6 Best Hiking Trails in Ontario

Epic views, fresh air, getting your daily steps in – these are just a few reasons why you should go for a hike. The GTHA (Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area) is home to dozens of gorgeous hiking and walking trails waiting to be discovered. We’ve picked 6 of the best hiking trails that are easily accessible by GO trains or busses. Some of these trails also offer a variety of other outdoor activities including swimming, nature viewing and picnicking. Put on your outdoor gear, remember to pack adequate food and water and get ready for an adventure like no other. Before you head out, it’s always a good idea to check your schedule.

Distance from Niagara Falls GO Station: Walk - 8 minutes to White Water Walk | Drive - 6 minutes to Nature Centre | Bus - 9 minutes to Nature Centre
Trail length: 4km
Great for: bouldering, hiking, sightseeing, walking

Ready to explore rugged paths that overlook the rapid waters of the Niagara River and the natural phenomenon that is the Niagara River Whirlpool? Hop on a train and make the journey to Niagara Glen, one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Ontario. During your excursion, you’ll be treated to ancient rock formations, lush ferns and stunning plants.

Getting to Niagara Falls GO station is easy, plan your trip today and buy your ticket online.

Distance from Erindale GO Station: Walk - 15 minutes 
Trail length: 18km
Great for: hiking, picnics, trail running, walking

Looking for a great place to hike with your dog? Want to expose the family to some local history? Look no further than Culham Trail in Erindale Park, which features old homesteads, orchards, dams, rail and mill sites. Spread across Mississauga and Brampton, Culham Trail connects many green spaces and offers one of Mississauga’s finest bike trails. Culham Trail is one of the best dog walking routes in Ontario, so pack some doggy treats and don’t forget dogs ride free!

Getting to Erindale GO station is easy, plan your trip today and buy your ticket online.

Distance from Gormley GO Station: Walk - 28 minutes | Drive - 3 minutes | Cycle - 8 minutes
Trail length: 44km
Great for: hiking, nature trips, trail running, walking

Searching for one of the best hike trails in Richmond Hill? Make sure to check out Jefferson Forest, which features several hiking trails that will accommodate all fitness levels. Full of biodiversity, you’ll be in full view of an abundance of wildlife during your journey. Fun fact: Jefferson Forest is a designated as an ‘Area of Natural and Scientific Interest’ by the province of Ontario. So what are you waiting for? Go, already!

Getting to Gormley GO station is easy, plan your trip today and buy your ticket online.

Distance from Rouge Hill GO Station: Walk - 20 minutes 
Area: 62.9 km2
Great for: bird watching, hiking, swimming, trail running, walking

There’s so much to discover in Rouge National Urban Park and there’s something for everyone. It’s home to amazing biodiversity and some of the last remaining working farms in the Greater Toronto Area. There are opportunities for wildlife sightings, quiet nature walks, discovering the past, fitness challenges and more. Pro-tip for those with young children: child carriers, rather than strollers, are better for the trails and for your hike. Dogs on leashes are welcome at the park, so take them for a ride and bring them along.

Getting to Rouge Hill GO station is easy, plan your trip today and buy your ticket online.

Distance from Hamilton GO Centre: Drive - 9 minutes | Bus - 27 minutes
Trail Length: 12km
Great for: cycling, hiking, nature viewing, running, walking

Experience the unforgettable beauty of the escarpment and take in a spectacular view of the west end of Hamilton and the Dundas Valley at the Chedoke Radial Trail. The trail is also a popular outdoor fitness area, and you’ll find several fitness installations along the way. If you’ve been looking for hiking trails with waterfalls, Chedoke has those too, and it’s an adventure the entire family will enjoy.

Getting to Hamilton GO Centre station is easy, plan your trip today and buy your ticket online.

Distance from GO Bus routes 31 (Kitchener) and 33 (Guelph/North York): Walk - 2 minutes
Trail length: 2.9km
Great for: camping, cycling, hiking, paddling, picnics, running, swimming, walking

Towering limestone cliffs, caves and glacial potholes, including one of the world's largest, are a few of the natural wonders at the Rockwood Conservation Area. The area is open year-round, and it offers one of the most stunning winter hiking trails in Ontario. In the spring and summer, you can canoe, fish and even go mini-golfing. During the fall, you can take an epic hike and soak up the stunning colours of the season.

There are two GO Bus routes that make it easy to get to the Rockwood Conservation area. Plan your trip today and buy your ticket online.

Before you go, you should know:

• Most GO stations and GO Trains are equipped with free wi-fi.
• Kids 12 and under ride for free on GO trains and buses.
• Seniors are eligible for discounts.
• If you plan to regularly take your bike to a GO station, check out reserved bicycle parking.
• Learn more about bicycles on GO Transit

We hope that you’re inspired to get outside and explore some of the great things mother nature has to offer in our great region. If you found this helpful, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.