10 Easy Summer Hikes That Are Only An Hour Away From Toronto

Easy, breezy, beautiful!
Contributor

Not every hike has to be a sweaty workout. These easy hiking trails near Toronto will satisfy your desire to explore without turning your legs to complete jelly afterward. So lace up those hiking boots and get ready to wander out past your Wi-Fi signal.

Toronto itself is full of gorgeous trails for you to enjoy, but if you've already made your way through those, there's plenty more roughly an hour or less outside of the 6ix to discover.

From charming conservation areas with little footbridges and peaceful ponds to beautiful boardwalks that will surely elevate your hiking experience, there's a little something for everyone's taste.

Some of the areas listed below have trails that are so easy to navigate even your friend who hates hiking could handle them.

And just because you won't have to work as hard to travel these trails, that doesn't mean there's no payoff.

You could wander past rushing waterfalls, wetlands, lookout points and gorgeous beaches on your journey.

Not to mention all of the wildlife you're bound to see as well.

So if you need to get your body moving, why not visit one of these incredible hiking spots near Toronto?

Adventure is calling!

Mount Nemo Conservation Area

Price: $6.50

When: By reservation

Address: 5317 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON

Why You Need To Go: With only 5 kilometres of trails, this conservation area doesn't typically draw a huge crowd. But don't let its relatively modest size fool you — this place has all the scenic views one could ever want. There are even magical caves for you to explore.

Albion Hills Conservation Area

Price: $6.20+

Address: 16500 Peel Regional Rd. 50, Caledon, ON

Why You Need To Go: This little gem has an abundance of easy, relatively flat trails that are perfect for beginners. The trails will take you through a canopy of trees in the forest and past sparkling waters. The area is also an excellent spot for mountain biking if that's your jam.

Crawford Lake Conservation Area

Price: $6.50

When: By reservation

Address: 3115 Conservation Rd., Milton, ON

Why You Need To Go: If boardwalks and lake views are the fuel that feeds your fire, then this is the spot for you. 

Beamer Memorial Conservation Area

Price: Free

Address: 28 Quarry Rd., Grimsby, ON

Why You Need To Go: From this beautiful area you can wander through sections of the Bruce Trail while you soak in breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment. There's also a beautiful waterfall hidden within the spot. 

Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Price: $11 per vehicle

Address: 650 Governors Rd., Dundas, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can explore 40 kilometres worth of stunning nature trails in this conservation area. From the famous Bruce Trail to various side adventures, you're sure to have an amazing time here.

Ganaraska Forest Centre

Price: $6 per person

Address: 10585 Cold Springs Camp Rd., Campbellcroft, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can choose from several looped trails that are marked to make things even easier. Expect to see plenty of wildlife on your peaceful forest stroll.

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

Price: Price Varies

Address: 795122 3rd Line E., Orangeville, ON

Why You Need To Go: There's nothing like a solid boardwalk trail to really elevate your hiking experience.

Thornton Bales Conservation Area

Price: Free

Address: 1260 19th Sideroad, King City, ON

Why You Need To Go: Commonly referred to as "The 99 Steps," the hiking trails here are not exactly the easiest of this bunch. But if you're up for a bit of a challenge, it's definitely worth checking out. 

Lynde Shores Conservation Area

Price: $6 parking

Address: 1225 Victoria St. W., Whitby, ON

Why You Need To Go: If you're itching to see wildlife on your stroll, this Whitby gem is the place to be. You can explore 5-kilometres of looped trails that will take you past wonderful wetlands and gorgeous waterfront.

Hockley Valley Provincial Park

Price: $2

Address: 794122 3rd Line EHS, Laurel, ON

Why You Need To Go: If you can't get enough of the Niagara Escarpment then you can see even more of its beauty here. You can hop on the Bruce Trail or venture through one of the many side trails.

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.

  • Amber Van Wort was a writer at Narcity Canada. She studied journalism at Durham College in Oshawa and holds a special place in her heart for the Toronto Maple Leafs. She continues to be published in the Chicago Tribune, Best Reviews, and previously, The Belleville Intelligencer, totaling up to 9+ years of experience.

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