Besides travelling, hiking is one of my favourite things to do on the weekends or when I have time off work. Growing up, my childhood home backed onto a ravine and I was often outside. I would also go on walks/hikes with my family. Since graduating from university, hiking and being outdoors became a renewed passion of mine. I have explored TONS of different hiking trails around where I live in southern Ontario. Here are my top ten places to hike in southern Ontario. Enjoy!
Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area – Milton
Rattlesnake Point is a very popular spot for hiking and camping in Halton region. The conservation area has 13 km of trails that will bring you to several amazing viewpoints. The Nelson Lookout is one of my favourite views among these hiking spots! The Nassagaweya trail leads to Crawford Lake Conservation Area (4.7 km one way), which is a great option for a full-day hike. I also discovered an amazing Pine tree forest near the lower parking area. Keep an eye out for this hidden gem!
More info on Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area: https://conservationhalton.ca/park-details?park=rattlesnake-point
Crawford Lake Conservation Area – Milton
Crawford Lake is a great place to hike because it has so much to offer. There are a whopping 19 km of trails, my favourite being the Escarpment Trail. Make sure you stop to admire the beautiful carved sculptures on the trails! There is also a great boardwalk around Crawford Lake. Near the entrance, there is a recreation of an Iroquoian village, so you can enjoy some history with your hikes.
More info on Crawford Lake Conservation Area: https://conservationhalton.ca/park-details?park=crawford-lake
Mount Nemo Conservation Area – Milton
Mount Nemo is another beautiful conservation area in Halton where you can hike, picnic, and camp. Although there are only 5 km of hiking trails, Mount Nemo has some beautiful viewpoints that you can’t miss.
More info on Mount Nemo Conservation Area: https://conservationhalton.ca/park-details?park=mount-nemo
Bronte Creek Provincial Park – Oakville
Located in Oakville, Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a great place to hike and there is so much to do. My favourite trail is the Half Moon Valley Trail, which brings you down to Bronte Creek Ravine. You can also tour the Spruce Lane Farm House, built in 1899 and visit farm animals!
More info on Bronte Creek Provincial Park: http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/brontecreek
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve – Niagara Falls
The Niagara Glen Nature Reserve has a handful of wonderful hiking trails. My favourite trail runs along the Niagara River and Niagara River Whirlpool where you can see the Whirlpool Jet Boats go by! The reserve is located in Niagara Falls and very close to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
More info on Niagara Glen Nature Reserve: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/nature-garden/niagara-glen/
Smokey Hollow – Hamilton
Smokey Hollow is a beautiful waterfall in Waterdown but there is also a great hiking trail (part of the Bruce Trail) that runs along Grindstone Creek.
More info on Smokey Hollow: https://tourismhamilton.com/smokey-hollow
Spencer Gorge Conservation Area – Hamilton
Located in Dundas, the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area may only have a few hiking trails but you will see two stunning waterfalls and the infamous Dundas Peak. I also love to have picnics at the park near Webster Falls. The Spencer Gorge Conservation Area is so beautiful, it’s a must-see!
More info on Spencer Gorge Conservation Area: https://conservationhamilton.ca/spencer-gorgewebsters-falls/
Hendrie Valley – Burlington
Hendrie Valley is a sanctuary in Halton centred on the Grindstone Creek Valley. There are several trails and it’s a very popular place to hike because you can feed birds and chipmunks. So amazing!
More info on Hendrie Valley: https://www.rbg.ca/files/pdf/gardenareas/trails/RBGHendrieTG16.pdf
Scarborough Bluffs – Scarborough
The Scarborough Bluffs is an incredible escarpment in Scarborough with several parks and trails. You won’t believe the incredible views from the trails along the bluffs! There are also great parks and beaches below the bluffs.
More info on Scarborough Bluffs: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/scarborough-bluffs/
Lions Valley Park – Oakville
Lions Valley Park in Oakville has a great trail system for hiking. My favourite trail runs along the Sixteen Mile Creek.
I hope you have a chance to visit these great hiking spots in southern Ontario!
To read my blog post, “10 Winter Hiking Spots in Southern Ontario,” click here.
To read my blog post, “5 Hidden Gem Hiking Spots in Southern Ontario,” click here.
To read my blog post, “8 Amazing Waterfalls in Southern Ontario,” click here.
