8 Winter Hikes In Toronto That Will Give Your Legs A Good Workout
Sitting through Zoom meetings can lead to some stiff joints, but luckily these Toronto winter hiking trails are just what you need to stretch your legs.
You can wander through snowy forests that are straight out of Narnia and gaze across the frozen waterfront.
There are lots of peaceful places to explore within the city, so you can escape the busyness of the streets and enter a quiet oasis. Put on your snow boots and give your legs a good workout by strolling along these trails.
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Humber River Recreation Trail
Price: Free
Address: 10 Catherine St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located in Etienne Brule Park, this 8.2-km trail boasts views of the frozen river. If you aren't looking for a challenging hike, this is the place for you. The winding trail is accessible and beginner-friendly, so it's perfect for an endless winter walk.
Tommy Thompson Park
Price: Free
When: Weekdays 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., weekends 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Address: 1 Leslie St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll get stunning snowy views of the city's waterfront as you explore this scenic area. Keep an eye out for wildlife — this is a popular bird-watching spot! It's important to note that trails are not maintained during the winter.
Crothers Woods
Price: Free
Address: 27 Redway Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll find 10 kilometres worth of trails through this nature escape. Crothers Woods is home to diverse wildlife and gorgeous plants and trees. Along the way, you can see amazing views of the Toronto skyline.
Burke Brook Ravine & Sherwood Park Trail
Price: Free
Address: 190 Sherwood Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you want a bit of a challenge, this trail is for you. Running alongside the banks of a river, this walk winds through a sparkling winter forest. It's marked as moderate, which gives you an excuse to go slow and take in the views.
Little Rouge Creek Woodland Trail
Price: Free
Address: Zoo Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you really want to escape from the city, this woodland retreat is ideal. The 4.7-km trail leads past an icy river and through the scenic Rouge National Urban Park. Try to see if you can spot any creatures or cool plants along the trail as you go.
Glen Stewart Ravine
Price: Free
Address: 351 Glen Manor Dr., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: There's nothing more breathtaking than being surrounded by trees, and this ravine trail will show you why. Wander along a snowy boardwalk through a ravine filled with red oak and red maple. Plus, the trail is hidden in the middle of the city, making it the perfect place for some mid-day exercise.
Don River Valley Park
Price: Free
Address: Don Valley Pkwy., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Another downtown hike that features river views, Don River Valley Park boasts 6 urban trails that wind through different Toronto neighbourhoods. You can stroll along through the city and give your legs a much-needed stretch. Plus, come back another time on your bike to take advantage of the park's interconnected bike lanes.
G. Ross Lord Park
Price: Free
Address: 4801 Dufferin St., North York, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll find over 4-km of trails and wide-open spaces at this peaceful park. Just blocks away from York University, this park stretches in all directions. The trails are regularly groomed in the winter so that walkers and cross-country skiers alike can take advantage of this scenic area.