In addition to my blog post, “10 Great Hiking Spots in Southern Ontario,” I wanted to share some more of my favourite hiking spots in southern Ontario that are off the beaten path. These 5 hiking spots are relatively unknown, not at all crowded, and free to visit (other than a small parking fee at one of the locations). I hope you have a chance to visit these amazing hidden gem hiking spots in southern Ontario!
Kerncliff Park – Burlington
Kerncliff Park is a beautiful marshy park on the Niagara Escarpment in Burlington. Parking here is free. There are several trails to hike and an amazing viewpoint overlooking Burlington and Lake Ontario!
Princess Point – Hamilton
One of my favourite hiking trails is Princess Point in Hamilton. There is a parking lot at Macklin Street N and Longwood Road N where parking costs a small fee. To the west of the parking lot is the Princess Point Trail, which is actually part of Cootes Paradise Marsh, a section of the Royal Botanical Gardens. I highly recommend continuing along Princess Point Trail to Ginger Valley Trail, Sassafras Point Trail and Caleb’s Walk.
You can also head to the east of the parking lot onto the Desjardins Recreation Trail. After crossing under a bridge, you will find yourself on the Hamilton Waterfront Trail, which leads to beautiful Bayfront Park.
Bruce Trail – Guelph Line and 1 Side Road, Burlington
The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest hiking trail. It runs in southern Ontario from Niagara to Tobermory.
There is a beautiful and very hidden section of the Bruce Trail off of Guelph Line in Burlington just before (if coming from the south) or after (if coming from the north) 1 Side Road/Millar Crescent. You can park on the west side of Guelph Line for free. You will find a small step ladder that takes you over a fence and into a field. This trail is not a loop so you will have to double back.
Bruce Trail – Britannia Rd and Blind Line, Burlington
Another amazing and hidden section of the Bruce Trail is at Britannia Road and Blind Line in Burlington. You can park here for free. Make sure that you also hike the River and Ruin Side Trail loop, which runs along the Bronte Creek. On this trail you’ll find the ruins of a house that was built by James Cleaver in the 1800s!
Clappison Woods – Waterdown
This forest in Waterdown is a great place to go for a quiet hike. You can find the entrance on Rockcliffe Road where you can park for free on the streets. There are several trails to explore here.
I hope you enjoyed this list of hidden gem hiking spots in southern Ontario!
To read my blog post, “10 Great Hiking Spots in Southern Ontario,” click here.
To read my blog post, “10 Winter Hiking Spots in Southern Ontario,” click here.
