fall foliage and peaceful countryside, making it the perfect way to combine a scenic hike with a little literary history.
In addition to hiking, Uxbridge is home to cozy cafes where you can warm up after your adventure, as well as shops, markets, and more.
You can stop by The Bridge Social Inc. for a steaming cup of coffee or enjoy a refreshing drink at Slabtown Cider for a quintessential fall outing.
If you worked up an appetite, Urban Pantry offers seasonal dishes and local fare to get you in the harvest spirit.
You'll want to save some time to wander through downtown to admire pumpkins on porches and heritage buildings wrapped in autumn colours. The streets feel straight out of a fall storybook, making it an idyllic spot to soak up the season.
For more fall fun, you can swing by Coopers Farm, where you'll find a 10-acre corn maze, pumpkin picking, and more.
With stunning pathways and golden forests, Uxbridge is the place to go for beautiful fall hikes near Toronto.
Editor's note: This article has been updated.
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.