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Summary

11 Stunning Boardwalk Trails In Ontario That You Need To Add To Your Bucket List

You can visit many of them for free! ☀️
Staff Writer

It's time to shake things up, as not every hike has to be a boring gravel path through a forest. You can enjoy some of the best views mother nature has to offer on these stunning boardwalks in Ontario. 

One of the best ways to enjoy the sunshine is by getting outdoors. Boardwalks are the perfect choice for beginners as the flat walkways are more accessible.

Editor's Choice: 8 Incredible Things To Do In Ontario This Spring That Won't Cost You A Dime

From beaches you'll never want to leave to secret paths right in the city, you'll want to add these destinations to your bucket list.

Chapman Mills Conservation Area

Price: Free

Address: 253 Winding Way, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: It is a serene 1.5-kilometre path along the Rideau River with multiple lookout points as it travels along the shoreline. While here, you might get lucky and spot blue herons, otters, and beavers.

Glen Stewart Ravine

Price: Free

Address: 351 Glen Manor Dr., Toronto, ON 

Why You Need To Go: You can easily forget you are in the city as you walk under the lush canopy of maple trees.

Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation Park

Price: Free

Address: Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation Park, Thorold, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can go for a walk with your dog and explore the wetland that swans, ducks, and bald eagles call home.

Mer Bleue Bog

Price: Free

Address: Ridge Road, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: There is a short path that will you through a breathtaking 7,700-year-old bog.

Cooper Marsh Conservation Area

Price: Free

Address: 20020 S.D.G. County Rd. 2, South Glengarry, ON

Why You Need To Go: This boardwalk is a secret floral wonderland where you can see fields of swaying purple blooms.

Valens Lake Conservation Area

Price: $15.50 per vehicle

Address: 1691 Regional 97 Rd., Cambridge, ON

Why You Need To Go: There are 10 kilometres of trails to explore, including a 300-metre boardwalk overlooking a lake.

Bluewater Beach

Price: Free

Address: Bluewater Beach, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can follow the wooden boardwalk to a secret tropical paradise you'll never want to leave with soft sand and glistening blue waves.

Point Pelee National Park

Price: $7.90 per person

Address: 1118 Point Pelee Dr., Leamington, ON

Why You Need To Go: The 1-kilometre boardwalk floats over the marsh and only takes 45 minutes roundtrip. Along the way, you might spot some of the local wildlife, like turtles.

The Beaches

Price: Free

Address: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd. E., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can soak up the sunshine by following the 3-kilometre boardwalk that hugs the coast. It is the perfect spot to sip an iced coffee and enjoy the view of blue water.

Spruce Bog Trail

Price: $10.84 per vehicle

Address: Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario 60, ON

Why You Need To Go: The one-hour trek is one of the easiest hikes in the gorgeous park and will take you over multiple boardwalks.

Cherry Hill Trail

Price: Free admission (paid parking)

Address: 1101 Plains Rd. W., Burlington, ON

Why You Need To Go: It provides an extraordinary view of the valley from the raised walkway that you'll want to see for yourself.

Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Stephanie White was an Ottawa-based Associate Editor for Narcity Canada. She has been writing mouthwatering food and wanderlust-inspiring articles for Canadians since 2012. She has a B.A. and B.Ed. from Ottawa University. When she isn't writing, you can find her travelling the globe and trying new restaurants. Stephanie has previously been published on Insider, Flight Network, Apartment Therapy, Faces Magazine, Daily Hive, Dished and The Spruce.

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