There are many stunning Ontario parks shut sufficient to Toronto for a no-muss, no-fuss day journey to get pleasure from a leisurely hike. Listed below are our high 5 inside a few hours of town.
Mono Cliffs
This stunning slice of forest and cliff sits on the Niagara Escarpment about an hour north and barely west of Toronto close to the city of Mono Centre. There are beautiful woods right here, water options, and all method of rocky formations which might be distinctive. It’s simply far sufficient away from town that it isn’t all the time overrun by metropolis dwellers, however it does get busy on the weekends so select trails that lead furthest away from the central space to keep away from these simply out for a fast stroll with the canine. There’s a nice inn with a delish restaurant and patio for a refreshing drink or snack after the hike.
Brief Hills
Positioned between St. Catharines and Pelham, Brief Hill is the biggest Ontario park within the Niagara Peninsula. It will get its identify from the quick steep hills which might be sliced by by the Twelve Mile Creek that make up the defining topography of the world. It is a non-operating park, which implies there may be parking however no services. Not that they’d be open at this level anyway. It’s acquired loads of area and loads of nice mountain climbing in addition to many waterfalls. There’s a whole lot of mountain biking within the park as nicely, so make sure you select a path that’s solely for mountain climbing such because the Hemlock Valley or Terrace Creek trails. Get your hike on within the morning, then tour a few wineries within the afternoon. That’s a win-win.
Fairly River
This beautiful location lives as much as its identify because the path winds by a fantastic forest alongside a scenic little waterway. This isn’t an immensely standard park since there isn’t any car parking zone or services. Park-goers should park alongside the highway and entry hikes at numerous factors alongside the way in which. There’s all kinds of trails from which to decide on, however be careful for mountain bikers who additionally benefit from the space. The park contains parts of the Bruce Path and the Niagara Escarpment system and is included within the Niagara Biosphere Reserve. Strive the nine-kilometre Fairly River and Bruce Path loop.
Awenda
Positioned alongside Georgian Bay in Tiny Township close to Midland, this lush inexperienced area is probably going festooned with trilliums about now, with unbelievable alternatives for chicken and nature watching. The park is house to 120 chicken species. Strive the 13-km Bluff Path, which ought to take three to 4 hours of reasonable and fairly beautiful mountain climbing by woodlands as much as the bluffs that supply nice views, particularly this time of yr earlier than the timber are nonetheless considerably leaf-free.
Forks of the Credit score Provincial Park
This attractive Ontario park is positioned in Caledon and is a part of the Niagara Escarpment biosphere. It’s a standard spot for picnicking due to the scenic Credit score River. However there are additionally some good hikes obtainable because it provides loops off the venerable Bruce Path and the Trans Canada Path. Strive the 6.6-km path to Cataract Falls, which ought to nonetheless be energetic this time of yr. Remember to go early and get on the paths earlier than the crowds present up.