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Summary

This elevated boardwalk trail near Toronto leads to a glassy lake hidden in a fall dreamland

You can see a tapestry of colours reflected in the water.

A lake surrounded by fall colours. Right: A person on a boardwalk trail.

A conservation area near Toronto.

Lead Writer, Travel

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year for a hike. With cool, crisp air and breathtaking colours, you can totally immerse yourself in the splendour of the season.

One gorgeous spot for a hike near Toronto is Crawford Lake Conservation Area. Located less than an hour from the city in Milton, the destination boasts beautiful turquoise waters and scenic trails.

If you're looking for some incredible scenery, you'll want to follow the 1 kilometre Crawford Lake Trail. The hike features a beautiful elevated boardwalk that loops around a glassy lake.

The hike is especially beautiful in the fall when you can see the vibrant colours reflected on the water's surface.

The lake is known as meromictic, which means the "layers of water don’t intermix," according to Ontario Parks. It is one of only a rare few in Canada.

You can wander along the boardwalk and breathe in the fresh scent of the season while soaking up the fall colours.

If you're up for a longer adventure, you can take a trip along the Nassagaweya Canyon Trail. The hike takes you through the canyon to Rattlesnake Point where you can enjoy panoramic views of the foliage below.

The trip is 9.4 kilometres in total, so be prepared for a long journey.

Reservations are recommended for Crawford Lake Conservation Area and can be booked online.

Happy hiking!

Crawford Lake Conservation Area

Price: $10.50 + per adult

Address: 3115 Conservation Rd., Milton, ON

Crawford Lake Conservation Area Website

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.

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  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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