15 Best Winter Hikes in Toronto (In & Around Toronto) – 2023

In this article, we’ve talked about the 15 best winter hikes in Toronto (in & around) that are worth exploring for every kind of tourist.

Toronto’s winter hiking routes aren’t always the same as those that meander through the woods when it’s not snowing. It’s crucial to choose paths that really are surprisingly broad and less hilly compared to what you might undertake when traction is greater if you’re planning to be out hiking in your boots.

The ideal winter day might be spent on one of the many hiking routes in and around Toronto. The people of Toronto are fortunate to have a lot of glistening trees, frozen waterfalls, snow-covered cliffs, and boardwalks close to the city.

Here are a few of the best winter hikes in Toronto that are worth exploring by every kind of adventure lover.

Best Winter Hikes in Toronto

1. Mimico Creek Trail

This trail parallels Mimico Creek in Toronto’s extreme west end, as suggested by its name. It’s not a loop route, so you might want to plan to be slipped off and picked up.

Nevertheless, it’s a lovely walk that’s typically completely silent in the winter.

Although there are paved sections, there are also wide portions of dirt trails. This makes this path less than ideal for strollers. 

The trail does pass past West Deane Park, which has a playground, and other parks with lots of space for children to play at its northern end, though.

Also, it has a number of entrance and departure points for instance your family isn’t up for walking the entire eight kilometers.

• Location – Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada.
• Length – 8 kilometers

2. Tommy Thompson Park Trail

The park is situated on the Leslie Street Spit, a man-made peninsula that juts out into Lake Ontario for five kilometers and covers an area of more than 500 hectares.

The park also offers chances for leisure pursuits like rollerblading, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and cycling.

The park encompasses some of the greatest natural habitats still remaining on the Toronto waterfront, including sand dunes, cottonwood woods, cobble beaches, and coastal marshes.

The park is one of the best places in the Greater Toronto Area to observe nature since wildlife, particularly birds, thrives there.

• Location – 1 Leslie St, Toronto, ON M4M 3M2, Canada
• Length – 10 kilometers

3. Cliff-Top Side Trail

Discover this 8.0-kilometer circular route close to Mono, Ontario. It requires an average of 2 hours and 12 minutes to finish and is typically regarded as a moderately difficult course.

Even though this is a popular trail for horseback riding, hiking, and watching birds, you can still find some peace and quiet during the slower periods of the day. 

Starting on the park’s Carriage Trail, the journey continues north after joining the main Bruce Trail. To remain on this trail, keep to the left at all intersections.

A vast perspective of the outliers, cliff wall, and spillway reaching below is available from a viewing platform farther down the trail.

• Location – Mono, Ontario
• Length – 8 kilometers

4. Lynde Shores Conservation Area

Lynde Shores Conservation Area, which is extremely well-liked for animal viewing, offers a number of circling routes.

These pathways are often stroller and handicap friendly and are the perfect length for small children, especially the Chickadee Trail.

Excellent nesting habitat is offered by the Lynde Shores Conservation Area, which also serves as a crucial resting place for shorebirds and ducks moving all along the north shore of Lake Ontario.

The site has a number of easily accessible viewing sites, including those near a recently developed wetland. Only on the Waterfront Walk are leashed dogs allowed.

• Location – 623 Halls Rd S, Whitby, ON L1P 2B3, Canada
• Length – 5 kilometers 

5. Guelph Lake Trail

Take pleasure in this 2.7-km out-and-back track close to Guelph, Ontario. It is described as relatively straightforward and typically takes 47 min to complete.

Although this is a well-traveled trail for hiking, snowshoeing, and strolling, you can still find some peace and quiet during the slower periods of the day. 

The trail is accessible all year and is excellent to explore. You can get your leashed dogs too here! 

• Location – Guelph, Ontario
• Length – 2.7 kilometers 

6. Monarch Trail

With 5 linear trails connecting nearly every area of the valley, the 5-kilometer trail network is set up around a central loop.

One of the most significant walking, cycling, and equestrian paths in the area cuts through the protected area. 

Starting close to Hemlock Grove, the trail crosses Sulphur Creek before heading east.

It begins by descending to a Sulphur Creek tributary, then ascends to the high slopes above, goes through an empty orchard, and returns to the Resource Management Centre.

• Location – Hamilton, Ontario
• Length – 5 kilometers

7. Black Creek Trail

A successfully transformed urban green space is the Black Creek Valley. Take the transportation access road into the creek from the roadway down to the valley and begin walking south from the visitor parking area at Black Creek Pioneer Village.

The path occasionally veers away from the creek, so you’ll want to take a side trail to return to the banks. 

Just be sure to watch out for the dogwood, cedar, red oak, and silver maple plants that have been sown among the green grass and all along the stream beds.

The southern end of Northwood Park has amenities like barbecues, picnic tables, and restrooms.

• Location –  near Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Length – 4.2 kilometers 

8. High Park Trail

High Park is Toronto’s largest public park and offers a variety of amenities like numerous hiking trails, sports fields, a beautiful lakefront, easy access to public transportation, a dog park, a zoo, kid-friendly playgrounds, a few restaurants, greenhouses, picnic areas, a bunch of squirrels, and seasonal events. 

