Super Easy Bucket List Hikes You And Your BFFs Need To Check Out In Ontario This Fall
There’s a lot of things that Canadian are relatively known for: our amazing beer, our strange ability to apologize to everyone even when they’re not in the wrong, and our stunning, surrounded-by-nature hiking trails. While most believe that the provinces of British Columbia and Nova Scotia are home to the most spectacular views, we also have endless routes in Ontario that are just as #instaworthy.
From the Casque Isles Trail in Terrace Bay to the path that leads to the top of Sleeping Giant, we’ve compiled a complete list of easy hiking trails that you and your besties should embark on this fall in Ontario.
READ MORE:31 Super Easy Hikes In Ontario To Take Your Friend Who Hates Hiking
Lime Kiln Trail
Where: Ottawa
Located near the Ottawa area of Fallowfield, the Lime Kiln Trail is a 4 kilometer hike that offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the area. Primarily used for hiking and walking while also perfect for beginners, this trail is a must-visit spot to discover with your BFF this fall.
Cup And Saucer Trail
Where: Northeastern Manitoulin And The Islands
No, this is not Dundas Peak - although you already know that that one will be coming up. While providing hikers with same stunning cliff top scenery and trek, the Cup and Saucer Trail is over 2 kilometers long and includes numerous paths to choose from (which also range in difficulty). Located in Northern Ontario, the trail is the Manitoulin Extension of the Niagara Escarpment.
Crothers Woods Trail
Where: Toronto
Located in Toronto - yes, Toronto has some beautiful hidden natural gem as well - the Crothers Woods trail is the ultimate light stroll that doesn’t require any intense cardio (thank God). About 6 kilometres long and stretched along the neighbourhood of Bennington Heights, the hike is also open all year round.
Kag Trail
Where: Mattawa (yes, Mattawa)
Maybe not a “super easy” hike due it’s rolling hills and climbs, but I truly believe the Kag Trail is worth huffing a few breaths for. Located near Calvin, Ontario, this short trail is filled with beautiful trees and scenery that will actually make it seem a bit longer due to your willingness to appreciate the beauty for a couple extra minutes.
Belfountain Conservation Area
Where: Caledon
The walking trail in the Belfountain Conservation Area is most recognizable for it’s beautiful bridge that stretches across an even more beautiful waterfall. Located in Caledon, the various walking trails of the area also cross along the West Credit River.
Tulip Tree Trail
Where: Chatham-Kent
Even just the name of this one makes you want to skip across it with your BFF the way Shrek does with Fiona in Shrek 2. Both barrier free and mostly board-walked, the Tulip Tree Trail is one of the many hiking gems within Rondeau Provincial Park in Chatham-Kent.
Silver Queen Mine Trail
Where: Murphy's Point Provincial Park
Nestled in Murphy’s Point Provincial Park, a 1,239-hectare park in Tay Valley, the Silver Queen Mine Trail is something you’ve probably never seen before. Beginning at the Lally Homestead, the trail then proceeds to cross abandoned farms to the Silver Queen Mine, a nearby mica mine where you can also sign up for tours of it.
Crawford Lake Conversation Area
Where: Milton
The Crawford Lake Trail is pretty basic, since there isn’t just one that defines the whole hiking area. As a whole, the Crawford Lake Conservation area has been drawing hikers to its shores for many years, and there are many paths to choose from. Whether it’s through their lush forest or by exploring the 15th century Iroquoian Village, a hike here would be quite the adventure.
Dundas Peak
Where: Hamilton
I’m going to get momentarily serious for this one, because as beautiful as Dundas Peak is during the fall, it’s also important to remember common safety regulations when exploring this trail. The marked trail is just as relaxing as the selfie-populated spot at the peak, so if you don’t feel comfortable sitting on it’s edge - don’t! The clear trails are just as breathtaking (and easier).
Mizzy Lake Trail
Where: Algonquin Provincial Park
One of the well-known trails within the Algonquin Provincial Park, the Mizzy Lake trail is over 10 kilometers long and is doable for all hiking levels. With nine ponds and small lakes, it’s also your best chance for catching some of the park’s wildlife.
