8 Provincial Parks Near Toronto With Stunning Hikes That Lead To Waterfalls, Lookouts & More
There are so many beautiful Ontario Provincial Parks near Toronto and you don't need to go far to experience the wonders of the great outdoors.
These parks are full of beautiful trails that lead to tumbling waterfalls, towering lookouts and more. You can hike your way through some stunning scenery and enjoy a day away from the bustle of the city. With boardwalk trails through marshes and paths that lead through a canyon, you'll be totally immersed in breathtaking landscapes.
From Arrowhead to Mono Cliffs, here are eight provincial parks with gorgeous hiking trails to check out around Toronto.
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Price: $8.50 for 4 hours per vehicle
Address: 795086 3rd Line EHS, Shelburne, ON
Why You Need To Go: Mono Cliffs is a stunning destination to explore year-round. The area is located along the Bruce Trail and is home to lush forests and towering cliffs.
One of the most iconic trails in the park is the Spillway Trail. This 1.3 kilometre path leads you right through a canyon and it's a totally surreal experience. You'll pass right between the giant rock faces as you travel along this pathway.
You may need to make a reservation in advance depending on when you're visiting, so be sure to check the website before heading out. It's located just over an hour from Toronto, making it an accessible spot for a day trip.
Darlington Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 1600 Darlington Park Rd., Bowmanville, ON
Why You Need To Go: About an hour outside of the city lies Darlington Provincial Park. This spot is home to several hiking trails as well as a sandy beach that's a gorgeous place for a summer swim.
The Burk Trail is a 1.25 kilometre path that takes about 30 minutes to complete. The moderate hike "moves through fields, meadows and mature forest past a pioneer cemetery to a scenic lookout over Lake Ontario." So you can expect to see a lot of scenery along this adventure.
The park is open during the winter as well, so you can bring your skis or snowshoes for a magical experience.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 451 Arrowhead Park Rd., Huntsville, ON
Why You Need To Go: Arrowhead Provincial Park is around two hours and 20 minutes from Toronto, but it's well worth the trip.
The park is home to three sand beaches, an array of winter activities and 15 kilometres of hiking trails. The Stubb's Falls Trail is a beautiful spot for a springtime walk.
The 2 kilometre trail takes about 45 minutes to complete and is an easy trek. Along the way, you'll see wildflowers and songbirds as well as Stubb's Falls, a scenic cascade that tumbles down a rock chute.
You can also explore the 7 kilometre Beaver Meadow Trail, which takes you past Porcupine Bluffs, the "remnant shoreline of a huge ancient lake."
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 17760 McLaren Rd., Caledon, ON
Why You Need To Go: About an hour outside of the city, you'll find Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. The nature reserve is located along the Bruce Trail and offers hiking, fishing and picnicking opportunities.
One gorgeous path to explore is the Dominion Trail. According to Ontario Trails, this hike takes you along the Credit Valley with beautiful views of the Niagara Escarpment. It offers some of the best views of Cataract Falls, which is visible from a historic wooden bridge.
Presqu'ile Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 328 Presqu'Ile Pkwy., Brighton, ON
Why You Need To Go: With a 2.5-kilometre sandy beach, the second-oldest operating lighthouse in Ontario and gorgeous scenery, this provincial park is worth a road trip.
It's located about 2 hours from Toronto and has 16 kilometres of trails and paths that run "along shorelines and through woodlands and meadows."
One beautiful trail that's worth checking out is the Marsh Boardwalk. The 1.2 kilometre trek includes 800 metres of boardwalk and is complete with two viewing towers.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 1219 Burloak Dr., Oakville, ON
Why You Need To Go: Bronte Creek is a beautiful provincial park located about an hour from Toronto in Oakville. The area boasts a swimming pool, turn-of-the century farm house and many interpretive events throughout the year including a Maple Syrup Festival, ghost walks and a Victorian Christmas.
The 1 kilometre Trillium Trail is a stunning spot to get lost in nature. The hike is situated behind the barns of Spruce Lane Farm and is the best place to see the spring wildflowers as well as the beautiful valley floor.
Earl Rowe Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 4998 Concession Road 7, Alliston, ON
Why You Need To Go: Just a little over an hour's drive from Toronto, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of Earl Rowe Provincial Park.
The area is home to numerous hiking and biking trails as well as canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating and fishing opportunities.
Fletcher's Mill Pond Trail is a quick, 30 minute trek with an ice cream stop along the way. If you're looking for something a little longer you can try the Lookout Trail, which takes about 2 hours to complete and features a lookout platform with views of Earl Rowe and the surrounding area.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: Ontario 60, ON
Why You Need To Go: This iconic provincial park is about three hours from Toronto and it's brimming with scenic trails. The park is known for its "maple hills, rocky ridges, and thousands of lakes" as well as forests, bogs and more.
There are many hikes to choose from, from beginner to intermediate. The Whiskey Rapids Trail is a gorgeous one to explore and you can follow a 2.1 km loop trail along the Oxtongue River to the beautiful Whiskey Rapids.
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.