You will forget you are in Canada’s largest metropolis after taking a stroll along Grenadier Pond on the west side of High Park.

Along the lakefront, there are hiking trails, ducks, and geese. It is a favorite spot for families, hikers, and runners.

• Location – near Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Length – 2 kilometers 

9. Evergreen Brickworks Trail

A beloved area of land in the center of Toronto, Evergreen Brick Works boasts a rich past and expansive vistas of the lovely Don River Valley.

Take advantage of this 2.4-km circular route close to Toronto, Ontario. It usually takes 30 minutes to finish and is regarded as being simple. 

Even though hiking, running, and bird-watching are all very common hobbies here, you may run across other people while exploring.

The trail is accessible throughout the year and is beautiful to explore.

• Location – 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Canada
• Length – 2.4 kilometers

10. Humber River Trail

The 5.3 km circle walk around the Humber River from Home Smith Park to Etienne Brulé Park is a simple part of the approximately 11 km long Humber River Recreational Trail.

Despite having several lovely vistas from both of the park’s parts, Etienne Brulé Park also has a modest “waterfall.” Your kids will be impressed even if it is really simply a weir (a low sort of dam).

If you complete the entire loop, you will cross the Humber River twice, the second time on the genuine Old Mill bridge. The Old Mill metro stop makes it simple to access this trail as well.

• Location – near Toronto, Ontario
• Length – 8.2 kilometers 

11. Crothers Woods Trail

Crothers Woods is a well-liked getaway into nature with its around 10 km of unpaved pathways, diversified bird population, and certain locations affording breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline.

There is roughly 9 km of multipurpose, 1-meter-wide natural surface (soil) trails in Crothers Woods. These routes are categorized as intermediate-level trails and have some steep sections.

Beginner hikers frequently use the Crothers Woods loop, although it should be emphasized that anyone going with a canine companion must keep their dog on a leash. 

A clearing in the trees that offers a reasonably good view of the city skyline may be found if you continue north on the trail.

• Location – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Length – 9 kilometers

12. Taylor Creek Trail

Ever longed to go close to those enormous sculptures that resemble teeth and are actually called Elevated Wetlands when you’re traveling down the Don Valley Parkway?

You can get there by taking the Taylor Creek Trail (as long as you head west, in the direction of the DVP)! 

You’ll pass the O’Connor Street bridge along the way and come across a picturesque brook. A good stroller ought to be able to navigate most of this trail if there is little snow.

Please be aware that, depending on recent weather patterns, it might be icy.

• Location – Toronto, Ontario
• Length – 7 kilometers 

13. Toronto Islands Trail

You can visit the Toronto Islands in the winter. Along with being serene and quiet, the Centre and Olympic Islands provide a family-friendly, just-over-two-kilometer loop for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Just the Ward’s Island ferry operates in the winter. 

Together with that ferry dock, there are public restrooms there. If your family decides to visit, be prepared to prepare food and other necessities, as there aren’t any restaurants available on the island at this season of the year.

• Location – near Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Length – 14 kilometers 

14. Hilton Falls Trails

Hilton Falls, Crawford Lake’s sibling location, is regarded as one of the best winter hikes in Toronto at any time of year.

Despite the fact that it has a number of paths, your family will probably be most interested in the traditional Hilton Falls Trail, a four-kilometer circle that is renowned for being family-friendly. 

You may reach the waterfall using this trail, which is simply stunning when it is frozen over. Feed the sociable chickadees on the way. Families who cross-country ski will find this track to be a fantastic option; skis may be rented at the visitor center.

• Location – near Milton, Ontario, Canada
• Length – 4 kilometers 

15. Lower Don Recreation Trail

This track is nearly 12 kilometers long, therefore it’s unlikely that your family will complete it from beginning to end.

But, this is a wonderful alternative for families who are willing to put in a little forethought because of its numerous access and departure sites as well as chances to branch off into other, shorter trails.

If you are, you’ll be rewarded with amazing scenery of the Don River and possibly even interactions with deer, mink, and several owl species.

Due to its ability to encompass the Morningside metro station as well as numerous streetcar and bus routes, this trail is also TTC compatible.

• Location – Toronto, Ontario 
• Length – 12 kilometers

Conclusion – Best Winter Hikes in Toronto

In the winter, Toronto’s hiking trails have a special type of magic that shouldn’t be missed. You are encircled by the Canadian wilderness as the snow gently cascades around you and beautiful icicles adorn the rocks and trees.

There is no reason to remain inside when there are so many places to go winter trekking within and around the Toronto Area, including bucolic countryside, dramatic cliffs, and attractive woods. 

It’s simple to go on a beautiful hike outside, and it’ll make your day. Each of the trails listed here has its own special features. So prepare some hot cocoa, put on some layers, and explore these distinctive pathways. Avoid being depressed by the cold; wrap up, organize your trip, and take the trail!

FAQs – Best Winter Hikes in Toronto