Ball's Falls Trail
Where: Lincoln
Interesting title, I know, but the Ball’s Falls Conservation Area offers some of the most stunning views and scenery in Southern Ontario. Both a historical and natural gem, the area is also known for its opportunity to explore its historical ghost town that dates back to the early 19th century.
Nokomis Trail
Where: Lake Superior Provincial Park
The Nokomis Trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park is quite the ideal hike for those who are driving on the Trans-Canada Highway and crave more than a bathroom break to stretch out their legs and arms. Following along the Old Woman River, the hike also offers legendary views of their known blue water.
Mast Trail
Where: Rouge National Urban Park
Ranked as one of the top trails in the Rouge National Park, the Mast Trail is also a historical route that can take you on a 200-year-old logging route, where trees were then cut and floated down the river towards higher purpose in Europe.
Cyprus Lake Trail
Where: Northern Bruce Peninsula
This one is located in Tobermory, so you already know that it has the highest chance of being the most beautiful hike to embark on this fall. The legendary Cyprus Lake Trail is one of Bruce Peninsula National Park’s most popular summer destinations, but when the trees begin to transform into a colourful paradise, a walk here will be just as satisfying.
White Bear Forest Old Growth Trail
Where: Temagami
White Bear Forest Old Growth - try saying that threes time fast. Beautiful and easy hike, the forest is also Ontario’s sixth largest remaining area of an OG old growth red and white pine woodlands.
Cranberry Bog Trail
Where: Killarney
A route nestled in the stunning Killarney Provincial Park, the Cranberry Bog Trail is an easy-to-hike path that offers fantastic views of the park’s dry and wetlands. A 4 kilometre loop trail, the route takes about two and a half hours to complete.
Stubb's Fall Trail
Where: Huntsville
Located in Arrowhead Provincial Park, an area in the Muskoka town of Huntsville, the Stubb’s Falls Trail is a beautiful year-round route that wanders through maple forests and waterfalls.
Clifftop Side Trail
Where: Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
The Clifftop Side Trail has got to be one of the most breathtaking and extraordinary hikes you can embark on this fall. Set in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, this trail is surrounded by stonewalls and scattered orchard trees that produce the most beautiful vibrant colours during autumn. There’s also a viewing platform along the trail where you can take in all the beauty at once.
Bruce Trail
Where: Better question, where isn't it? The Bruce Trail covers many areas of Southwestern Ontario
Walk into any forested area in Southern Ontario, and you’ll most likely be walking along the Bruce Trail. A walking trail more than 890 kilometres long in addition to over 400 kilometres of side trails, the Bruce Trail is a go-to beginners course for new hikers.
Kabeyun Trail
Where: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
The longer of the trails in the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, though it doesn’t mean that you have to, you know, walk the entire thing. Perfect for both long stretches or short day-trips, the Kabeyun Trail is a popular hike that begins at Thunder Bay Lookout.
Sifton Bog Dock Trail
Where: London
Sifton Bog has a strange sound to it, but the views of it certainly don’t. A wetland administered by the city of London, Ontario, the Sifton Bog Trail is an acidic bog in which only a view limited plants can grow in. Equipped with a beautiful boardwalk and an easy trek, this route is definitely something to add to your fall bucket list.
Marsh Boardwalk Trail
Where: Point Pelee
Another boardwalk trail because why not?! The Marsh Boardwalk Trail is an absolute winner of Point Peele National Park. With fantastic ponds and cattail marsh, make sure to bring your camera here for some well-deserved pictures.
Clifftop Trail
Where: Bon Echo Provincial Park
A trail within Bon Echo Provincial Park, a beautiful natural gem in Central Ontario, the Clifftop Trail is a moderate route that, while short, does involve a few steep climbs. If you and your BFF are up for it, then the views from the crest of Bon Echo Rock are definitely worth the trek.
